It was found in the West Highlands, and also Galloway, and believed to be of Norse origin.
It is frequently found in minor placenames.
Skene in Celtic Scotland says: The Rev.
Dr Campbell of Broadford on Skye says: It should not be confused with pen which is a Brythonic language element in placenames such as Penicuik, in Midlothian.
This article incorporates text from Dwelly's [Scottish] Gaelic Dictionary (1911).