Towns and Tribes

15th April 201910th March 2023 By Simon

Words for dwelling, settlement, town, tribe and related things in Celtic languages.

Proto-Celtic	*trebā = dwelling
Gaulish	Atrebates = name of a tribe
Old Irish (Goídelc)	treb = house, farm; household; tribe
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	treb = house, farm; household; tribe
Irish (Gaeilge)	treibh [ˈtʲɾʲɛv] = house, homestead, farmstead; household, family; tribe, race
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	treabh [tro] = farming village treubh [treːv] = tribe
Proto-Brythonic	*treβ [ˈtrɛːβ] = town, settlement
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	tref [ˈtrɛːβ] = town, settlement trefad, trevad, treuad, treuat = dwelling(-place), habitation trefan, treuan = small town or city, village, dwelling, abode, manor-house, fort
Welsh (Cymraeg)	tre(f) [treː(v)] = town; town centre; dwelling(-place), habitation, residence, home; house (and surrounding land), homestead, farm, estate, cluster of houses; township; tribe trefad = dwelling(-place), habitation, residence, home, region, domain trefaf, trefu= to dwell, live, settle trefan = small town or city, village, dwelling, abode, manor-house, fort
Middle Cornish (Cernewec)	tre, trev = dwelling place, homestead, home, town tregva, trigva = dwelling place, habitation trevedic = one from a country village, a country man, rustic
Cornish (Kernewek)	tre [trɛ:/tre:] = farmstead, home, town, village trigva = abode, address, dwelling, resdidence trigys = settled, to reside, live
Old Breton	treff, treb = town, settlement
Middle Breton (Brezonec)	tre, trev = town
Breton (Brezhoneg)	trev = town trevour = civil

Etymology: From the Proto-Indo-European *treb- (dwelling, settlement) [source].

Words from the same Proto-Celtic root (via Latin) possibly include trobo (beehive, skep) in Galician, and truébanu (beehive, barrel, basket) in Asturian [source].

This is also the root of the archaic English word thorp(e) (a group of houses standing together in the country; a hamlet; a village), which appears in place names such as Milnthorpe and Scunthorpe.

Related words in other languages include Dorf (hamlet, village, town) in German, torp (village) in Danish, torp (farm, cottage, croft) in Swedish, þorp (village, farm) in Icelandic, and trevë (country, region, village) in Albanian [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

Lord, Ruler

9th April 201920th January 2024 By Simon

Words for lord, master, ruler and related words in Celtic languages.

Words marked with a * are reconstructions.

