Mothers

13th April 202217th April 2022 By Simon

Today we’re looking at the words for mother and related people in Celtic languages.

Proto-Celtic	mātīr [ˈmaː.tiːr] = mother mātrikʷā, *mātrokʷī = maternal aunt, mother-like
Gaulish	mātīr [ˈmaːtiːr] = mother
Celtiberian	matrubos = mothers
Old Irish (Goídelc)	máthir [ˈmaːθirʲ] = mother máthrathatu = motherhood máthramail = resembling one’s mother
Irish (Gaeilge)	máthair [ˈmˠɑːhəɾʲ/ˈmˠɑːɾʲ/ˈmˠahærʲ] = mother, source (of a river) máthairab = abbess máthairthír = mother country máthreachas = maternity, motherhood máthrigh = to mother, bear, foster máthriúil = motherly, tender, kind, mother-like máthriúlacht = motherliness leasmháthair = stepmother seanmháthair = grandmother
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	màthair [maːhɪrʲ] = mother, origin, source màthair-uisge = water source (of a river, etc) màthair-chéile = mother-in-law màthaireachd [maːhɪrʲəxg] = maternity, motherhood màthaireil = mother-like, motherly, maternal màthair athar = paternal grandmother màthair màthar = maternal grandmother màthair-sinnsireach = matrilinear leas-mhàthair = stepmother
Manx (Gaelg)	moir = mother, matron, mater, queen, dam; focus, fountainhead, generator moiragh, moiroil = motherly moiraght = motherhood moiraghys, moirys = maternity, motherhood moir-reilleyder/strong> = matriach lhiass voir = stepmother shenn voir = grandmother
Proto-Brythonic	*mọdreb = aunt
Old Welsh	modreped = aunts
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	modryb = aunt
Welsh (Cymraeg)	modryb = aunt, uncle’s wife, matron modrybaidd = aunt-like, matronly, motherly, respected modrydaf = queen bee, parent bee-colony, (old) beehive
Old Cornish	modereb = aunt
Cornish (Kernewek)	modrep = aunt modrebik = aunty
Old Breton	motrep = aunt
Middle Breton	mozreb = aunt
Breton (Brezhoneg)	moereb [ˈmweːrep] = aunt moereb-kozh = great aunt

Etymology: from the Proto-Indo-European *méh₂tēr. (mother) [source].

Proto-Celtic	*mamm(y)ā = mother, nanny, mum
Old Irish (Goídelc)	muimme [ˈmaːθirʲ] = wet nurse, foster mother, instructress, patroness
Irish (Gaeilge)	buime = foster-mother, nurse
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	muime [muimə] = stepmother, (wet) nurse, godmother muime-chìche = wet nurse muime-shìthe = fairy godmother
Manx (Gaelg)	mimmey = foster mother, god mother, godparent, guardian, sponsor
Proto-Brythonic	*mamm = mother
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	mam = mother
Welsh (Cymraeg)	mam [mam] = mother, ancestress, dam, queen bee; source, origin, cause, root; womb, matrix, uterus, hysteria, pregnancy mamaeth = (wet) nurse, foster-mother, mother mamaetha = to nurse (a child), suckle, foster, nourish, cherish mamedd = motherhood mamiaith = mother tongue, vernacular mamwlad = mother country, motherland, native land
Old Cornish	mam = mother
Middle Cornish	mam = mother
Cornish (Kernewek)	mamm [mæm], mabm = mother mammeth = foster-mother, wet nurse mammik = mum mammrewl, mammrowl = matriarchy mamm-wynn = grandmother mamm vesydh = godmother
Middle Breton	mamm = mother
Breton (Brezhoneg)	mamm [ˈmãmː] = mother, female (animal), womb mammanv = matron, matriarch mammelezh = motherhood, maternity mammvro = motherland, homeland mamm-gozh = grandmother

Etymology: from the Proto-Indo-European *mammā (mummy, mum) [source].

Words marked with a * are reconstructions.

Sources: Wiktionary, Am Faclair Beag, Online Manx Dictionary, Teanglann.ie, eDIL – Electronic Dictionary of the Irish Language, In Dúil Bélrai English – Old Irish glossary, Geiriadur Prifysgol Cymru, Gerlyver Kernewek, Gerlyvyr Cernewec, Dictionaire Favereau, TermOfis, Le dictionnaire diachronique du breton, Geriafurch, English – ProtoCeltic WordList (PDF), Etymological Dictionary Of Proto Celtic

Herons

19th July 20208th October 2024 By Simon

Words for heron and related creatures in Celtic languages.

Words marked with a * are reconstructions.

Proto-Celtic	korxsā / korxsiyos = heron
Celtiberian	*cárcia = heron
Gaulish	curcio- = heron
Old Irish (Goídelc)	corr = crane, heron, stork, crane
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	corr = (grey) heron, stork, crane, leg-necked person
Irish (Gaeilge)	corr [kəuɾˠ] = (grey) heron, stork, crane, leg-necked person
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	corra [kɔr̪ˠə] = heron, stork, crane
Manx (Gaelg)	coar = heron, stork, crane
Proto-Brythonic	*krɨxɨð = heron
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	crychyd, krechydd, crechydd = heron
Welsh (Cymraeg)	crychydd [ˈkrəχɨ̞ð / ˈkrəχɪð] = heron
Old Cornish	cherhit = heron
Middle Cornish (Cernewec)	cerhidh = heron
Cornish (Kernewek)	kerghydh = heron
Old Breton	corcid = heron
Middle Breton (Brezonec)	quercheiz, querch-eïz, querc’heiz, qarc’hleyz kerc’heiz = heron
Breton (Brezhoneg)	kercʼheiz [kɛrˈɣɛjs] = heron

Etymology: possibly immitative in origin. Words for heron in Spanish (garza) and Portuguese (garça) come from the Celtiberian root [source].

Gaulish	crehyr = heron
Proto-Brythonic	*krexVr = heron
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	crehyr, creir, cr(e)yr = heron
Welsh (Cymraeg)	crëyr [ˈkrɛ.ɨ̞r / kreː.ɪr] = heron
Middle Breton (Brezonec)	querhair = heron

Etymology: possibly from the Proto-Indo-European *(s)ḱrey- (to scream, screech) [source].

Proto-Celtic	*garanos = crane
Gaulish	garanus = crane
Proto-Brythonic	*garan = crane, heron
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	caran, garan = crane, heron
Welsh (Cymraeg)	garan [ˈɡaran] = crane, heron
Old Cornish	garan = crane
Middle Cornish (Cernewec)	garan = crane
Cornish (Kernewek)	garan = crane
Old Breton (Brethonoc)	garan = crane
Middle Breton (Brezonec)	garan = crane
Breton (Brezhoneg)	garan [ˈɡɑː.rãn] = crane (bird, tool), groove, gallery garanadur = grooving garanan = to groove

Etymology: from Proto-Indo-European *gérh₂n-o-s, from *gerh₂- (crane, to cry hoarsely) [source]. Words from the same roots include crack, croon, crow and possibly grouse in English, kraai (crow) in Dutch, Krähe (crow) in German [source].

