Mabyn, also known as Mabena or Mabon, is a female Cornish saint who lived in the 5th–6th centuries. She is traditionally considered one of the many children of Brychan, the legendary Welsh king and founder of the kingdom of Brycheiniog. Her name possibly derives from Old Cornish mab meaning "son". Intriguingly, some early sources describe Mabyn as a man, reflecting the fluidity of saintly gender identifications in medieval hagiography. Etymology The name likely comes from the Common Brittonic *mab "son", though this masculine meaning is at odds with Mabyn's historical attribution as a female saint. The suffix -yn is a common diminutive in Welsh and Cornish, similar to forms like Bryan or Brychan. The connection to Brychan's lineage places Mabyn within a large family of saints, including Nectan, Keyne, and others. Historical Figure Mabyn's earliest attestation appears in the 12th-century Life of Saint Nectan, which lists the children of King Brychan. Her cult is rooted in Cornwall, particularly at the hamlet and parish of St Mabyn, whose church is dedicated to her. While Brychan's sainted offspring were venerated in Wales, Ireland, and Brittany, Mabyn appears only in the Cornish tradition, suggesting a localized adoption. Archaeological evidence from St Mabyn church includes Norman-era masonry, confirming a medieval establishment that predates the extant building. Cultural Significance St Mabyn's feast day is celebrated on 14 October, or sometimes on 24 November per Cornish calendars. Her church, located near Wadebridge, features a notable crenellated tower and a rood screen dating from the 15th century. Local folklore preserves the legend of Brychan's abundant progeny; one Cornish tradition claims there were 24 children, many of whom became saints, inspiring numerous church dedications across the Southwest. Mabyn's name, despite its initial discrepancy, has persisted as a given name in Cornwall, experiencing a modern revival along with other Local names like Menna and Jory. Meaning: Possibly from Old Cornish mab "son" Origin: Cornish, from Celtic Brittonic Type: Saint's name, from Brychan family Usage: Primarily English (Cornwall), historically female but also masculine