Proto-Celtic	tigerno(s) = lord, master tigernākos = lordly, ruler
Gaulish	Tigernum = placename
Primitive Irish	ᚈᚔᚌᚔᚏᚅ (tigirn) = lord
Old Irish (Goídelc)	tigerna = lord tigernas = lordship
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	tigerna = sovereignty, lord, superior, chief tigernach, tigernaide, tigernamail = lordly tigernaid = rules tigernaigid = to rule, dominate tigernas = lordship, dominion, possession, power, dominance tigernatas = lordship, dominion
Irish (Gaeilge)	tiarna [ˈtʲiəɾˠn̪ˠə] = lord, master, ruler tiarnaigh = to rule, dominate tiarnas = lordship, rule, dominion, domain tiarnúil = lordly, masterful, overbearing, domineering, cheeky tiarnúlacht = lordliness, overbearingness, domination, cheekiness aintiarna = despotic lord, tyrant aintiarnas = tyranny bantiarna = lady
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	tighearna [tʲi.əɾˠn̪ˠə] = lord, The Lord, laird, chief, ruler, baronet, master, superior tighearnach, tighearnail = lordly, magisterial tighearnas = lordship, dominion, peerage aintighearna = despot, oppressor, tyrant aintighearnas = oppression, tyranny baintighearna = lady
Manx (Gaelg)	çhiarn [ˈtʃaːrn] = laird, lord, peer çhiarnaght = dominion, lordship çhiarnys = domain, domination, dominion, lordship, manor, peerage ben çhiarn = lady
Proto-Brythonic	tɨɣern = lord, ruler tɨɣernọg = lordly, noble
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	teyrn, tegyrn = lord, master teyrneit, teyrneidd, têyrnaidd = monarchical, royal, kinglike, princely, majestic, dignified tyrnas, ternas, teyrnas, teernas, teÿnas = monarchy, kingdom, realm, dominion tyrnasa, tëyrnasa, teyrnasa = to reign (over), rule, govern tëyrnasaidd = monarchical, royal, dignified
Welsh (Cymraeg)	teyrn [teɨ̯rn / tei̯rn] = monarch, sovereign, king, prince, lord, ruler, leader, dictator, tyrant, royal teyrnach, teyrnachaeth = royal line, dynasty teyrnaidd = monarchical, royal, kinglike, princely, majestic, dignified teyrnas = monarchy, kingdom, realm, dominion teyrnasaf, teyrnasu = to reign (over), rule, govern teyrnasaidd = monarchical, royal, dignified
Middle Cornish (Cerenwec)	mychtern = king
Cornish (Kernewek)	machdeyrn = king
Old Breton (Brethonoc)	tiarn, tiern = lord, master *tiarnoc = lordly, noble
Middle Breton (Brezonec)	tyèrn, tiern = prince, sovereign
Breton (Brezhoneg)	tiern [ˈtiː.ɛrn] = prince, sovereign

Etymology: possibly from Proto-Celtic *tiger (raid, raiding party) and *-inos (of, pertaining to). *Tigerno(s) may originally have meant something like “the chief of the raiding party” [source].

The name Vortigern from the same roots, as do versions in Welsh, Gwrtheyrn and Breton, Gourziern [source].

More about words for Kings and Queens.

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, Lexicon Cornu-britannicum: A Dictionary of the Ancient Celtic Language of Cornwall, Dictionaire Favereau, TermOfis, Le dictionnaire diachronique du breton, Etymological Dictionary Of Proto Celtic

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

Poet, bard

26th March 20192nd April 2019 By Simon

Words for poet, bard in Celtic languages.

Proto-Celtic	*bardos = poet, bard
Old Irish (Goídelc)	bard [bar͈d] = poet, bard
Irish (Gaeilge)	bard [bˠɑːɾˠd̪ˠ / bˠæːɾˠd̪ˠ] = poet, bard, scold
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	bàrd [b̊aːɹʃd̪̊] = rhymer, poet, versifier (traditionally ranked below the seven grades of filidh), bard
Manx (Gaelg)	bard = poet, bard
Proto-Brythonic	*barð [ˈbarð] = poet, bard
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	bardd = poet, bard
Welsh (Cymraeg)	bardd [ˈbarð] = poet, bard, literary person, author, prophet, philosopher, priest
Old Cornish	barth = poet, bard
Cornish (Kernewek)	bardh [barð / bærð] = poet, bard
Middle Breton	barz = poet, bard
Breton (Brezhoneg)	barzh = poet, bard

Etymology
From the Proto-Indo-European *gʷerH- (to approve, praise) [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

Cowherd, boy, child

25th March 201929th October 2022 By Simon

Words for cowherd, boy, child and related people in Celtic languages.