Sources: Wiktionary, Etymological Dictionary Of Proto Celtic, In Dúil Bélrai English – Old Irish glossary, eDIL – Electronic Dictionary of the Irish Language, Teanglann.ie, Am Faclair Beag, An etymological dictionary of the Gaelic language, Fockleyreen: Manx – English Dictionary, Online Manx Dictionary, Gaelg Corpus, Geiriadur Prifysgol Cymru, Lexicon cornu-britannicum : a dictionary of the ancient Celtic language of Cornwall, Gerlyver Kernewek, Devri : Le dictionaire diachronique du breton, Dictionaire Favereau, TermOfis

Horses

5th January 202010th May 2024 By Simon

Words for horse, stallion, mare, foal and related things in Celtic languages.

Note: the commonly-used words for horse in each Celtic language are: capall in Irish, each in Scottish Gaelic, cabbyl in Manx, ceffyl in Welsh, margh in Cornish, and marc’h in Breton.

Words marked with a * are reconstructions.

Proto-Celtic	kaballos, kapallos, *kappilos = horse
Gaulish	*caballos = horse
Old Irish (Goídelc)	capall [ˈkapal͈] = horse
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	capall, capail = horse
Irish (Gaeilge)	capall ˈkapˠəl̪ˠ] = horse, mare capallach = equine capaillín = pony capall maide = wooden, vaulting horse, hobby-horse
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	capall [kahbəl̪ˠ] = mare, colt, horse, small horse capall-aibhne = hippopotamus capall-coille = capercaillie capall-mara = seahorse capallach [kahbəl̪ˠəx] = pertaining to or abounding in mares/colts capallan [kahbəl̪ˠan] = small horse, pony
Manx (Gaelg)	cabbyl = horse, mount cabbyl awin = hippopotamus cabbyl assylagh = mule
Proto-Brythonic	*kėfɨl = horse
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	keffyl, ceffyl = horse keffylyn = little horse, nag, pony cavall, cauall = horse, steed
Welsh (Cymraeg)	ceffyl [ˈkɛfɨ̞l / ˈkɛfɪl] = horse, nag, hobby ceffyl yr afon = hippopotamus ceffylaf, ceffylu = to put on horseback, put one to ride the high horse, extol ceffylaidd = pertaining to horses, equine, horsy ceffylan = little horse, nag ceffyles = mare ceffylyn = little horse, nag, pony cafall = horse, steed
Middle Cornish (Cernewec)	cevil, kevil = horse
Old Breton (Brethonoc)	cefel = horse

Etymology: uncertain – related to the Late Latin caballus (horse, nag) and Ancient Greek καβάλλης (kabállēs – nag) and maybe Persian کول (kaval – second class horse of mixed blood). Possibly ultimately from PIE *kebʰ- (worn-out horse, nag). Words from the same roots include cheval (horse) in French, cavalier in English and caballo (horse) in Spanish [source].

The Breton word kefeleg (woodcock) comes from the same Proto-Brythonic root, as does kevelek (woodcock) in Cornish and cyffylog (woodcock) in Welsh [source].

Proto-Celtic	*markos = horse
Galatian	*μάρκαν (márkan) = horse
Gaulish	*markos = horse
Old Irish (Goídelc)	marc [mark] = horse
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	marc = horse
Irish (Gaeilge)	marc [mˠaɾˠk] = horse (literary / archaic) marcach = horseman, rider, jockey; cavalryman, Cavalier marcachas = horsemanship marchaigh = to ride marcaíocht = riding, horsemanship, ride drive lift
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	marc [marxk] = charger (warhorse – literary) marc-shluagh = horsemen, riders, cavalry marchach = equestrian, mounted; riding
Manx (Gaelg)	mark = horse mark-sleih = horseman markiagh = to ride, riding, cavalier, equestrian, horseman, jockey, rider markiaghey = riding markiaght = drive, equitation, horsemanship, (horse) riding, lift, rider
Proto-Brythonic	*marx = horse
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	march = horse
Welsh (Cymraeg)	march [marχ] = horse, stallion, war-horse, steed marchaidd = pertaining to a horse, horsy, horselike, equine marchallu = horsepower marchasyn = jackass, male donkey marchdy = stable marchfeddyg = horse doctor, farrier marchfilwr = dragoon, cavalryman, cavalier, trooper marchog = horseman, rider, jockey, mounted warrior, knight
Old Cornish	march = horse
Middle Cornish (Cernewec)	march = horse
Cornish (Kernewek)	margh [ˈmaɾx] = horse marghek = knight, rider margh-leska = rocking horse marghnerth = horsepower marghogeth = to ride (a horse) marghti = stable
Old Breton (Brethonoc)	marh = horse
Middle Breton (Brezonec)	march = horse marcheg, marhec = horseman, rider, knight marecat = to ride (a horse) marheguez = to ride (a horse), to dominate
Breton (Brezhoneg)	marc’h [marx] = horse, easel marc’h-tan [marxˈtãː.n] = motorbike marc’heg [ˈmar.ɣɛk] = horseman, rider, knight marc’hegkaat [mar.ɣe.ˈkɑːt] = to ride (a horse) marc’hegañ = marc’hegezh [marˈɣeːɡɛs] = to ride (a horse), to dominate marc’hegiezh = chivalry, cavalry

Etymology: thought to be from the Proto-Indo-European *márkos, which is also the root of the English words mare and marshal, the French word maréchal (marshal), and related words in other languages [source].

