sadhbh

Sadhbh is a feminine given name of Irish origin. It appears in traditional Irish storytelling and has carried through into modern usage in parts of Ireland and among the Irish diaspora. The name is sometimes rendered in its original Gaelic form as Sadhbh or Sadbh, with anglicized variants such as Sive or Sadbh.

Etymology and forms the name is derived from the Irish word sadhbh, which is generally associated with meanings such as goodness, gentleness, or sweetness. In Irish pronunciation, the name is typically rendered as Sahv or Sheev, depending on dialect, and has several variant spellings that reflect regional spelling conventions and historical orthography.

In Irish mythology, Sadhbh (also spelled Sadb in some sources) is a figure in the Fianna cycle. In various versions of the legend, she is described as the wife of Fionn mac Cumhaill and the mother of the hero Oisín. The tales differ on the details of her life and fate; some accounts include a transformation into a deer by magical means, with differing outcomes in later narrative layers. Because mythic traditions were transmitted orally and later written in multiple manuscripts, the character’s portrayal varies by source.

In contemporary usage, Sadhbh remains a recognizable Gaelic name and is chosen by families seeking a traditional Irish identity. It is less common than more mainstream names but is established in Irish onomastics and is often valued for its cultural heritage and connections to myth.