Strawberries

2nd June 20212nd June 2021 By Simon

Words for strawberries and related words, in Celtic languages.

Proto-Celtic	*subhī = strawberries
Old Irish (Goídelc)	sub = strawberry sub craéb = raspberry
Irish (Gaeilge)	sú [sˠuː] = (red) berry sú craobh = raspberry sú talún = strawberry
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	sùbh [suː] = berry, soft fruit sùbh-craobh = raspberry sùbh-craobh ruiteach = salmonberry (Rubus spectabilis) sùbh-làir fiadhain = wild / Alpine strawberry (Fragaria vesca) sùbh nam ban-sìthe = stone bramble (Rubus saxatilis) sùbh-thalmhainn = strawberry
Manx (Gaelg)	soo [suː] = berry soo crouw = raspberry soo thallooin = strawberry
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	yssyui / syui / syvi = strawberries
Welsh (Cymraeg)	syfi(en) [ˈsəvi] = (wild) strawberries syfi coch/gwyllt/bach = wild strawberries syfi gardd = cultivated strawberries) syfïa = to gather (wild) strawberries
Old Cornish	syvyen = strawberry
Cornish (Kernewek)	sevi(en) = strawberries
Old Breton	s(u)iuy = strawberries
Middle Breton	siuy = strawberries
Breton (Brezhoneg)	sivi(enn) = strawberries sivia = to pick strawberries sivi-garzh = wild strawberries

Etmology: possibly from a non-Indo-European substrate [source]

Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	ymevvs / mefys / mefvs / mevys = strawberries
Welsh (Cymraeg)	mefus(en) [ˈmɛvɨ̞s / ˈmeːvɪs] = strawberries mefus y goedwig / mefus y coed = wild strawberries

Etmology: from the Vulgar Latin majusa (“mayberry”), or from the Basque mart (blackberry, bramble), or from the Gaulish *majoþa [source]

Words marked with a * are reconstructions.

Bridges

16th March 202117th April 2024 By Simon

Words for bridges and related words in Celtic languages.

Words marked with a * are reconstructions.

Old Irish (Goídelc)	drochet [ˈdroxʲed] = bridge
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	drochet, drochat, droichet = bridge, causeway drochetech, drochetóir = bridge-maker
Irish (Gaeilge)	droichead [ˈd̪ˠɾˠɛçəd̪ˠ] = bridge droichead crochta = suspension bridge droichead tógála = drawbridge droichead meáite = weigh bridge droichead veidhlín = bridge of a violin droichead sróine = bridge of the nose
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	drochaid [drɔxɪdʲ] = bridge drochaid air fleodradh = pontoon drochaid-thogalach, drochaid-thogail = drawbridge drochaid-choise = footbridge drochaid-rathaid = road bridge, viaduct drochaid-thionndain = swing bridge
Manx (Gaelg)	droghad = bridge, bridge of ship, arch, gantry droghad aae = viaduct droghad cassee = swing bridge droghad coshey = gangway, footbridge droghad croghit = suspension bridge droghad keesh = toll bridge droichead meihaghey = weigh bridge

Etymology: from Old Irish droch (wheel, circlet) and sét (path) [source].

Gaulish	ponto = bridge
Proto-Brythonic	*pont = bridge
Cumbric	*pont = bridge
Old Welsh (Kembraec)	pont = bridge
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	pont, pynt = bridge, drawbridge
Welsh (Cymraeg)	pont [pɔnt] = bridge, drawbridge, viaduct, aqueduct pontio = to bridge (a gap), to transition pont godi = drawbridge pont grog = suspension bridge pont trwyn = bridge of the nose pont y glaw, pont law = rainbow pont ysgwydd = collar-bone, clavicle pontio = to bridge, span, arch pont(i)og = like a bridge, arched of the nature of a bridge pont(i)wr, pontydd = a bridge-builder pontyddiaeth = bridge-building
Old Cornish (Cernewec)	pons = bridge
Middle Cornish (Cernewec)	pons = bridge
Cornish (Kernewek)	pons = bridge ponsfordh = viaduct pons travalya = travelling bridge
Middle Breton (Brezonec)	pont = bridge
Breton (Brezhoneg)	pont [pɔ̃nt] = bridge, top of the furrow, culvert, trigger guard pontan, pontañ = to bridge, lay flat stones (on a ditch or stream) pont-tro = swing bridge pont hent-houarn = railway bridge pont dilestrañ = bridge, deck (of ship) pont kargañ = loading deck pont-tro = swing bridge

Etymology: from Latin pōns (bridge, deck), from Proto-Indo-European *pónteh₁s (path, road), from *pent- (path). Words from the same roots include pont (bridge) in French, puente (bridge) in Spanish, път [pɤt] (road, way, path, journey, way) in Bulgarian source].

