1. Norse Connection:
* "Hǫgginn dagr" (Old Norse): This translates to "Holy Day" or "Sacred Day," which might refer to the pre-Christian festival celebrated on the eve of the New Year.
* "Hǫggvá" (Old Norse): This word signifies "to strike" or "to cut," and could be connected to a traditional practice of "hogging" or "cutting" a piece of meat or cake at Hogmanay.
2. Gaelic Origins:
* "Hoguin" (Gaelic): This refers to "a little pig" or "a piglet," potentially signifying a time of feasting during Hogmanay.
* "Hògmànnan" (Gaelic): This is a more general term for "New Year's Eve" or "New Year's Day," potentially meaning "the day of the big man" or "the day of the king."
3. Other Possibilities:
* "Hogg" (Middle English): This word means "sheep," which might be linked to a tradition of sacrificing a sheep during Hogmanay.
* "Manay" (Scottish dialect): This could be a shortened form of "New Year's Day" or "New Year's Eve."
Conclusion:
While the exact etymology remains unclear, the most plausible explanation points to a combination of Norse and Gaelic influences. The word likely originated from a pre-Christian celebration of the New Year, possibly incorporating traditions of feasting, sacrifice, and festivities.
It's important to note that the term "Hogmanay" is primarily used in Scotland, with no direct equivalent in other parts of the world.