Proto-Celtic	*boukolyos = cowherd
Old Irish (Goídelc)	búachaill [ˈbuːa̯xil͈ʲ] = cowherd, herder, herdsman
Irish (Gaeilge)	buachaill [ˈbˠuəxɪlʲ] = boy, young unmarried; herdboy, herdsman; man-servant, male employee; lad buachailleacht = herding (cattle)
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	buachaille, buachaill [buəçɪl̪ʲ(ə)] = herder, herdsman, cowherd, shepherd, youth buachailleachd [buəxɪl̪ʲəxg] = herding, watching cattle, invigilation buachailleadh [buəxɪl̪ʲəɣ] = to herd, watch cattle buachailleach [buəxɪl̪ʲəx] = pastoral
Manx (Gaelg)	bochilley = shepherd, herdsman bochillagh = herd, pastoral bochillaghey = to herd bochillaght = drove, herd, look after, shepherd, pastoral
Proto-Brythonic	*bʉgöl [bʉˈɡøːl] = herdsman
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	blucelid, bukeyl, bugeil = herdsman, shepherd
Welsh (Cymraeg)	bugail [ˈbɪɡai̯l / ˈbiːɡai̯l] = herdsman, shepherd, guardian, keeper, leader, defender; bishop, priest, pastor, minister bugeil(i)aeth = pastoral care, shepherd’s watch, pastorate, ministry bugeilio = to shepherd, tend cattle, watch, keep guard, act as a pastor, minister bugeil(i)aidd = pastoral, pertaining to a shepherd, shepherdly, ministerial
Middle Cornish (Cernewec)	bugel, begel, bigel, bygel = herdsman, shepherd, pastor
Cornish (Kernewek)	bugel = pastor, shepherd bugeles = pastor, shepherd(ess) bugelya = to herd
Middle Breton	bugel, buguel, bugale = child, shepherd bugelek = childlike, childish bugelel = infantile bugelez = shepherdess, herdswoman bugeliañ = to keep, guard (animals)
Breton (Brezhoneg)	bugel = child

Etymology
From the Proto-Indo-European gʷowkólos, from *gʷṓws (cow) and *kʷel- (to revolve, move around, sojourn) [source]. English words from the same roots include beef, bovine, bucolic, buffalo, butter and cow [source].

Here’s the Irish song Buachaill On Eirne (Boy from the Erne):

Here’s the Irish folk song Na Buachaillí Álainn (The Beautiful Lads):

Both songs are sung by Clannad, whose name comes from the same roots as the words below, and who get me interested in learn Irish songs and language.

Old Irish (Goídelc)	cland [klan͈d] = children, family, offspring, plant clannmar [ˈklan͈ṽar] = prolific
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	clann = plant, planting, off-shoot, produce, children, family, offspring, descendents, race, clan clannach = having many children, prolific, fruitful, productive, abundant
Irish (Gaeilge)	clann [kl̪ˠɑun̪ˠ/kl̪ˠɑːn̪ˠ/kl̪ˠan̪ˠ] = children, offspring, race, descendents, clan, followers, plant, lock (of hair) clannach = having many children, prolific, luxuriant clannaigh = to plant, procreate, luxuriate clannú = procreation planda [pl̪ˠaun̪ˠd̪ˠə] = plant, scion plandaigh = to plant plandáil = plantation plandóg = shapely, comely woman; young plant
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	clann [kl̪ˠaun̪ˠ] = children, offspring, progeny, clan, lock of hair, curl clannail [kl̪ˠan̪ˠal] = fruitful, prolific, abounding in locks, curls, curly, shining, sleek, luxurious clanmhor [kl̪ˠãũn̪ˠvər] = fruitful, prolific plannt [pl̪ˠãũn̪ˠd] = plant
Manx (Gaelg)	cloan [klɔːn] = children, descendent, family circle plant = plant plantal = to plant
Old Welsh	plant = children, young people, offspring
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	plant = children, young people, offspring
Welsh (Cymraeg)	plant [plant] = children, young people, offspring, progeny, descendents, followers, disciples, servants plentyn = child, young person, etc panta(f) = to beget or bear (children), procreate, breed plantaidd = childlike, innocent
Middle Cornish (Cernewec)	plans = plant plansa = to plant
Cornish (Kernewek)	plans = plant plansa = to plant, stick
Middle Breton	plantenn, planten, plantenn = plant, beautiful woman plantenniñ = to take root, to layer planter = planter planterez = planting
Breton (Brezhoneg)	plantenn = plant

Etymology: from the Latin planta (vegetable, sprout, shoot, twig, shrub), possibly from the Proto-Indo-European *pleh₂- (flat) [source]. English words from the same roots include clan (via Irish and/or Scottish Gaelic) and plant (via Middle and Old English) [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

Sons

17th March 201927th April 2022 By Simon

Words for son in Celtic languages.