Proto-Celtic	*ekʷos [ˈe.kʷos] = horse
Celtiberian	ekua- = horse
Gaulish	epos = horse
Primitive Irish	ᚓᚊᚐᚄ (eqas) [exʷah] = horse
Old Irish (Goídelc)	ech [ex] = horse
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	ech = horse airech = packhorse
Irish (Gaeilge)	each [ax] = horse, steed (archaic) eachach = abounding in horses eachaí = horseman, jockey, equine eachaire = horse-attendant, groom each-chumhacht = horse-power eachmharcach = horseman
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	each [ɛx] = horse each-aibhne = hippopotamus each-coimhlinge = racehorse eachach [ɛxəx] = pertaining to or abounding in horses, horsy eachaire [ɛxɪrʲə] = equerry eachan [ɛxan] = small horse, yarnwindle eachlach [ɛxl̪ˠəx] = horse groom, jockey
Manx (Gaelg)	agh [ax] = steed, riding horse aghee = equine aghlagh, aghragh = equestrian eagh = horse, racehorse, riding horse, steed eagh marrey = sea horse eagh-veg = hobbyhorse
Early Brittonic	*epālos = foal
Proto-Brythonic	eb [ɛːb] = horse ebọl [ɛˈbɔːl] = foal
Old Welsh	eb = horse
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	ep, ebawl = colt, foal ebawluarch, ebolfarch, ebawlfarch = colt, young horse ebolyauc, eboliauc = in foal, capable of bearing a foal
Welsh (Cymraeg)	ebol [ˈɛbɔl / ˈeːbɔl] = colt, foal, sucker eboles [ɛˈbɔlɛs] = filly, foal ebolaidd = coltish, frisky, playful, wanton ebolfarch = colt, young horse cyfeb = mare in foal ebolig = coltish eboliog = in foal, capable of bearing a foal
Middle Cornish (Cernewec)	ebel = foal, colt
Cornish (Kernewek)	ebel = horse
Old Breton (Brethonoc)	ebol = horse
Middle Breton (Brezonec)	ebeul = foal, filly
Breton (Brezhoneg)	ebeul [ˈe.bøl] = foal ebeulan, ebeuliañ = to foal ebeulez = filly keneb = mare in foal

Etymology: from the Proto-Indo-European *h₁éḱwos, which is also the root of the Latin word for horse, equus, and the English word equine, and related words in English and other languages [source]. The horse goddess, Epona, may be related as well.

Proto-Celtic	*uɸorēdos = horse
Gaulish	*werēdos = horse
Proto-Brythonic	*gworuɨð = horse
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	goruytaur, goruit, gorwyd , gorŵydd = steed, horse gorwyddfarch = (war-)horse, steed
Welsh (Cymraeg)	gorwydd = steed, horse gorwyddfarch = (war-)horse, steed

Etymology: from the Proto-Celtic *uɸo- (under) and *rēdo- (to ride; riding, chariot), from Proto-Indo-European *(H)reydʰ- (to ride). Words from the same Celtic roots include palfrey (a small horse with a smooth, ambling gait), Pferd (horse) in German, and vereda (path, lane) in Spanish [source].

Proto-Celtic	*(φ?)lārek- = mare
Old Irish (Goídelc)	láir = mare
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	láir, lair = mare
Irish (Gaeilge)	láír [l̪ˠɑːɾʲ] = mare An Láír Bhán = the Milky Way láír bhán = hobby-horse láíreog = little mare, young mare, filly, well-built girl, woman
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	làir [l̪ˠaːrʲ] = mare
Manx (Gaelg)	laair = mare laaireen = small mare

Etymology: possibly from PIE *pōlH- (animal young), which is also the root of pony and foal in English, pollo (chicken) in Spanish, and poule (hen) in French [source].

Proto-Celtic	*kanxstikā = mare
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	cassec, kassec = mare
Welsh (Cymraeg)	caseg [ˈkasɛg] = mare
Old Cornish	casec, cassec, casac = mare
Middle Cornish (Cernewec)	casek = mare
Cornish (Kernewek)	kasek = mare
Middle Breton (Brezonec)	casec, casecq = mare
Breton (Brezhoneg)	kazeg [ˈkɑː.zek] = mare

Etymology: from Proto-Indo-European *ḱonḱ- (horse) [source]. Words from the same root possibly include henchman in English, hengst (stallion) in Dutch, and häst (horse, knight) in Swedish [source].

Proto-Celtic	*stirrākos = small animal, chick
Old Irish (Goídelc)	serrach = colt, faol
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	serrach = colt, faol
Irish (Gaeilge)	searrach = colt, faol searrachúil = foal-like, lively, flighty
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	searrach [ʃɛr̪ˠəx] = colt, faol, filly searrachan [ʃɛr̪ˠəxan] = little foal searrach-ruadh = buzzard
Manx (Gaelg)	sharragh = faol sharraghoil = faol-like

Etymology: from PIE *stirp- (progeny). Words from the same root possibly include estirpe (lingeage) in Spanish, and sterpo (dry twig or branch, brushwood) in Italian [source].

Sources: Wiktionary, Am Faclair Beag, Online Manx Dictionary, Teanglann.ie, eDIL – Electronic Dictionary of the Irish Language, In Dúil Bélrai English – Old Irish glossary, Geiriadur Prifysgol Cymru, Gerlyver Kernewek, Dictionaire Favereau, TermOfis, English – ProtoCeltic WordList (PDF), Etymological Dictionary Of Proto Celtic

Strength

9th October 201913th May 2024 By Simon

Words for strength and related things in Celtic languages.

Strength

Words marked with a * are reconstructions.

Proto-Celtic	brīgos = strength brīga = power, worth
Gaulish	*brīgos = strength
Old Irish (Goídelc)	bríg [bʲrʲiːɣ / bʲrʲiːɣʲ] = force, power, value, virtue, strength, vigour, vitality brígach = powerful, mighty, strong brígmar = powerful
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	bríg, brigh = power, strength, force, authority, vigour, virtue, might, value, worth, advantage, meaning brígach = powerful, mighty, forceful brígda = strong, vigorous brígmar = powerful, strong, vigorous, lively, efficacious brígrad = power, force
Irish (Gaeilge)	brí [brʲiː] = strength, vigour; force, significance; influence, merit bríoch = strong, vigorous, efficacious bríochmar = strong, viorous bríochtach = strong, vigorous person
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	brìgh [brʲiː] = essence, gist, matter, pith, purport, substance; meaning, sense, significance; point (of an argument); energy, force brìghealachd [brʲiː.əLəxg] = substance, juiciness, pithiness, significance (in mathematics) brìgheil [brʲiː.al] = meaningful, significant brìoghmhor [brʲiː(v)ər] = meaningful, energetic, substantial, pithy
Manx (Gaelg)	bree = power, energy, stamina, vigour, virtue, initiative, validity, animation, inwardness, glow, exhalation, drift, essence, gist, effect breeagh = inspiring, vigorous breeoil = dynamic, energetic, essential, impulsive, valid, vibrant, vigorous, active, powerful
Proto-Brythonic	*briɣ = honour, dignity (?)
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	bri = honour, dignity, reputation, fame
Welsh (Cymraeg)	bri [briː] = honour, dignity, reputation, fame, prestige, esteem, power, authority, importance, value, popularity briaeth = honour, dignity briol = honourable, reverent, dignified
Middle Cornish (Cernewec)	bry = account, value, worth, price
Cornish (Kernewek)	bri = distinction, esteem, importance, relevance, reputation, value, prominence fowt bri = insignificance heb bri = irelevant
Old Breton (Brethonoc)	bri = importance, weight, authority
Middle Breton (Brezonec)	bry = respect, consideration
Breton (Brezhoneg)	bri [briː] = dignity, honour, respect, consideration brient = privilege, prerogative brientek [bri.ˈɛn.tek] = privileged brientin = = privileged, aristocrat

Etymology: possibly the Proto-Indo-European *bʰrḗǵʰ-o-s, from *bʰerǵʰ- (to rise, ascend, to be elevated, up high). Words from the same roots, via Gaulish, include brio (vigour, vivacity) in English, briu (energy, push, courage) in Catalan, brio (vivacity, liveliness) in Italian, brío (vigour, mettle, zeal) in Spanish, and brio (brilliance, panache) in French [Source].

