Cormac

Cormac is an ancient Irish masculine name with uncertain origin. Most likely the name means “son of Corb” with “corb” being an Old Gaelic word for a “raven, crow.” This etymology seems likely for two reasons: the Ancient Celtic people were known for naming their children after animals, and, two, the raven was a particularly revered animal – in Celtic mythology, the raven was considered a mysterious, raucous bird associated with wisdom and knowledge. Aside from this, the name is also theorized to mean “son of the charioteer” (skillful control of a chariot during battle was also highly regarded in ancient Ireland). 

 

The name was most famously borne by a 3rd century High King of Ireland, Cormac Mac Airt, said to be the wisest man of the land and one who ruled from the seat at Tara for forty years. One historical record found at a monastery in the 17th century described King Cormac as “absolutely the best king that ever reigned in Ireland before himself...wise learned, valiant and mild, not given causelessly to be bloody as many of his ancestors were, he reigned majestically and magnificently.” Much Irish mythology and folklore developed around Cormac Mac Airt in the Middle Ages including the notion that, as an infant, he was carried off and raised by a she-wolf. He was also famous for a golden cup in his possession given to him by a sea-deity. If three lies were spoken over this magical cup it would break in three pieces; though three truths spoken over it would restore it to its wholeness again. Such a cup would come in handy for a king during his reign, indeed! When Cormac Mac Airt died, the enchanted cup vanished forever. 

 

Cormac remains a very popular boy’s name in modern-day Ireland and Northern Ireland (but considered quite uncommon elsewhere).