Nechtan (mythology)

[2] The name could ultimately be derived from the Proto-Indo-European root *nepot- "descendant, sister's son", or, alternatively, from nebh- "damp, wet".

Another etymology suggests that Nechtan is derived from Old-Irish necht "clean, pure and white", with a root -neg "to wash", from IE neigu̯- "to wash" [3][4] As such, the name would be closely related mythological beings, who were dwelling near wells and springs: English neck (from Anglosaxon nicor), Swedish Näck, German Nixe and Dutch nikker, meaning "river monster, water spirit", hence Old-Norse nykr "water spirit in the form of a horse".

[8] Only Nechtan and his three cup-bearers named Flesc, Lam, and Luam were permitted to visit the Tobar Segais or "Well of Wisdom" into which nine sacred hazel trees dropped their wisdom-bearing nuts.

[8] Nechtan or Nectan became a common Celtic name and a number of historical or legendary figures bear it.

Some however argue that St. Nectan never existed as a historical person, but was instead a Christianized form of the god Nechtan.