Words from the same PIE roots include barrow, burrow, bury, effort, force and fort in English, and brenin (king), bwrw (to hit, strike, cast) in Welsh [Source].

Proto-Celtic	*nertom = strength, power
Celtiberian	Nerto- = strength (?)
Gaulish	Nerto- = strength (?)
Old Irish (Goídelc)	nert [n͈ʲer͈t] = power, strength nertaid [ˈn͈ʲer͈tɨðʲ] = to strengthen
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	nert, nnert, nirt = strength, might, power, ability, significance nertaid = to strengthen, confirm, exhort, urge nertaigid = to strengthen, confirm, encourage, grow strong, side with support
Irish (Gaeilge)	neart [nʲaɾˠt̪ˠ / n̠ʲæɾˠt̪ˠ] = strength, force, power, ability, plenty neartaigh = to strengthen neartaitheach = strengthening, reinforcing neartaitheoir = strengthener, abettor neartmhaire = vigorousness, strength neartmhar = strong, vigorous, powerful neartú = strengthening, reinforcement, support
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	neart [̪nʲɛRʃd] = might, strength, force, energy, power, (alcoholic) proof, majority, most neartachadh [n̪ʲɛRʃdəxəɣ] = strengthening, building up, making strong neartaich strengthen, build up, make strong neartaiche = strengthener, emphasiser neartail = mighty, powerful, emphatic, forcible neartmhor = mighty, powerful, emphatic, forcible neartmhorachd = robustness, vigour
Manx (Gaelg)	niart = strength, power, force niartaght = strength niartal = cogent, forcible, mighty, potent, powerful, strong niarteyder = strengthener
Proto-Brythonic	*nerθ [nɛrθ] = strenght, force, power
Old Welsh (Kembraec)	nerthi = to strengthen, reinforce, fortify
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	nerth, nyrth = force, strength, power, might nerthawc, nerthawg, nerthog = strong, mighty, powerful nerthawl, nerthol = strong, mighty, powerful nerthu = to strengthen, reinforce, fortify nerthyd, nerthwr = fortifier, supporter, helper
Welsh (Cymraeg)	nerth [nɛrθ] = force, strength, power, might, energy, vigour, hardness nerthedig = strong, strengthened nerthog = strong, mighty, powerful, potent nerthol = strong, mighty, powerful, potent nerthu = to strengthen, reinforce, fortify, aid, help, exhort, urge nerthwr, nerthydd = fortifier, supporter, helper
Middle Cornish (Cernewec)	nerth = might, power, strength, force
Cornish (Kernewek)	nerth [nɛrθ] = energy, force, might, power, strength nertha = to strengthen nerthek = energetic, powerful, robust
Old Breton (Brethonoc)	nerth = force, energy
Middle Breton (Brezonec)	nerz, nerh = force, energy nerzus, nerhus = vigorous, robust, energetic
Breton (Brezhoneg)	nerzh [nɛrs] = force, energy nerzhan nerzhañ [ˈnɛrzan / ˈnɛrzã] = to strengthen, reinforce nerzhder = vigueur nerzhek = drastic nerzhekaat = to give energy nerzhelour = dynamic nerzhus = vigorous nerzhusaat = to strengthen oneself

Etymology: possibly the Proto-Indo-European *h₂ner-to- (virile, strong), from *h₂nḗr- (man, vital, energy). Words from the same roots include njer (man, human, person) in Albanian, άντρας [ˈandras] (man, husband) in Greek, noras (wish, desire, will, intention) in Lithuanian, nêr (lord, chief) in Welsh, and the name Nero [Source].

Old Irish (Goídelc)	láitir = strong, powerful
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	láitir, laitir [ˈl͈aːdʲərʲ] = strong, powerful
Irish (Gaeilge)	láidir [ˈl̪ˠɑːdʲəɾʲ / ˈl̪ˠaːdʲəɾʲ] = strong, powerful, durable, tough, solid, forcible, loud láidreacht = strength láidrigh = to strengthen
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	làidir [l̪aːdʲɪrʲ] = strong, potent, emphatic, robust, substantial làidireachd = strength làidireach = strong, potent, emphatic làidrich = make strong, strengthen
Manx (Gaelg)	lajer = strong, potent, vigorous, hard, heavy, powerful, stark lajeragh = to strengthen, strengthening lajerid = potency, powerfulness, strength, vigour lajerys = cogency, force, might, prowess, strength

Etymology: unknown [Source].

Irish (Gaeilge)	cadrán = hardness, stubborness, obstinacy cadránta = hard, unfeeling, stubborn, obstinate cadrántacht = hardness, stubborness, obstinacy
Proto-Brythonic	*kadarn = strong, powerful, mighty (?)
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	cadarn, kadarn, katarnn = strong, powerful, mighty cadarnhau, kadarnaha = to strengthen, secure, fortify, safeguard kedernyt, kedernit, cedernyt = strength, power, potency, might
Welsh (Cymraeg)	cadarn [ˈka(ː)darn] = strong, powerful, mighty, firm, fast cadarnhad = confirmation cadarnhau = to strengthen, secure, fortify, safeguard cadernid = strength, power, potency, might
Middle Cornish (Cernewec)	cadarn = strong, stout, valiant

Etymology: from Proto-Celtic *katus (battle), from Proto-Indo-European *kéh₃tus (battle), from *keh₃- (to fight). Words from the same roots include Hader (dispute, quarrel) and hadern (to quarrel, bicker, struggle) in German, and words for battle in Celtic languages [Source].

