Senán

Senán is an Irish masculine given name, and it appears in historical and religious contexts in Ireland. The best known bearer is Saint Senán of Scattery Island, a 6th-century monk who established a monastic settlement on Inis Cathaig (Scattery Island) in the Shannon Estuary. His community became an important center of early Irish Christianity, and his veneration persisted in western Ireland.

The name is of Gaelic origin. The exact etymology is not universally agreed, but it is commonly linked to roots associated with age or antiquity, with the suffix -án forming a diminutive or affectionate resonance in Irish naming. Variants and spellings occur in Irish manuscripts and later sources, reflecting changes in orthography over time.

In addition to Saint Senán, other medieval Irish clerics and figures bore the name, contributing to its presence in Gaelic religious and literary traditions. Over the centuries, Senán remained a recognized element of Irish onomastics, appearing in local histories, hagiographies, and church records.

In modern times, Senán continues to be used in Ireland and among Irish communities abroad. The name appears in various spellings in contemporary registries and remains part of the broader corpus of traditional Irish names. Its association with a prominent saint contributes to its continued cultural resonance within Irish heritage.