Ness

Ness carries two distinct origins. In Irish mythology it derives from the Old Irish name Neas or Nes, borne by the legendary queen of Ulster and mother of the king Conchobar mac Nessa, whose name became attached to her son as a patronymic; the original meaning of the Irish form is uncertain. As an English name, Ness also functions as a short form or surname-derived given name, drawn from the Old Norse word nes, meaning headland or promontory, which survives in numerous place names across Britain. Related forms include Nessa and Nessie.