My sister and her son (my nephew)

Proto-Celtic	*makʷos [ˈma.kʷos] = son
Primitive Irish	ᚋᚐᚊᚔ (maqi), ᚋᚐᚊᚊᚔ (maqqi), ᚋᚐᚊ (maq), ᚋᚐᚉᚉᚔ (macci) = son
Old Irish (Goídelc)	macc [mak] = boy, bond, surety macc foesma = adoptive son macc muine = love child macc raite = illegimate child macc tíre = wolf (“son of the land”)
Irish (Gaeilge)	mac [mˠɑk / mˠaːk / mˠak] = son, descendent, boy mac dearthár = nephew (brother’s son) mac deirféar = nephew (sister’s son) mac mic = grandson (son’s son) mac iníne = grandson (daughter’s son) mac uchta = favourite son, pet; adopted son mac Dé = the Son of God mac léinn = student (“son of the learning”) mac rí = prince mac tíre = wolf (“son of the land”) macacht = childhood, youthful state macán = little son, young boy, youngster, pet child macánta = childlike, gentle, meek, mild; honest macántacht = boyhood, childhood; gentleness, meekness, mildness; honesty macaomh = young person, youth, boy macaomhact = youth, youthfulness; youthful beauty garmhac = grandson, adopted son, sister’ son leasmhac = stepson
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	mac [maxg] = son, offspring mac-bràthar = nephew (brother’s son) mac-peathar = nephew (sister’s son) mac-céile = stepson mac-màthar = everyone, every man mac-mallachd = the Devil mac an duine = mankind, human being macail [maxgal] = filial, affectionate mac Dhé = the Son of God mac-tìre = wolf (“son of the land”)
Manx (Gaelg)	mac = son mac braarey = nephew (brother’s son) mac shayrey = nephew (sister’s son) mac braar ayrey = first cousin (father’s brother’s son) mac braar mayrey = first cousin (mother’s brother’s son) oe mac = grandson lhiass vac = stepson mac mollaght, mac imshee = devil
Gaulish	mapos = son
Proto-Brythonic	*mab [ˈmaːb] = son
Old Welsh	map = son
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	map = son
Welsh (Cymraeg)	mab [maːb] = boy, son, infant, child, minor, youth; descendant; man, male mab anweddog, mab gwedde = bachelor mab bedydd = godson mab caru = lover, suitor mab cynnwys = adopted son Mab Duw = the Son of God mab (y) dyn = man, human being, living soul mab mam = mother’s son, human being, living soul mab maeth = foster son, foster child mab yng nghyfraith = son-in-law, stepson maban = baby, infant, young child, little boy, young son
Old Cornish	mab, map = son
Cornish (Kernewek)	mab [ma:b / mæ:b] = son, male child, boy mab meythrin = foster son mab wynn = grandson mab den = humankind mab an pla = devil, annoying man maban, meppik = little son
Old Breton	map, mab = son
Middle Breton	mab = son
Breton (Brezhoneg)	mab = son mab henañ = older son mab yaouañ = younger son mab-kaer, mabeg = son-in-law mab-bihan = grandson mab-den= son of man mab-lagad= pupil (of the eye) mabel = filial

Etymology
From the Proto-Indo-European *mh₂ḱwos, from *meh₂ḱ- (to raise, grow) [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

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

Troop, host, throng

19th February 20194th November 2022 By Simon

Today we’re looking at troop, host, throng and related word in Celtic languages.