Proto-Celtic	*kriɸmos = strong (?)
Proto-Brythonic	*krɨβ̃ = strong
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	cryf, kryf = strong, powerful, vigorous cryfder = strength, power, might
Welsh (Cymraeg)	cryf [krɨːv / kriːv] = strong, powerful, vigorous, intoxicating, tough, rich, fruitful, intense cryfder = strength, power, might cryfhau = to strengthen
Old Cornish	crif = strong, mighty, vigorous, hardy
Middle Cornish (Cernewec)	cref, crŷf, crif, crev = strong, mighty, vigorous, hardy
Cornish (Kernewek)	krev = forceful, powerful, robust, strong, substantial krevder = intensity, strength
Middle Breton (Brezonec)	cref, creff = strong, powerful
Breton (Brezhoneg)	kreñv [ˈkrẽ(w)] = strong, solid kreñvaat [krẽˈfɑːt] = to strengthen, reinforce kreñvder [ˈkrẽ(w)dɛr] = strength, power, might kreñvlec’h = stronghold, fortress

Etymology: from Proto-Celtic *kriɸ- (body) from Proto-Indo-European *krep- (body). Words for body in Celtic and other languages come from the same roots [Source].

Proto-Celtic	trexsnos = strong trexsos = stronger
Gaulish	Trexius, Trexa, Trenus = personal names
Primitive Irish	ᚈᚈᚏᚓᚅᚐᚂᚒᚌᚑᚄ (ttrenalugos), ᚈᚏᚓᚅᚐᚌᚒᚄᚒ (trenagusu) = (?)
Old Irish (Goídelc)	trén [tʲrʲeːn] = strong treise = power, strength
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	trén = strong, powerful, strong man treise = strength, vigour, power
Irish (Gaeilge)	tréan = strong man, warrior, champion, strength, power, intensity, plenty, abundance tréaniarracht = strong, forcible, attempt treise = strength, power, dominance, force, emphasis treisigh = to strengthen, reinforce, fortify treisiúil = strong, forceful, vigorous
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	trèine [treːnə] = might, power treise [treʃə] = strength, vigour treun [treːn] = champion, hero, brave, strong, sturdy treunar [treːnər] = strong man, champion, hero; very brave, heroic treunas = might, power treuntachd = boldness, courage treuntas = strength, power, magnanimity
Manx (Gaelg)	trean = brave, firm, heroic, intensive, mighty, stout, valiant treanid = braveness, exploit, feat heroics, might, strength, valour
Proto-Brythonic	*trex = stronger
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	trech = stronger, mightier, greater, superior, better
Welsh (Cymraeg)	trech [treːχ] = stronger, mightier, greater, superior, better trechedd = supremacy, dominance trechu = to defeat, overcome, overpower
Cornish (Kernewek)	trygh = conquest, victory, superior, triumphant, victorious trygher = victor tryghi = to conquer, vanquish
Middle Breton (Brezonec)	trech = victorious, victory trechy, trechiff = to conquer, prevail, overcome
Breton (Brezhoneg)	trec’h [briː] = superior, victorious, victory trec’hadeg = triumph trec’hadenn = success trec’hedigezh = defeat trec’her = winner trec’hin, trec’hiñ = to conquer, prevail, overcome trec’hus = victorious

Etymology: the Proto-Indo-European *(s)treg- (to be stiff, rigid, strong) or *treg- (strength). Words from the same roots include þróttur (strength, vigour, energy) in Icelandic, and idrott (sport, physical education) in Swedish [Source].

Sources: Wiktionary, Am Faclair Beag, Online Manx Dictionary, Teanglann.ie, eDIL – Electronic Dictionary of the Irish Language, In Dúil Bélrai English – Old Irish glossary, Geiriadur Prifysgol Cymru, Gerlyver Kernewek, Dictionaire Favereau, TermOfis, English – ProtoCeltic WordList (PDF), Etymological Dictionary Of Proto Celtic

Yew (trees)

31st August 201931st August 2021 By Simon

Words for yew (tree) (Taxus baccata) in Celtic languages:

Proto-Celtic	*eburos [d̪ˠaɾʲ] = yew (tree)
Celtiberian	ebur- = yew (tree)
Gaulish	eburo- = yew (tree)
Old Irish (Goídelc)	ibar [d̪ˠaɾʲ] = yew (tree)
Irish (Gaeilge)	iúr [uːɾˠ] = yew (tree) iubhar [ˈju.əɾ] = yew (tree)
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	iubhar / iùbhar [ju.ər] = yew (tree), bow
Manx (Gaelg)	euar = yew (tree)
Proto-Brythonic	*eβor = yew (tree)
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	efwr, ewr, ewur, evwr = hogweed, cow parsnip
Welsh (Cymraeg)	efwr [ˈɛvʊr / ˈeːvʊr] = cow parsnip, hogweed
Cornish (Kernewek)	evor = hogweed
Old Breton	heuor / euor = yew
Breton (Brezhoneg)	evor = alder buckthorn

Etymology: from the Proto-Indo-European *h₁ebʰros (yew) [source].

Words marked with a * are reconstructions.

Sources: Wiktionary, Am Faclair Beag, teanglann.ie, On-Line Manx Dictionary, Geiriadur Prifysgol Cymru, Gerlyver Kernewek, Dictionnaire Favereau

Words for yew (tree) in Celtic languages:

Proto-Celtic	*iwos = yew (tree)
Gaulish	*iwos = yew (tree)
Old Irish (Goídelc)	eó [eːo̯] = stem, shaft, yew, tree
Irish (Gaeilge)	eo [oː/ɔː] = yew tree (literary)
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	iodh [jɤɣ] = yew tree
Proto-Brythonic	ɨwī / ɨwɨnā = yew (tree)
Welsh (Cymraeg)	yw [ɨ̞u̯ / ɪu̯] = yew (tree), yew-wood
Old Cornish	hiuin = yew (tree)
Cornish (Kernewek)	ewin = yew (tree)
Breton (Brezhoneg)	iwin / ivin = yew (tree)

Etymology: from the Proto-Indo-European *h₁eyHweh₂ (yew) [source].

Words marked with a * are reconstructions.

Sources: Wiktionary, Am Faclair Beag, teanglann.ie, On-Line Manx Dictionary, Geiriadur Prifysgol Cymru, Gerlyver Kernewek, Dictionnaire Favereau

Kings and Queens

2nd April 201914th August 2023 By Simon

Words for king and related things in Celtic languages.

