Saints in Scottish Place-Names

Uineus of Nér

Introduction

There are several possible commemorations to a saint called Finan, or similar, in the vicinity of Fetternear, as there are also to a saint Nechtan, whose name also appears in AU associated with Nér: AU 679.4 Dormitatio Nectain Neir. It is not clear what is the name lying behind Uineus, but in Gaelic it may have been realised either as Finnian or Fínán, and in Scots, Fin(n)an. The feast day of Nechtan of Nér is Jan 8, but that of Uineus is not recorded. It may also have been on Jan 8, where Mart. T. records a Finanus episcopus (Clancy 2008, 367-75).

Gender

Male

Associated places

Nér. This place is unidentified but may be the second element in Fetternear, near Kemnay, Aberdeenshire (Clancy 2008, 368).

Obituary

AU 623.2 Quies M. Lasre abbatis Ard Machae & Uinei abbatis Neir

Related Saints

Same as Finan or Finian of Aberdeen (possible)

Related Personal Names

Name

Fínán (possible)

The name is attested only once, in AU. On that basis it is not possible to say what is the underlying name (Clancy 2008, 370-373)

Name

Finnian (possible)

The name is attested only once, in AU. On that basis it is not possible to say what is the underlying name (Clancy 2008, 370-373)

Saint in place-names

Though no place-name referring to this particular saint has been identified, it may be that some of the places dedicated to the non-specific group to which he/she belongs may in fact refer to him/her. Please check the non-specific group.