Names/Petronilla/Petronilla de Meath
Historical FigureIrish

Petronilla de Meath

First recorded witch execution in Ireland

Biography

An Irish woman who was burned at the stake in 1324, allegedly during witch trials. Her case is one of the earliest recorded witch executions in Ireland.

Quick Facts
Category

Historical Figure

Nationality

Irish

Died

1324

Thinking about the name

Petronilla

Latin origin

An Italian and English variant of Petronella, with the doubled 'l' giving it a softer, more mellifluous sound while retaining the Latin 'petrosus' root meaning 'rocky' or 'stony.' Petronilla flourished in medieval and Renaissance Europe, particularly in noble families, and represents a more ornate version of a classical saint's name with genuinely historical pedigree.