Feilim is the modern Irish Gaelic form of Feidlimid, an ancient name with roots on the island for centuries. Traditionally said to mean "ever good", it might be related to Old Irish feidil "enduring, constant". The name has been borne by figures in Irish history, legend, and religion, and it has several Anglo forms that reflect its longstanding presence.Etymology and FamilyThe chain of the name begins with Deirdre, the tragic heroine of Irish legend whose father was Fedlimid mac Daill (also called Feidlimid), a bard in the court of King Conchobar. The name Feilim's root shape is Feidlimid or Fedlimid, which may derive from an older compound implying durable goodness. Over the centuries variants of the name appear: Feidhlim, Felim, Phelim, and Feidhlimidh all share common origin. The Old Irish forms (Feidlimid, Fedelmid, Fedlimid) attest to the name's deep history and frequent use among early medieval royalty and clergy. In the Anglo- tongue it can undergo transformation becoming Felim, Phelim, Philip—compare Continental Europe's forms—or obscure Latinized ones such as Felix.Historicity and Notable BearersThe name has been recorded several times among the early kings of Munster. Feidlimid mac Coirpri Chruimm (died perhaps 596), Feidlimid mac Cremthanin (died 846), Feidlimid mac Óengusa (died circa 500?), and Feidlimid mac Tigernaig (died 588?) all preserved ruling over the region. Another bearer Fedlimid Rechtmar is reckoned among scholarly in mythology. Perhaps the most celebrated saint from this cluster is Saint Felim (Feidlimid, Feidhlimidh, or Felimy, etc.) of the mid-sixth century: a hermit and priest sometimes assumed identical to the Saint Felim from Kilfelim(sley) whose dedications remain across villages in Ireland. In later clan politics Felim Ua Conchobair (or Felim mac Cathal Crobderg Ua Conchobair) reigned as king of Connacht between and after hard campaigning.Cultural SignificanceIn legend Feidlimid, reported as a poet, appears father to Deirdre—the heroine whose tragic story epitomises folklore both Irish and international—so connecting Feilim indirectly with noble-blooded to desperate. The use of Feilim persists among families determined to connect with Gaelic traditions and the old lords and saints of pre-Norman times.Meaning: "ever good" or related to feidil "enduring, constant"Language / Origin: Irish Gaelic (‘Modern’ form of Old Irish Feidlimid)Type: First NameGender: MasculineUsage regions: Primarily IrelandRelated forms: Feidhlim, Felim, Phelim, Feidhlimidh, Fedelmid (Old Irish), Fedlimid (Old Irish)Notable bearers: Kings of Munster, Saint Felim (6th c.), King Felim Ua Conchobair