Proto-Celtic	*brīwā = bridge
Gaulish	briua = bridge
Leptonic	𐌐𐌓𐌖𐌉𐌀𐌌 (pruiam) = funerary construction (perhaps a grave)

Etymology: from Proto-Indo-European *bʰerw/*bʰrēw (wooden flooring, decking, bridge), which is also the root of the English words bridge and brig, and Brücke (bridge) in German [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

Peaks

11th March 202114th March 2024 By Simon

Words for peaks and tops and related words in Celtic languages.

Words marked with a * are reconstructions.

Proto-Celtic	bandā = top, peak; horn benno- = peak, top
Gaulish	*benn/bannā** = peak
Old Irish (Goídelc)	benn [bʲen͈] = mountain, crag, peak, point, crest, summit, pinnacle, spire; gable, corner, horn (of animal), drinking horn, prong, crest bennán = horned animal, cow, calf; horned or peaked object
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	benn = mountain, crag, peak, point, crest, summit, pinnacle, spire, gable, corner, prong, crest bennacán = little horned one, calf bennach = pointed, peaked, horned bennán = a horned animal, calf bennchopor = steeple, tower
Irish (Gaeilge)	beann = horn, antler; drinking horn; prong (of fork) beannach = horned, antlered, pronged, peaked, gabled, angular beannógach = peaked,angular binn = peak; gable; cliff; corner, edge, margin; lap; side, portion
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	beann [bjaun̪ˠ] = horn, peak, top, corner, skirt beannach = [bjan̪ˠəx] = pointed, horned beinn [bein̪ʲ] = mountain, mount, high hill beinn-theine = volcano eigh-bheinn = iceberg
Manx (Gaelg)	beinn = mountain, ben, summit, pinnacle, apex, tine of deer beinn rioee = iceberg
Proto-Brythonic	*bann = top, peak
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	bann, = top, tip, peak, summit
Welsh (Cymraeg)	ban [ban] = top, tip, peak, summit, crest, peak, beacon, height, pinnacle, turret, hill, mountain, bare hill; chief; drinking horn, horn (of animal); arm, branch, beam, point (of cross) bannau’r byd = corners, quarters or regions of the world, the ends of the earth ban caer, ban y gaer = rampart of a fort; top or height of a fortess ban lleuad = quarters of the moon, new moon
Middle Cornish (Cernewec)	ban = that which is high, a height, mountain, summit
Cornish (Kernewek)	ban = prominence
Breton (Brezhoneg)	bann = rising, uphill, upright, post, column

Etymology: from the Proto-Indo-European *bn̥dʰéh₂ from *bendʰ- (pin, point). The Scots word ben (mountain, hill) comes from the Scottish Gaelic beinn. From Gaulish we get the Catalan words banya (horn) and banyut (horned, unfaithful), and the Occitan bana (horn), and the English word pin comes from the same PIE root [source].

See the post about Mountains for other mountain-related words, such as sliabh in Irish and Scottish Gaelic, and mynydd in Welsh.

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

Water

5th March 202122nd March 2022 By Simon

Words for water and related words in Celtic languages.

There are several words for water in Proto-Celtic: *akʷā-, *boglo-, *dubro-, *iskā-, *lawo-, *udeskio-, *utso-, *φeno-, *φono- and *stagro-. Only a few of them have descendents in the modern Celtic languages.

