A rèir eòlaichean [[freumh-fhaclachd|fhreumh-fhaclachd]], tha e coltach gur ann à ainm an [[Naomh|Naoimh]] GhàidhleachGhàidhealach ''Cainnear'' (''Kennera''/''Kinnera)'' san [[An tuiseal ginideach|tuiseal ginideach]].<ref>[http://www.archive.org/stream/placenamesofscot00johnuoft/placenamesofscot00johnuoft_djvu.txt The Placenmes of Scotland, James B. Johnston, Dùn Èideann 1892]</ref> Nochd a' Ghàidhlig ann an ceann a deas na h-Alba anns an [[7mh Linn]] agus bha an cànan fhathast làidir ann an Siorrachd Bhaile na h-Ùige fhèin anns an [[18mh Linn]].<ref>[http://web.archive.org/web/20140831051704/http://www.dgnhas.org.uk/transonline/SerIII-Vol11.pdf Transactions and Journal of Proceedings of the Dumfriesshire and Galloway Natural History and Antiquarian Society. Third Series. Volume XI: 147]</ref>
