Lugaid Explained

Lugaid (Lughaid, Lughaidh, Lughaí, with all equivalents originally attested as Ogham genitive Lugudecas) is a popular medieval Irish name, thought to be derived from the god Lug. It is borne by a number of figures from Irish history and mythology, including:

High Kings of Ireland

• Lugaid Íardonn, legendary High King of Ireland of the 9th century BC
• Lugaid Lámdearg, legendary High King of Ireland of the 9th century BC
• Lugaid Laigde, legendary High King of Ireland of the 8th century BC
• Lugaid Luaigne, legendary High King of Ireland of the 2nd century BC
• Lugaid Riab nDerg, legendary High King of Ireland of the 1st century BC
• Lugaid Mac Con, semi-legendary High King of Ireland of the 3rd century AD
• Lugaid mac Lóegairi (died c. 507), High King of Ireland
• Lugaid Loígde, legendary King of Tara upon whom several of the above may be based

Other historical figures

• Lugaid mac Nóis, legendary king of Munster and suitor of Emer
• Lugaid mac Con Roí, legendary king of Munster and killer of Cú Chulainn
• Lugaid Lága, henchman of Lugaid Mac Con, regarded as one of the greatest warriors in Ireland

Saints

• Saint Moluag (died 592), also known as Saint Lughaidh, 6th-century Irish Pict missionary
• Saint Molua, 6th-century Irish saint, founder of Killaloe

See also

• Dáire
• List of Irish-language given names

References

• James MacKillop, Dictionary of Celtic Mythology. Oxford University Press. 1998.
• Eoin MacNeill, Celtic Ireland. Academy Press. 1981 (reissue with new intro. and notes by Donnchadh Ó Corráin of original Martin Lester Ltd edition, 1921).
• T. F. O'Rahilly, Early Irish History and Mythology. Dublin Institute for Advanced Studies. 1946.