Brian Boru, High King of Ireland (1002-1014) / Brian Bóruma mac Cennétig, Ard-Rí ar Éirinn

Proto-Celtic	rīxs/rig- = king
Celtiberian	reikis = king
Gaulish	rīx = king – appears in names like Katurīx, Suādurīx, *Werkingetorīx (Vercingetorix) and Asterix
Primitive Irish	ᚏᚔᚌᚐᚄ (rigas) = (of the) king
Old Irish (Goídelc)	rí [r͈ʲiː] = king rígdae = regal, kingly rígdún = palace
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	rí, ríg, rig = king, head, chief rígán = a sub-king, chief rígamail, rioghamhail = royal rígdacht = kingliness, kingly qualities, a kingdom rígda(e) = a royal dwelling place, palace rígrach = = royal, kingly
Irish (Gaeilge)	rí [ɾˠiː] = king, sovereign, monarch ríoga = regal, royal ríora = kings, royal persons, royalty, dynasty
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	rìgh [r̪ʲiː] = king banrìgh = queen àrd-rìgh = high king mòr-rìgh = emperor rìoghachadh = reigning, reign rìoghachd = kingdom, realm
Manx (Gaelg)	ree = king reejerey = cavalier, chevalier, king, knight, lord, paladin, prince reeoil = kinglike, monarchy, regal, royal reeaght, reeriaght, riaght, ream = kingdom
Proto-Brythonic	*riɣ [ˈriːɣ] = king
Old Welsh	rig = king
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	ri, rhi = king rhiaidd, rhïaidd = regal, royal, noble, generous rieu, riav = king, lord, ruler, chieftain rriawdr, riawdr = lord, ruler, chieftain, God
Welsh (Cymraeg)	rhi [r̥iː] = king, prince, lord, ruler, chieftain rhiaidd = regal, noble, aristocratic, dignified rhiau = king, lord, ruler, chieftain rhiawdr = lord, ruler, chieftain, God
Middle Cornish (Cernewec)	ruy, ruif = king, sovereign, ruler ryal, real = royal, kingly
Cornish (Kernewek)	riel = regal, royal
Old Breton	ri = king
Middle Breton (Brezonec)	ri, rí = king

Etymology: from Proto-Indo-European *h₃rḗǵs (king, ruler) [source], which is also the root of the German word Reich (empire, realm), and the English suffix -ric, as in bishopric (a diocese or region of a church which a bishop governs) [source].

Proto-Celtic	*rīganī= queen
Gaulish	rigani = queen
Old Irish (Goídelc)	rígan = queen
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	rígain, rígan, rígnae = queen, noble lady
Irish (Gaeilge)	ríon = queen, queenly, noble, lady, fair maiden banríon = queen (ban)ríonacht = queenship ríonaí = queenly ríonaigh = to queen (chess)
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	rìghinn [r̪ʲi.ɪn̪ʲ] = princess (archaic) rìbhinn [r̪ʲiːvɪn̪ʲ] = maid, maiden, girl, Venus, adder, queen (archaic) banrìgh = queen
Manx (Gaelg)	reeven = queen rein = queen ben-rein = queen
Proto-Brythonic	*rriɣėn [r͈iˈɣe̝ːn] = queen
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	riein, riain = (young) woman, girl, damsel, lass, maiden, virgin, queen, noble girl, lady
Welsh (Cymraeg)	rhiain = (young) woman, girl, damsel, lass, maiden, virgin, queen, noble girl, lady

Etymology: from Proto-Indo-European *h₃rḗǵnih₂ (queen), from *h₃rḗǵs (king, ruler) [source]. Words from the same roots include reine (queen) in French, reina (queen) in Spanish, erregina (queen) in Basque, and regină (queen) in Romanian [source].

Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	rhỼyf, rwyf, rỼy = king, lord, ruler, chieftain, leader rwyfaỼ, rwyfaỼ = to have dominion over, govern, rule rwyuannus, rhwyvanus = royal, kinglike, governing ruyvenit = prince, king, ruler rhwyfiadur, ruyfadur, rwyfyadur, rỼyfyadur = chief(tain), lord, leader, ruler, protector
Welsh (Cymraeg)	rhwy(f) = king, lord, ruler, chieftain, leader rhwyfo = to have dominion over, govern, rule, lead, be ostentatious, live in splendour rhwyfanes = queen, lady rhwyfaniad = reign, government, rule, kingdom rhwyfanus = royal, kinglike, governing rhwyfenydd = prince, king, ruler rhwyf(i)adur = chief(tain), lord, leader, ruler, protector
Old Cornish	ruifanes = queen ruifadur = chief(tain), lord, leader
Middle Cornish (Cernewec)	ruy, ruif = king, sovereign, ruler ruifanes, ruivanes = a female ruler, queen
Cornish (Kernewek)	ruvanes = queen ruvaneth = kingdom
Old Breton	roe = king
Middle Breton (Brezonec)	roe, roé, roue, rouè = king rouanes, roanez, rouanés = queen rouantelez, roeantelez = kingdom roueel = royal roueeler = royalist roueelezh = royalty roueelouriezh = royalism roueoni = reign
Breton (Brezhoneg)	roue = king rouanez = queen rouantelezh = kingdom, monarchy roueel = royal roueelezh = royalty roueelouriezh = royalism

Etymology: from Old French roi (king), from Latin rēgem (king, ruler, despot, tyrant), from Proto-Italic *rēks (king), from Proto-Indo-European *h₃rḗǵs (king, ruler) [source].

Words from the same Latin root include re (king) in Italian, roi (king) in French, viceroy in English and rey (king) in Spanish [source].

Proto-Celtic	*brigantīnos = (someone) pre-eminent, outstanding
Proto-Brythonic	*brɨɣėntin [brɨɣe̝nˈtiːn] = lord, king
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	breenhin, breennin, breyenhin, brenhin = king brenhynes, brenhines = queen, goddess, queen bee brenineiziaw = to become kingly brenhynyaeth, brenhinyaeth = royalty, kingship, reign
Welsh (Cymraeg)	brenin [ˈbrɛnɪn / ˈbreːnɪn] = king, sovereign, monarch, head of region brenineiddio = to make/become regal/kingly, make (sb) a king breninesaidd = queen-like, queenly breninesol = queen-like, queenly, pertaining to a queen breningarol = royalist breniniaethu = to reign, govern breninoldeb = kingship, royalty brenhines = queen, goddess, queen bee brenhiniaeth = royalty, kingship, reign, government
Middle Cornish (Cernewec)	brentyn, bryntyn = privileged, sovereign, noble, excellent
Cornish (KerneweK)	bryntin, brentin = grand, great, noble, splendid, superb
Old Breton	brientin, brientinion = king
Middle Breton (Brezonec)	brientin = aristocrat brientinelezh = aristocracy
Breton (Brezhoneg)	brientin = aristocrat brientinel = aristocratic brientinelezh = aristocracy brienteg, brientek = privileged brientekaat = to favour briental = royalties

Etymology: from Proto-Indo-European *bʰérǵʰonts (high), from *bʰerǵʰ- (to rise up, ascend) [source].

From the same Proto-Celtic root, , we get the tribal name *Brigantī (Brigantes – a Celtic tribe that occupied much of what is now northern England), Brigantia (a Celtic goddess of victory, and the territory of the Brigantes), the name Bridget, the Irish name Bríd, the Scottish Gaelic name Brìghde, the Manx name Breeshey, and the placenames such as Bragança (a city in northeastern Portugal), Bregenz (a city in western Austria) and Brianza (a city in northern Italy), [source].

