Irish Baby Name · Boy

Setanta

Pronounced: SHE-tan-ta

Meaning: Of obscure origin; possibly 'wise' or referring to a British tribe

About the name

Origin
Irish
English version
Setanta
Variants
Sétanta
Stronghold region
Ulster

Overview

The boyhood name of Cú Chulainn before he killed the smith Culann's hound and earned his warrior name.

The story behind Setanta

The boy who would become Ulster's greatest hero began life as Setanta and won his warrior name through a single act of childhood violence and recompense.

Mythology & legend

Birth name of Cú Chulainn.

Did you know?

He earned his more famous name Cú Chulainn — Hound of Culann — by killing the smith's hound and offering to take its place.

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