Ailill (Ailell, Oilioll) is a male name in Old Irish. It is a prominent name in Irish mythology, as for Ailill mac Máta, King of Connacht and husband of Queen Medb, on whom Shakespeare based the Fairy Queen Mab. Ailill was a popular given name in medieval Ireland, meaning something like "beauty".

Notables named Ailill

  • Ailill Aulom, early 1st millennium druid and King of Munster
  • Ailill mac Máta, legendary King of Connacht and husband of Queen Medb
  • Ailill mac Slanuill, legendary High King of Ireland of the 12th century BC
  • Ailill Finn, legendary High King of the 8th century BC
  • Ailill Caisfhiaclach, legendary High King of the 5th century BC
  • Ailill mac Echach Mugmedóin, half-brother of Niall of the Nine Hostages (5th century AD)
  • Ailill Molt, High King of the 5th century AD
  • Ailill Inbanda (died c. 549), King of Connacht
  • Saint Ailill the First, 6th century Bishop of Armagh
  • Ailill the Second, 6th century Bishop of Armagh
  • Ailill mac Rechtaide, 6th century patriarch of the Ó Faircheallaigh and the Ó Fearghuis
  • Ailill Cruitire, 7th century King of Brega
  • Ailill Medraige mac Indrechtaig (died 764), King of Connacht
  • Ailill, 9th century Bishop of Clogher

References