† babann.

Etymology: Origin uncertain. Perhaps (i) < the (reduplicated) syllable /ba/ which is characteristic of early infantile vocalization (see babe n.), although in this case the ending would be difficult to account for, or perhaps (ii) < Welsh baban (although this is first attested later: 14th cent.), itself either < the (reduplicated) syllable /ba/ (see above) + -an , suffix forming diminutives, or perhaps an alteration of maban little boy, infant (13th cent.) < mab son (see Mac n.¹) + -an , via the inflected form faban (which could represent either nominative). Compare later babe n., baby n.