See note by G. Mac Spealláin, Uí Cairbre Aodhbha (1960) 204: "The old name was corrupted in the 17th century and made Camhaoir. It is found as Cois Camhaoireach in a poem by Eoghan Caomhánach (c. 1820) and Abha Camhaoireach in Dineen's Dictionary. From that name came the English name, Dawn (River) or Morning Star, in the 18th century. Fitzgerald has both Dawn and Morning Star in his book on the history of the county [i.e., History of Limerick, Fitzgerald and McGregor (1826)]." [trans.]

The original name is Samhaoir, which also occurs as the historical name of An Éirne/River Erne (#1166093).