Proto-Celtic	dubros = water, dark dubrokū = otter (“water dog”) *dubro-jarā = water-hen
Gaulish	uerno-dubrum = name of a river
Old Irish (Goídelc)	dobur [ˈdovur] = water, river doburchú [ˈdovurˌxuː] = otter (“water dog”)
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	dobrán = water
Irish (Gaeilge)	dobhar = water; flood, torrent; darkness, dullness, obscurity dobhartha = watery, wet; dull, gloomy. dobharchú = otter (“water dog”) dobharchlog = water clock dobhardhroim = watershed dobhareach = hippopotamus dobharlí = water-colour dobhrán = otter; dull-witted, stupid, person
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	dobhar [do.ər] = water (archaic) dobhar-chù [do.ərxu] = otter, beaver (“water dog”) dobhar-lus [r̪ˠɔːhdəx] = (water)cress dòbhran [dɔːran] = otter
Manx (Gaelg)	dooarchoo = otter, beaver (“water dog”) doour = reservoir, dam
Proto-Brythonic	duβr = water düβrgi = otter
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	dwfyr [ˈduvər] = water
Welsh (Cymraeg)	dŵr [duːr], dwfr [dʊvr] = water; urine; pus dyfrgi, dwrgi = otter (“water dog”) dyfrgiad = watering, irrigation, urination dyfrio, dyfru = to water, to irrigate, to run, to urinate dyfrig = dripping, foaming (of a horse) dyfraidd = aqueous, waterish, aquatic
Cornish (Kernewek)	dowr [doʊɹ] = water; river dowrgi = otter (“water dog”) dowra = to water dowrhe = to irrigate dowrvagh = hippopotamus dowrliw = water-colour
Middle Breton	dour = water
Breton (Brezhoneg)	dour [ˈduːr] = water; rain, tears, sweat, saliva dourgi = otter (“water dog”) douraerouant = hydra dourliv, dourlivadur = water-colour dournijerez = seaplane, flying boat, hydroplane

Etymology: from the Proto-Indo-European *dʰubrós (dark) from *dʰewb- (deep) [source].

Proto-Celtic	*udenskyos = water
Old Irish (Goídelc)	uisce [ˈusʲkʲe] = water
Irish (Gaeilge)	uisce [ˈɪʃk̟ɪ] = water; rain, tears, saliva uisceadán = aquarium uiscebhealach = waterway uiscedhath = watercolour uiscedhíonach = waterproof uisce-obach = watertight uiscerian = aqueduct uiscigh = to water, irrigate uisciú = irrigation
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	uisge [ɯʃgʲə] = water; rain; river (in place names) uisgeadan [ɯʃgʲədan] = aquarium; body of water uisge-dhath, dath-uisge = watercolour uisge-dhìonach = waterproof, impervious; watertight uisgrian = aqueduct fuar-uisge = cold rain, cold water slighe-uisge = waterway uisgich [ɯʃgʲɪç] = to water, irrigate uisgeachadh [ɯʃgʲəxəɣ] = watering, irrigation
Manx (Gaelg)	ushtey [ˈuʃtʲə] = water ushteydane = aquarium bollagh ushtey, coorse ushtey, raad ushtey = waterway ammyr ushtey, droghad ushtey = aqueduct ushtaghey = to water, irrigate, steep, watering irrigation

Etymology from the Proto-Indo-European *udén, from *wódr̥ (water) [source].

Proto-Celtic	*sālos = saltwater
Old Irish (Goídelc)	sál [saːl], sáile [ˈsaːlʲe] = salt water, brine, seawater; sea, ocean (poetic)
Irish (Gaeilge)	sáile [ˈsˠɑːlʲə] = sea water, sea, salt water, brine
Manx (Gaelg)	sailley = salt water
Proto-Brythonic	*salī = salt, sea water
Welsh (Cymraeg)	hâl [haːl] = salt, salty, saline, akaline heli = brine, salt water, pickle, sea-water, sea
Cornish (Kernewek)	hyli = salt water
Breton (Brezhoneg)	hal = salt water, salt hili = brine, strong sauce

Etymology from the Proto-Indo-European *séh₂ls (salt) [source].

Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	bùrn [buːr̪ˠn̪ˠ] = (fresh) water, amount of water, (act of) raining bùrn-éirigh = spring water bùrn-iarainn = mineral water bùrn mìn = fine drizzle

Etymology from the Scots burn (a small river), from the Middle English bourne (small stream), from the Old English burne, burna (spring, fountain), from Proto-Germanic *brunnô (stream, brook). the Proto-Indo-European *bʰrun- (a bubbling forth; a fountain, wellspring, source) [source].

Words marked with a * are reconstructions.

Sources: Wiktionary, Am Faclair Beag, Online Manx Dictionary, Teanglann.ie, Geiriadur Prifysgol Cymru, Gerlyver Kernewek, Dictionaire Favereau

Frosty Ice

25th February 202131st October 2023 By Simon

Words for frost, ice, cold and related words in Celtic languages.

