Irish Baby Name · Boy

Ailill

Pronounced: AL-yil

Meaning: Elf, sprite

About the name

Origin
Irish
English version
Allil, Oliol
Variants
Oilill
Stronghold region
Connacht

Overview

King of Connacht and husband of Queen Medb in the Ulster Cycle epic 'Táin Bó Cúailnge' (The Cattle Raid of Cooley); a popular royal name in early medieval Ireland.

The story behind Ailill

Ailill mac Máta's pillow-talk argument with Medb over whose property was greater set off the cattle raid of Cooley, the central epic of Irish literature.

Mythology & legend

Husband of Queen Medb of Connacht in the Táin Bó Cúailnge.

Did you know?

Ailill was a stock heroic name in early Ireland, borne by dozens of legendary kings.

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