Fionn

Fionn is a masculine given name of Gaelic origin, meaning “white” or “fair.” It derives from Old Irish and is often associated with brightness or beauty. In modern usage, the name is common in Ireland and among Irish diaspora communities, and it is frequently Anglicized as Finn. The form Fionn appears in traditional Irish texts and is used in contemporary naming.

In Irish mythology, Fionn mac Cumhaill (often anglicized as Finn McCool) is a central figure of the Fenian Cycle. He is portrayed as a legendary hunter-warrior and the leader of the Fianna, a band of warriors who feature in numerous tales of bravery, pursuit, and heroism. According to the legends, Fionn was trained by the poet-druid Finn Eces, with the Salmon of Knowledge playing a key role in his coming of age: while cooking the salmon, he burned his thumb, sucked it to ease the pain, and thereby gained extraordinary wisdom. As an adult, he leads the Fianna in various exploits and battles, with many stories detailing his prowess and the adventures of his companions, including Oisín and Diarmuid Ua Duibhne. The myths exist in multiple regional versions across Ireland and Scotland.

Culturally, the name Fionn continues to be used in Ireland and the Irish diaspora, often in the form Finn. The figure of Fionn mac Cumhaill has had a lasting influence on Irish folklore, literature, and national identity, appearing in novels, poetry, school curricula, and adaptations of Fenian tales. The name persists as a symbol of Gaelic heritage and mythic storytelling.