Words marked with a * are reconstructions.

Proto-Celtic	*ɸreswos = frost
Old Irish (Goídelc)	réúd [r͈ʲeːu̯ð] = frost
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	reód = frost
Irish (Gaeilge)	reo [ɾˠoː / ɾˠɔː] = frost reodóg = icicle reoigh = to freeze, congeal, solidify reoiteach = frosty, chilling reoiteacht = frostiness reoiteog, uachtar reoite = ice cream reomhar = frigid
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	reòth [r̪ˠɔː] = frost, freeze, become frozen, congeal reòite [r̪ˠɔːdʲə] = frozen, frosty, icy reòthtach [r̪ˠɔːhdəx] = freezing, frosty reòthadh = freeze reòthadair [r̪ˠɔ.ədɪrʲ] = deep-freeze, freezer stob reòta, caisean-reòta, boidean-reòthaidh = icicle
Manx (Gaelg)	rio = frost, freezing, ice riojey = to freeze, ice up rioeeagh = freezing, frosty rioeeaght = frostiness rioghar, bwoid rioee, kibbin rioee = icicle riojag, key riojey, key riojit = ice-cream rio-stroo, awin rioee = glacier
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	rew, reo, rev = frost rewlyt, rewlyd, rewllid = icy, freezing, frozen
Welsh (Cymraeg)	rhew [r̥eːu̯ / r̥ɛu̯] = (hoar-) frost, ice rhewaidd = freezing, frosty, icy rhewedig = frozen, icy, extremely cold rhewi = to freeze, preserve; anaesthetize, make numb rhewiadur = refrigerator rhewin = frosty weather rhewllyd, rhewlyd = icy, freezing, frozen, very cold, frigid rhew bargod = icicle rhew du = black ice gwŷn rhew = frost-bite rhedlif rhew = glacier
Old Cornish	reu = ice, frost
Middle Cornish (Cernewec)	rew, reu = frost, ice
Cornish (Kernewek)	rew = ice, frost rewer = freezer rewi = to freeze rewys = frozen downrewi = deep-freeze, freezer dehen rew = ice cream furvell rew = ice tray kub rew = ice cube skes rew = ice skate
Middle Breton (Brezonec)	reau, reo, réau, rëu = frost, frozen
Breton (Brezhoneg)	rev = frost, freezing, freeze rev du = black ice rev noz = night frost

Etymology: from the Proto-Indo-European *prews- (to freeze, frost), which is also the root of the word frost in English [source].

Proto-Celtic	*yegis = ice
Old Irish (Goídelc)	aigred = ice aigretta = icy, frozen
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	aig = ice aigide = icy
Irish (Gaeilge)	oighear [əiɾʲ] = ice oighear dubh = black ice oighreach = glacial leac oighir = (sheet of) ice
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	eigh [ej] = ice eigh-bheinn = iceberg eigh-shruth = glacier leac-eighe = ice-floe linn-eighe = ice age pac-eigh = pack ice taigh-eighe = ice house
Proto-Brythonic	*jaɣ = ice
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	ia, ya = ice, frost
Welsh (Cymraeg)	iâ [jaː] = ice, (hoar-) frost iaaidd = glacical, icy iaënnol = glacical, icy iaeth, iaaeth = iciness, frost, cold, severe winter weather ialyd = icy, freezing, very cold iaog = icy, freezing, frozen iain = very cold, freezing, icy
Old Cornish	iein = ice
Middle Cornish (Cernewec)	iein, iên, yein, yeyn, yên = cold (as ice), frigid ieinder, iender, yender, yeinder = frigidity, coolness
Cornish (Kernewek)	yey = ice yeyn = cold yeynder = cold yeynell, yeyner = fridge yeynhe = to chill, become cold
Middle Breton (Brezoneg)	yen = cold
Breton (Brezhoneg)	yen = cold yenaat = to cool down, relax yenadur = coolness, cooling, chill yenañ = to cool, refrigerate, detach yender = cold, coolness

Etymology from the Proto-Indo-European *h₁yeg- (ice, frost), which is also the root of the English word icicle [source].

