Irish Baby Name · Boy

Séadna

Pronounced: SHAY-na

Meaning: Ancient, old one

About the name

Origin
Irish
English version
Sidney
Variants
Sétna, Sidney
Stronghold region
Munster

Overview

Borne by Saint Séadna and by characters in early Irish literature; revived in modern Irish through the 1904 novel 'Séadna' by Peadar Ua Laoghaire, the first major work of modern Irish-language fiction.

The story behind Séadna

In the folktale a poor cobbler makes a deal with the devil but cleverly turns the bargain — the basis of Father Peter's pioneering Irish novel.

Mythology & legend

Hero of a folktale who outwitted the devil over a magic chair.

Did you know?

Pádraig Ó Laoghaire's novel 'Séadna' (1904) was the first major work of modern Irish-language fiction.

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