Ailill

Gender: Male
Origin: Irish
Meaning: Elf

What is the meaning of the name Ailill?

The name Ailill is primarily a male name of Irish origin that means Elf.

The name Ailill is of Irish origin and has a rich background in Irish mythology and history. In Irish, Ailill means “elf” or “sprite.” It’s a name that’s deeply rooted in the mythological and cultural traditions of Ireland.

In Irish mythology, Ailill is a notable figure. Perhaps the most famous Ailill is Ailill mac Máta, the king of Connacht and husband of Queen Medb in the Ulster Cycle, one of the four great cycles in Irish mythology. This Ailill plays a significant role in the epic tale of the Táin Bó Cúailnge (The Cattle Raid of Cooley).

Names like Ailill are often chosen for their cultural and historical significance, connecting the bearer to Ireland’s rich mythological past and traditions.

Different Spellings of the name Ailill:

The name “Ailill,” with its origins in Irish Gaelic, can have different spellings and variations, especially when adapted for languages other than Irish. Some common variants include:

1. **Ailil**: A simplified version that omits one ‘l’ at the end, which might be more common in regions where double consonants are less frequent.

2. **Ailell**: This variation includes an ‘e’ to guide pronunciation, especially in non-Gaelic speaking areas.

3. **Ailillo**: A less common variant, possibly influenced by Spanish or Italian pronunciation norms.

4. **Aillil**: A variant that changes the placement of the double ‘l’ within the name.

5. **Aililth**: An alternative spelling that adds a ‘th’ at the end, which might be found in historical or archaic contexts.

Each variant of “Ailill” reflects the phonetic adaptations of the name in different linguistic and cultural contexts, demonstrating the adaptability and diversity of names as they travel across languages and cultures.