Proto-Celtic	*ougros = cold
Gaulish	Ogronnios = personal name
Old Irish (Goídelc)	úar [uːa̯rʲ] = cold úacht = cold, coldness
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	úar = cold, cool. refreshing, unfriendly ind(ḟ)úar = very cold, chilly, cool, refreshing, pleasing, entertaining úacht, ócht, ocht = cold, coldness, numbness
Irish (Gaeilge)	fuar [fˠuəɾˠ] = cold, apathetic, raw, uncooked fuaraigh = to cool, make cold, chill, relieve, pass (away) fuaráil = coolness, indifference, reserve fuaraíocht = coldness, chilliness fuarálach = cold, indifferent, reserved fuacht = cold, chill, apathy fuachtán = chilblain
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	fuar [fuər] = cold fuarachd [fuərəxg] = coldness, chilliness, chilblain, mildew, dampness fuarachdainn [fuərəxgɪn̪ʲ] = cooling, easing, relieving fuaradair [fuərədɪrʲ] = fridge, refrigerator fuaraichte [fuərɪçdʲə] = cooled, refrigerated, eased, relieved fuarail [fuəral] = chilly, chilling fuaralachd [fuərəl̪ˠəxg] = coldness, frigidity
Manx (Gaelg)	feayr = chill, cold, cool, frigid, frosty, ice, distant (of person) feayght = chill, cold, exposure feayraghey = chill, cool, refrigerate, alienation feayraght = chill, cold, coldness feayrit = chilled, cooled, refrigerated
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	oir, oer = cold, cool oerai, oeri = to make/become/grow cold or cool oyrder = cold(ness), cool(ness), chill, indifference, apathy oered = coldness, chill oervel, oeruel = cold(ness), chill
Welsh (Cymraeg)	oer [jaː] = cold, cool, sad, dejected, miserable, coldness, child, cold vegetables, fruit and salad oeraf, oeri = to make/become/grow cold or cool, lose zeal, become depressed oeraidd = rater cold, coolish, coldish, chilly, unenthusiastic, apathetic, indifferent oerder = cold(ness), cool(ness), chill, indifference, apathy oeredd = coldness, chill oerfa = cool place, shade oerfel = cold(ness), chill oergell = refrigerator, freezer, cold cell
Middle Cornish (Cernewec)	oir = cold, frigid
Cornish (Kernewek)	oor = bitterly cold, glacial, icy

Etymology from the Proto-Indo-European *h₃ewǵ- (cold), which is also the root of the Lithuanian word aušti (cold) [source].

Another word for ice in Breton is skorn – etymology unknown.

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, Lexicon Cornu-britannicum: A Dictionary of the Ancient Celtic Language of Cornwall, Dictionaire Favereau, TermOfis, Le dictionnaire diachronique du breton, Geriafurch, English – ProtoCeltic WordList (PDF), Etymological Dictionary Of Proto Celtic

Seasons

29th January 20211st February 2021 By Simon

Words for seasons in Celtic languages.

Spring

Proto-Celtic	wesrakos / wesantos = spring
Old Irish (Goídelc)	errach [ˈer͈ax] = spring
Irish (Gaeilge)	earrach [əˈɾˠax / ˈaɾˠəx / ˈaɾˠa(h)] = spring
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	earrach [jar̪ˠəx] = spring
Manx (Gaelg)	arragh [ˈarax] = spring
Proto-Brythonic	*wesantēnos = spring
Old Welsh	guiannuin = spring
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	gwaeanhwyn / gwaeannwyn / gwannwyn = spring
Welsh (Cymraeg)	gwanwyn [ˈɡwanwɨ̞n / ˈɡwanwɪn] = spring, springtime
Old Cornish	guaintoin = spring
Cornish (Kernewek)	gwaynten = spring
Breton (Brezhoneg)	nevez-amzer = spring

Etymology, from the Proto-Indo-European *wósr̥ (spring) [source].

Summer

Proto-Celtic	*samos = summer
Gaulish	samo- = summer
Old Irish (Goídelc)	sam [saṽ] / samrad [ˈsaṽrað] = summer
Irish (Gaeilge)	samhradh [ˈsˠəuɾˠə / ˈsˠəuɾˠuː / ˈsˠəuɾˠu] = summer, summer garland
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	samhradh [sãũrəɣ] = summer
Manx (Gaelg)	sourey [ˈsaurə] = summer
Proto-Brythonic	*haβ̃ = summer
Old Welsh	ham = summer
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	haf = summer
Welsh (Cymraeg)	haf [haːv / haː] = summer
Old Cornish	haf = summer
Cornish (Kernewek)	hav = summer
Old Breton	ham = summer
Middle Breton	haff = summer
Breton (Brezhoneg)	hañv = summer

Etymology, from the Proto-Indo-European *sm̥-h₂-ó- (summer) [source].

