Ailill name popularity, meaning and origin

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Ailill name meaning:

The name Ailill has its origins in Irish and Old Gaelic, bearing a rich tapestry of cultural and mythological significance. It is pronounced variously, often depending on the specific Irish dialect, with "AL-yil" being a common rendition. The meaning of Ailill is somewhat debated, but it is generally understood to mean "elf" or "sprite," suggesting a connection to the supernatural beings of Irish folklore. This interpretation aligns with the ancient Celtic belief in a world where nature and the divine intersected freely, and names were thought to hold power and significance.

The name is well-known in Irish mythology due to Ailill mac Máta, who is a key figure in the Ulster Cycle, one of the four great epic cycles of Irish mythology. He was the king of Connacht and husband to Queen Medb, and he features prominently in the Táin Bó Cúailnge (The Cattle Raid of Cooley), a pivotal epic that recounts a legendary cattle raid. The historical and mythical resonance of the name Ailill, therefore, imbues it with a sense of ancient nobility and connection to the natural and mystical world of Gaelic tradition.

Choosing the name Ailill for a child today can symbolize a deep respect for Irish heritage, mythology, and the natural world. It carries with it an air of enchantment and the rich, storied history of the Gaelic peoples, making it a distinctive and meaningful choice for a boy's name.