The construction and design of the currach are unique to the west coasts of Ireland. It is referred to as a "naomhóg" ( in counties Cork, Waterford and Kerry and as a "canoe" in West Clare. It is similar to the Welsh coracle, though the two originated independently. The plank-built rowing boat found on the west coast of Connacht is also called a currach or "curach adhmaid" ("wooden currach"), and is built in a style very similar to its canvas-covered relative. Folk etymology has it that "naomhóg" means "little holy one", "little female saint", from "naomh" () "saint, holy" and the feminine diminutive suffix -óg). Another explanation is that it comes from the Latin "navis", and it has also been suggested that it derives from the Irish "nae", a boat.