Magnus

A Dictionary of First Names | 2006 | 646 words | Copyright

Magnus ♂ Originally a Latin byname meaning ‘great’, this was first extracted from the name of Charlemagne (recorded in Latin chronicles as Carolus Magnus ‘Charles the Great’) and used as a given name by the Scandinavians. It was borne by seven medieval kings of Norway, including Magnus I (1024–47), known as Magnus the Good, and Magnus VI (1238–80), known as Magnus the Law Mender. There are several early Scandinavian saints called Magnus, including an earl of Orkney (d. 1116), to whom Kirkwall cathedral is dedicated. The name was imported to Scotland and Ireland during the Middle Ages.

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PATRICK HANKS, KATE HARDCASTLE, and FLAVIA HODGES. "Magnus." A Dictionary of First Names. 2006. Encyclopedia.com. 14 Feb. 2012 <http://www.encyclopedia.com>.

PATRICK HANKS, KATE HARDCASTLE, and FLAVIA HODGES. "Magnus." A Dictionary of First Names. 2006. Encyclopedia.com. (February 14, 2012). http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O41-Magnus1.html

PATRICK HANKS, KATE HARDCASTLE, and FLAVIA HODGES. "Magnus." A Dictionary of First Names. 2006. Retrieved February 14, 2012 from Encyclopedia.com: http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O41-Magnus1.html

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