English words from the same PIE root include bourgeois, burrow, fort and maybe burgler [source].

Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	mechdeyrn, mychdeyrn, machdeyrn = king, lord, monarch, emperor mechteyrnged, mychteyrnged = tribute due to an overlord from an inferior lord
Welsh (Cymraeg)	mechdeyrn, mychdeyrn, machdeyrn = king, lord, monarch, emperor, God, tributary prince, viceroy mechdeyrnged, mychdeyrnged = tribute due to an overlord from an inferior lord
Middle Cornish (Cernewec)	mychtern = sovereign, king mychternes = queen mychterneth = sovereignity, dominion, royalty, kingdom
Cornish (Kernewek)	myghtern, metern [mɪx’tɛrn] = king, monarch myghternes, meternes = monarch, queen myghterneth, meterneth = kingdom myghternses, meternses = kingship, monarchy
Old Breton	machtiern = king

Etymology: from Welsh mach (surety, guarantor, sponsor, hostage) and teyrn (sovereign, monarch, king) [source].

Source: Gerlyver Kernewek, Geiriadur Prifysgol Cymru

Words marked with a * are reconstructions.

Sources: Wiktionary, Am Faclair Beag, Online Manx Dictionary, Teanglann.ie, eDIL – Electronic Dictionary of the Irish Language, In Dúil Bélrai English – Old Irish glossary, Geiriadur Prifysgol Cymru, Gerlyver Kernewek, Dictionaire Favereau, TermOfis, English – ProtoCeltic WordList (PDF), Etymological Dictionary Of Proto Celtic

Man / Husband

3rd March 201922nd April 2022 By Simon

Words for man / husband in Celtic languages.

Proto-Celtic	*wiros = man, husband
Celtiberian	*uiros = man, husband
Gaulish	*wiros = man, husband
Primitive Irish	ᚃᚔᚏᚐᚄ (viras) [u̯irah] = man
Old Irish (Goídelc)	fer [fʲer] = man, husband
Irish (Gaeilge)	fear [fʲaɾˠ] = man, husband
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	fear [fɛr] = man, husband, male
Manx (Gaelg)	fer [fɛr] = male, man, gentleman, individual, fellow, bloke, chap
Proto-Brythonic	*gwur [ˈˠwur] = man, husband
Old Welsh	gur = man, husband
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	gur = man, husband
Welsh (Cymraeg)	gŵr [ɡuːr] = man, person, anyone, valiant warrior, brave man, hero; vassal; married man, husband; chessman, pawn
Old Cornish	uir = husband
Cornish (Kernewek)	gour [ɡu:r] = husband
Middle Breton	gur = man, husband
Breton (Brezhoneg)	gour [ˈɡuːʁ] = man, person, husband (rare)

Etymology
From the Proto-Indo-European *wiHrós (man, husband, warrior, hero) [source], which is also the root of the English words virile and werewolf.

Words marked with a * are reconstructions.

Sources: Wiktionary, Am Faclair Beag, teanglann.ie, On-Line Manx Dictionary, Geiriadur Prifysgol Cymru, Gerlyver Kernewek, Dictionnaire Favereau

To Stand

13th January 201913th January 2019 By Simon

Words for to stand in Celtic languages.

Proto-Celtic	*sista- = to stand
Celtiberian	sistat = to stand
Old Irish (Gaídelc)	sessam = standing (by/fast), defending, standing resisting, holding out, making a stand
Irish (Gaeilge)	seas [ʃasˠ] = to stand, stop, stay, last, keep, remain valid, bear, endure, resist, withstand, stand up for, defend
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	seas [ʃes] = to stand, maintain, support, defend, continue, endure, stop, stand by
Manx (Gaelg)	shass [ʃas] = to stand
Proto-Brythonic	*stab- = to stand
Welsh (Cymraeg)	sefyll [ˈsɛvɨ̞ɬ / ˈseːvɪɬ] = to stand, be standing or upright, be or remain on one’s feet; stand (up), get up; stand or tread (on); to be located, lie; to come to a halt, stand still, stop, come to end, cease, fail
Cornish (Kernewek)	sevel [‘sɛvɛl / ‘zɛvɐl] = to stand, arise, get up, rise, halt, raise up, abstain from
Breton (Brezhoneg)	sevel = to rise, lift, remove, draw, build, train, compose, sell, invent, push, repay

Note: the Brythonic words may not come from the same root as the Goidelic words.

Etymology: from the Proto-Indo-European *stísteh₂ti (to be standing up, be getting up), from *steh₂- (to stand) [source].

The sist part of exist, resist, desist, consist, etc comes from the same root, via the Latin sisto (I stand, set, place, appear) [source]

Sources: Wiktionary, Am Faclair Beag, teanglann.ie, On-Line Manx Dictionary, Geiriadur Prifysgol Cymru, Gerlyver Kernewek, Dictionnaire Favereau

Hearing, fame & renown

20th November 201823rd September 2024 By Simon

Words for hearing, fame renown and related things in Celtic languages.

Words marked with a * are reconstructions.

Proto-Celtic	*klowos = hearing, fame, renown
Old Irish (Goídelc)	clú [kluː] = fame
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	clú, clúu, clū = good repute, reputation, fame, good name, rumour, sound clúach = famous, famed, renowned, celebrated clúitech = famous, renowned clúmar = famous, renowned clúugud = act of singing the praises of, glorifying
Irish (Gaeilge)	clú [klˠuː] = reputation, honour, renown clúiteach = of good repute, honoured, renowned
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	cliù [kluː] = reputation, repute, fame, renown, prestige; credit; glory, praise cliùteach [kluːhdʲəx] = celebrated, famous, renowned, commendable, laudable cliùteachadh [kluːdʲəxəɣ] = celebrating, praising, lauding cliùteachd [kluːhdʲəxg] = celebrity, fame, renown cliùtich [kluːhdʲɪç] = celebrate, praise, laud cliùmhor [kluː(v)ər] = famous, renowned, prestigious
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	clywet, clywit, keleuuet = to hear, listen, feel, smell, taste, hearing, earshot, report
Welsh (Cymraeg)	clyw [ˈklɨu̯ / ˈklɪu̯] = hearing, earshot clywaf, clywed = to hear, listen, feel, smell, taste, hearing, earshot, report
Middle Cornish (Cernewec)	clevet = the hearing clewas, clowas = to hear, perceive, feel, smell clowans = the hearing, an echo
Cornish (Kernewek)	klew [klɛˑʊ] = hearing klewansek = aesthetic klewell = hearing aid klewes = to feel, hear, perceive, sense, smell klewwelyek = audio-visual
Middle Breton (Brezonec)	cleuet, claeuet, cleufuet = hearing
Breton (Brezhoneg)	klev [klew/klef] = hearing klevedenn = hearsay kleved = hearing, hearsay klevigezh = to hear, feel klevijer = acoustic klevout = to hear

Etymology: from Proto-Indo-European *ḱléwos (fame), from *ḱlew- (to hear) [source]. Words from the same roots include clement, client, listen and loud in English,
luid (loud, sound, assertion) in Dutch, sláva (fame, glory) in Czech, and hljóður (quiet, silent) in Icelandic [source].