Autumn

Old Irish (Goídelc)	fogamar / fogomur [ˈɡʲaṽʲrʲəð] = autumn
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	fogamur = harvest
Irish (Gaeilge)	fómhar [ˈfˠoːɾˠ / ˈfˠoːvˠəɾˠ / ˈfˠɔːwəɾˠ] = autumn, harvest season, harvest
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	foghar [fo.ər] = autumn, harvest, (act of) harvesting
Manx (Gaelg)	fouyr = harvets, autumn
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	heduref / heduueref = autumn possibly from hydd (stag) &‎ bref (bellow)
Welsh (Cymraeg)	hydref [ˈhədrɛ(v) / ˈhədra] = autumn, period of full maturity, rutting season, mating time
Cornish (Kernewek)	hedra / kynnyay / kydnyadh = autumn
Breton (Brezhoneg)	here / kozhamzer / diskar-amzer = autumn

Etymology (Goidelic languages), from the Proto-Celtic *wo-gamur (under winter) from *gamur (winter) [source].

Winter

Proto-Celtic	gyemos / gamur = winter
Gaulish	giamos = winter (personal name)
Primitive Irish	ᚌᚐᚋᚔ- (gami/gen) = winter
Old Irish (Goídelc)	gam / gaim = winter, winter storm gaimred [ˈɡʲaṽʲrʲəð] = winter
Irish (Gaeilge)	geimhreadh [ˈɟiːɾʲə / ˈɟiːvʲɾʲə / ˈɟɛvʲɾʲu] = winter
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	geamhradh [gʲãũrəɣ] = winter
Manx (Gaelg)	geurey [ˈɡʲeurə / ˈɡʲuːrə] = winter
Old Welsh	gaem = winter
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	gayaf = winter
Welsh (Cymraeg)	gaeaf [ˈɡeɨ̯av / ˈɡei̯av] = winter
Old Cornish	goyf = winter
Cornish (Kernewek)	gwav / gwâv = winter
Old Breton	guoiam = winter
Middle Breton	gouaff = winter
Breton (Brezhoneg)	goañv [ˈɡwãw / ˈɡwã] = winter

Etymology, from the Proto-Indo-European *ǵʰyem- (winter, year, frost, snow) [source].

Words marked with a * are reconstructions.

The names of the seasons, days and seasons in Celtic languages

Sources: Wiktionary, Am Faclair Beag, Online Manx Dictionary, Teanglann.ie, Geiriadur Prifysgol Cymru, Gerlyver Kernewek

Salmon

30th October 202030th October 2020 By Simon

Words for salmon in the Celtic languages. The species of salmon most common found around Celtic speaking lands is the Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar). Other species of salmon are available.

There are three words for salmon in Proto-Celtic: *esoxs / *esāk, *φenk-īnjo and *φorko. Only the first one has descendents in the modern Celtic languages.

Proto-Celtic	esoxs / esāk = salmon
Gallaecian	*īsis = salmon
Gaulish	*esoks = salmon
Old Irish (Goídelc)	eo [eːo̯] = salmon
Irish (Gaeilge)	eo [oː / ɔː] = salmon; noble being, prince
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	eò [jɔː] = salmon (archaic) eog = salmon
Proto-Brythonic	*esāx = salmon
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	ehawc = salmon
Welsh (Cymraeg)	eog [ˈɛ.ɔɡ / ˈeː.ɔɡ] = salmon, sea-trout, sewin, samlet
Old Cornish	ehoc = salmon
Cornish (Kernewek)	eghek = salmon
Middle Breton	eheuc = salmon
Breton (Brezhoneg)	eog = salmon

Etymology: possibly from the Proto-Indo-European *peysḱ- (fish).

Old Irish (Goídelc)	bratán = salmon
Irish (Gaeilge)	bradán [bˠɾˠəˈd̪ˠaːn̪ˠ / ˈbˠɾˠad̪ˠaːnˠ / ˈbˠɾˠɑd̪ˠɑnˠ] = salmon
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	braden [bradan] = salmon
Manx (Gaelg)	braddan = salmon

Etymology: from the Old Irish brat (captivity, bondage, robbery) and án (diminutive suffix).

