Damhnait

For many more names, please Return to Edgar's Main Page.

Damhnait

Gender: Feminine
Language: Irish Gaelic
Etymology:
Damhnait is an Irish Gaelic name meaning “Little Fawn” from “damh” meaning “fawn.”

However, The Oxford Dictionary of English Christian Names (3rd e. , 1977) reports that it comes from “damhna” meaning “one fit to be.”

History:
Damhnait and the its Latin form of Dymphna (“dimf-nah”) are traditional Irish names, not found outside of Ireland and occasionally Belgium where St. Dymphna died.

Pronunciation: dev-nawt.

Alternates: Dymphna, Dympna, Daunat.

Famous Bearers:
Artists and Authors:
(Ellen ) Dymphna Cusack (1902-1981)
Australian writer.

Religious Figures:
St. Dymphna (7th century)
An Irish saint (possibly legendary) who fled her villainous father to Gheel, Belgium. She is the patron saint of insanity, runaways, epileptics, and incest victims.

Singers and Entertainers:
Damhnait Doyle (1975-)
Canadian singer.

Popularity:
Percentage from the 1990 U.S. Census:
less than 0.001 % of females named Damhnait, or Dymphna

Popularity of Damhnait:
Popularity (for newborns):
In the United States...
1880-2004: N/A

Selected Sources:
The Oxford Dictionary of English Christian Names, Withycombe, 1977, 3rd ed.
A Dictionary of First Names, Hanks and Hodges, 1990
The Penguin Dictionary of First Names, Pickering, 1999
The Wordsworth Dictionary of First Names, Mcleod and Fr7edman, 1995

The Social Security Administration Actuarial Note 139 (www.ssa.gov) - For popularity stats 1880-Present
The 1880 U.S. Census- For popularity stats 1850-1880, and other information (it is available on-line at www.familysearch.org)