Some words for Ears in Celtic languages also come from the same PIE roots.

Proto-Celtic	*klutom = rumour, fame, reputation
Celtiberian	*kolouton = fame (?)
Gaulish	*kl(o)uton = fame (?)
Old Irish (Goídelc)	cloth [kluː] = fame, reputation
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	cloth, clóth = report, rumour, tidings, fame, reputation, generosity
Irish (Gaeilge)	cloth [klˠuː] = report, rumour, fame, renown clothach = renowned clothaigh = to praise extol (literary)
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	clòth† [klˠɔː] = victory, fame, praise, wind
Proto-Brythonic	*klod = praise, fame (?)
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	clod, clot, klod = praise, fame, renown, reputation, honour, credit, famous, renowned clod ueith, clotueith = renowned, celebrated, famed
Welsh (Cymraeg)	clod [ˈklɨu̯ / ˈklɪu̯] = hearing, earshot clodach = vain praise, flattery clodadwy = laudable, commendable, praiseworthy clodaf, clodi = to fill with praise, to praise clodebus = eulogistic, commendatory clodfolaf, clodfoli = to praise, eulogize, laud, extol
Middle Cornish (Cernewec)	clos = glory, happiness, praise
Old Breton (Brethonoc)	clot = fame, glory
Middle Breton (Brezonec)	clot = fame, glory
Breton (Brezhoneg)	klod [kloːt] = fame, glory diglod = without glory

Etymology: from Proto-Indo-European *ḱlutós (famous) *ḱlew- (to hear) [source] – see above.

Manx words for fame include ard-ennym (eminence, fame, renown, title), ard-ghoo (fame, illustriousness, renown), and goo (voice, word, utterance, reputation, fame). Goo is cognate with guth (voice) in Irish and Scottish Gaelic.

Silver & Money

18th October 201827th February 2024 By Simon

Words for silver, money and related things in Celtic languages.

Words marked with a * are reconstructions.

Proto-Celtic	*argantom = silver
Gaulish	*arangto- / argantom** = silver
Celtiberian	arkanta / arkato- = silver
Old Irish (Goídelc)	argat [ˈarɡad] = silver, money airgdide = silver
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	argat = silver, currency, money airgdide = (made of ) silver airgetlach = mine
Irish (Gaeilge)	airgead [ˈaɾʲɪɟəd̪ˠ / ˈæɾʲɪɟəd̪ˠ] = silver, money, sum of money airgeadaí = financier airgeadaigh = to silver, electroplate airgeadaíocht = monetary policy, management airgeadas = finance airgeadóir = cashier, (bank) teller airgeadra = currency airgeadúil = silvery, financial, moneyed, profitable
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	airgead [ɛrʲɛgʲəd] = money, silver, cash, currency airgead-beò = mercury (Me), quicksilver airgead-làimhe = cash airgead-urrais = insurance airgeadach [ɛrʲɛgʲədəx] = silver(y), well-off, moneyed, lucrative airgeadachadh = silvering, silverplating, monetizing airgeadaichte [ɛrʲɛgədɪçdʲə] = silvered airgeadas [ɛrʲɛgʲədəs] = finance airgeadra [ɛrʲɛgʲədrə] = currency
Manx (Gaelg)	argid = money, silver, coinage, wages, finance, exchequer argidagh = fiscal, moneyed, financier, (the) rich, silver(ed) argidaghey = silver, silver plate argid-roie, argid cadjin = currency argideyr = cashier, financier, teller argidoil = financial, monetary argidys = finance
Proto-Brythonic	*arɣant [arˈɣant] = silver, money
Old Welsh (Kembraec)	argant = silver
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	aryant, ariant, arian = silver arandûy, ariandy = bank arianllais = (having) a clear or melodious voice or sound arianna, aryanna = to collect or accumulate money, beg for (money) ariannu = to give money to, fund, finance aryanheyt, areanneit, aryaneit = silvered, silver-plated, make of silver, silvery, wealthy, rich, moneyed ariannog = wealthy, rich, moneyed, silver(y)
Welsh (Cymraeg)	arian [ˈarjan] = silver, silvery; silver vessel; money, coin(s), coinage, currency, wealth arianllais = (having) a clear or melodious voice or sound arianna = to collect or accumulate money, beg for (money) ariannaf, ariannu = to give money to, fund, finance, silver, inlay, plate ariannaid = silvered, silver-plated, make of silver, silvery, wealthy, rich, moneyed arianneg = financial management, finance Ariannin = Argentinia, Argentinian ariannog = wealthy, rich, moneyed, silver(y) ariannwr, ariannydd = cashier, financier, banker, sponsor
Old Cornish	argan, arʒant, argans = silver
Middle Cornish (Cernewec)	archans, arhans, arrans = silver
Cornish (Kernewek)	arghans [‘arhans / ‘ærhɐnz] = money, silver arghans bew/byw = quicksilver arghansek = financial, silvery arghanser, arghansores = banker arghans-gweres = subsidy arghanti = bank Arghantina = Argentina
Old Breton (Brethonoc)	argant = silver
Middle Breton (Brezonec)	archant = silver
Breton (Brezhoneg)	arc’hant [ˈar.ɣãnt] = silver, money arc’hantadur = silvering arc’hantaj = silverware arc’hantan, arc’hantañ = to silver, realize (in money), capitalize, sponsor, convert arc’hantek = silver (adj) arc’hanter = silverer arc’hantiri = silverware arc’hantus = money-producing, lucrative, capitalizable

Etymology: from Proto-Indo-European *h₂erǵn̥tom (silver), from *h₂erǵ- (white, glittering) [source]. Words from the same PIE root include Argentina and argentous (of, pertaining to or containing silver) in English, արծաթ (arcatʿ – silver) in Armenian, argento (silver) in Italian, argent (silver, money, cash) in French [source].

Sources: Wiktionary, Am Faclair Beag, Online Manx Dictionary, Teanglann.ie, eDIL – Electronic Dictionary of the Irish Language, In Dúil Bélrai English – Old Irish glossary, Geiriadur Prifysgol Cymru, Gerlyver Kernewek, Dictionaire Favereau, TermOfis, English – ProtoCeltic WordList (PDF), Etymological Dictionary Of Proto Celtic

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