Welsh (Cymraeg)	samon / samwn = salmon
Cornish (Kernewek)	sowman = salmon
Breton (Brezhoneg)	somon = salmon

Etymology: from the English salmon, from the Middle English samoun, samon, saumon (salmon), from the Anglo-Norman saumon (salmon), from the Old French saumon, from the Latin salmō (salmon), either from the Proto-Celtic *esoxs / *esāk, or from the Latin saliō (to leap).

Sources: Wiktionary, Am Faclair Beag, MacBain’s Dictionary, In Dúil Bélrai English – Old-Irish Glossary, teanglann.ie, On-Line Manx Dictionary, Geiriadur Prifysgol Cymru, Gerlyver Kernewek, Dictionnaire Favereau, TermOfis

Owls

21st September 202022nd September 2020 By Simon

Words for owls in Celtic languages.

Old Irish (Goídelc)	ulchobc(h)án / ulchubc(h)án = owl
Irish (Gaeilge)	ulchabhán / ulcachán = (barn) owl (Tyto alba) ulchabhán donn = tawny/brown owl (Strix aluco) ulchabhán réisc / ulchabhán chluasgearr = short-eared owl (Asio flammeus)
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	ullaid [ul̪ˠadʲ] = (barn) owl ullaid-sgreuch = barn owl
Manx (Gaelg)	hullad = owl hullad vane / hullad soailt = barn owl hullad ghoan = tawny/brown owl hullad eairkagh = long-eared owl (Asio otus) hullad ny gurreeyn = short-eared owl
Cornish (Kernewek)	oula / ula = owl ula gwynn = barn owl ula kernek = long-eared owl ula gwenn = short-eared owl

Etymology: probably of imitative origin

Irish (Gaeilge)	cailleach oíche = barn owl
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	cailleach-oidhche [kal̪ʲəxˈɤ̃ĩçə] = (tawny) owl, spiritless fellow cailleach-oidhche gheal = barn owl
Manx (Gaelg)	caillagh oie = barn owl, white owl

Etymology: means literally “night crone/witch”

Irish (Gaeilge)	ceann cait = long-eared owl
Manx (Gaelg)	kione kiyt = long-eared owl

Etymology: means literally “cat head”

Proto-Celtic	*kawannos = owl
Gaulish	*cauannos = owl
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	comhachag [kõ.əxag] = owl comhachag-ruadh / comhachag-dhonn = tawny/brown owl comhachag-adharcach = long-eared owl comhachag-chluasach = short-eared owl
Welsh (Cymraeg)	cuan = owl
Cornish (Kernewek)	kowan [ˈkɔwan / ˈkɔwɐn] = owl
Old Breton	couann = owl
Breton (Brezhoneg)	kaouenn = owl kaouenn penn-tev = tawny/brown owl

Etymology: from the Proto-Indo-European *kaw- (owl) – of imitative origin. Related to the Latin căvannus (night owl) [source].

Welsh (Cymraeg)	tylluan [təˈɬɨ̞.an / təˈɬiː.an] = owl tylluan wen / tylluan ysgubor = barn owl tylluan frech / tylluan felynddu / tylluan y coed / tylluan lwyd / tylluan rudd / y dylluan fig = tawny/brown owl
Breton (Brezhoneg)	toud penn-kazh = long-eared owl toud-lann = short-eared owl

Etymology: probably of imitative origin. I’m not sure if these words are cognate.

Breton (Brezhoneg)	grell voutin = barn owl

Etymology: unknown

Welsh (Cymraeg)	gwdihŵ [ɡʊdɪˈhuː] = owl gwdihŵ frech / gwdihŵ goch = tawny/brown owl

Etymology: probably of imitative origin

The owls included here are commonly found in Celtic-speaking lands. Other types of owls are available.

Swans

1st August 202017th April 2023 By Simon

Words for swan (cygnus) in Celtic languages.

Proto-Celtic	*eli- = swan
Gaulish	ala = swan alauda = skylark
Old Irish (Goídelc)	elu = swan
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	ela(e) = swan
Irish (Gaeilge)	eala [ˈalˠə] = swan ealach = frequented by swans eala bhalbh = mute swan (Cygnus olor) eala ghlorach = whooper swan (Cygnus cygnus)
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	eala [jal̪ˠə] = swan eala bhàn = mute swan eala fhiadhaich = whooper swan ealag, eala-ghlas = cygnet, young swan eala-bheag = Bewick’s (tundra) swan (Cygnus columbianus bewickii)
Manx (Gaelg)	olla, ollay = (mute) swan ollay chiaulee = whooper swan eean olla = cygnet
Proto-Brythonic	alarkos = swan
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	alarch = swan
Welsh (Cymraeg)	alarch [ˈalarχ/ˈaːlarχ] = swan, the constellation Cygnus alarchaidd = pertaining to a swan, swanlike alarchen = cygnet alarches = female swan alarchwedd = swanlike alarch dôf, alarch mud = mute swan alarch y gogledd, alarch chwibanol, alarch gwyllt = whooper swan
Old Cornish	elerch = swan
Middle Cornish (Cernewec)	elerch = swan
Cornish (Kernewek)	alargh = (mute) swan
Middle Breton (Brezonec)	alarc’h = swan alarc’hez = female cygnet
Breton (Brezhoneg)	alarc’h = swan alarc’h roueel = mute swan alarc’h-kristilh = whooper swan

Etymology: from the Proto-Indo-European *h₁el- (swan, bird, waterfowl) [source].

Words from the same Proto-Celtic root include alondra (lark) in Spanish, alouette (lark) in French, and allodola (skylark) in Italian. They were probably borrowed from the Gaulish alauda (skylark), from ala (swan) [Source].

Words from the same PIE root include auk (swan) in English, alke (auk) in Danish and Norwegian, and álka (razorbill) in Faroese and Icelandic [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, Dictionaire Favereau, TermOfis, English – ProtoCeltic WordList (PDF), Etymological Dictionary Of Proto Celtic

Hens & Chickens

16th June 202019th June 2023 By Simon

Words for hen, chicken and related things in Celtic languages:

Proto-Celtic	*kerkā = hen
Old Irish (Goídelc)	cerc [kʲerk] = hen, female bird
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	cerc [kʲerk] = hen, female bird
Irish (Gaeilge)	cearc [kaɾˠk] = hen, female bird cearcach = gallinaceous (relating to, or resembling the domestic fowl)
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	cearc [kʲɛrxg] = hen, chicken; poultry; female crab or lobster cearc-uisge = moorhen cearc-Fhrangach = turkey cearc-fhraoich = female red grouse, moorhen cearcach = of, or belonging to a hen or hens
Manx (Gaelg)	kiark = fowl, hen, hen bird, female bird kiark

Etymology: from the Proto-Indo-European *ḱer- (to grow, nourish) [source]. These words are possibly related to words for heron and crane in Celtic languages.

English words from the same root include cereal, create, increase, creature, crew and crescent [source].

Proto-Celtic	*yarā = chicken
Gaulish	Iaros = personal name
Old Irish (Goídelc)	eirín = pullet, young hen
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	eréne, éirín(e) = chicken, chick, pullet
Irish (Gaeilge)	eireog = pullet, chicken; young girl, tiny woman
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	eireag [erʲag] = pullet, young chick(en) (between 8 months and 1 year old)
Manx (Gaelg)	earrag = pullet, poult
Old Welsh	iar = hen
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	yar = hen yeyr, yeir = domestic fowls, chickens yares = flock of chichens ieirdy = hen-house, hen-coop
Welsh (Cymraeg)	iâr [jaːr] = hen, hen-bird ieir = domestic fowls, chickens iarbren = perch for hens, hen-roost iardy, ieirdy = hen-house, hen-coop iares = flock of chichens iargyw = chichen, young fowl ieirwr = poulterer
Middle Cornish (Cernewec)	iar, yar = hen, female bird
Cornish (Kernewek)	yar = chicken, hen yar frankres = free-range hen yar gowellys = battery hen yar Gyni = turkey bregh/brygh yar = chicken pox yarji = chichen coop, hen house
Middle Breton (Brezonec)	yar, iar = chicken, hen
Breton (Brezhoneg)	yar = chicken, hen

Etymology: unknown

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

Celtiadur

Exploring connections between Celtic languages

Category: Gaulish

Strawberries

Bridges

Peaks

Water

Frosty Ice

Seasons

Salmon

Owls

Swans

Hens & Chickens