Proto-Celtic	*slougos = troop, army
Gaulish	*slugi = troop, army
Old Irish (Goídelc)	slóg, slúag = army, host; throng, crowd, company, assembly
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	slúagh = army, host; throng, crowd, company, assembly
Irish (Gaeilge)	slua [sˠl̪ˠuə] = host, force, army; crowd, multitude, throng sluaghán = slogan sluamhar = having large forces, multitudinous slógadh = mobilization, hosting
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	sluagh [sl̪ˠuəɣ] = folk, people, populace; the fairy host; crowd sluaghmhor = populous, densely, inhabited sluagh-ghairm = slogan an sluagh cumanta = the common folk sluagh na sìthe = the fairies (poetic) sluagh Innse Fàil = the people of Ireland (poetic)
Manx (Gaelg)	sleih = commonalty, crowd, family, inhabitants, people, populace, public, relations sleih gerrym = slogan
Proto-Brythonic	*lʉɣ [ˈlʉːɣ] = troop
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	llu, llv = host, throng, multitude
Welsh (Cymraeg)	llu [ɬɨː / ɬiː] = host, a large number (of people), a great many, multitude, throng, crowd, flock (of birds); army, body of armed men, regiment lluaf, lluo = to throng, crowd, flock together, gather, bring together lluarth = military camp lluarthaf, lluarthu = to pitch camp, encamp, camp heddlu = police
Old Cornish	lu = army
Middle Cornish (Cernewec)	lu = a great multitude, host, army
Cornish (Kernewek)	lu [ly: / liˑʊ] = army, military, troop morlu, lu lestri = navy
Old Breton	lu = army
Middle Breton (Brezonec)	lu = army morlu = navy
Breton (Brezhoneg)	lu = army aerlu = airforce morlu = navy

Etymology: from the Proto-Indo-European *slowgʰos / *slowgos (entourage), which is also the root of the English word slew [source].

The English word slogan comes from the Scottish Gaelic sluagh-ghairm [ˈsɫ̪uəɣɤɾʲəm] (battle cry) from the Old Irish slóg/slúag (army, host, throng, crowd), and gairm (call, cry, crow, proclamation) [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

Person, people, human

18th February 201922nd July 2022 By Simon

Words for person, people and related words in Celtic languages.

Proto-Celtic	*gdonyos = person
Old Irish (Goídelc)	duine [ˈdunʲe] = person duineta = human dóenacht [ˈdoːi̯naxt] = humanity
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	duine = human, human being, man, mankind, person
Irish (Gaeilge)	duine [ˈd̪ˠɪnʲə] = human being, man, mankind, person, people, one duineata = human, kindly duineatacht = humaneness, kindliness duiniúil = human, natural, kindly duiniúlacht = humanity, kindliness
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	duine [dɯn̪ʲə] = fellow, person, man, husband, (any)one daonnachd [dɯːn̪ˠəxg] = humanity, charity, benevolence, liberality, hospitality duine-uasal = gentleman
Manx (Gaelg)	dooinney [ˈd̪uːnʲə] = human, man, fellow, husband deiney = human, man, menfolk dooinnalys = humanity, human nature dooinnidaght = humaneness
Proto-Brythonic	*dün [ˈdyːn] = human, person
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	din, dyn = man, human being
Welsh (Cymraeg)	dyn [dɨːn / diːn] = man, human being; person, one, anyone; mankind, the human race; manservant, vassal; manly or competent person dynes [ˈdənɛs] = woman dynegwr, dynegydd = anthropologist dynfarch [ˈdənvarχ] = centaur dyneidd(i)o = to render man-like or human, personify, humanize, civilize, tame, refine dyneiddiol = humanistic, humanitarian, humanizing, civilizing
Old Cornish	den = man, person
Cornish (Kernewek)	den [dɛ:n / de:n] = man, guy, human, person dengerenjedhek, dengerensedhek = humanitarian denladh = homicide, manslaughter denladhyas = assassin, killer, murderer denses = humanity
Old Breton	den / don = man, person
Middle Breton	den = man, person
Breton (Brezhoneg)	den [ˈdẽːn] = human being, person, man, husband

Etymology: from the Proto-Indo-European *dʰéǵʰom-yo- (earthling, human), from *dʰéǵʰōm (earth), which is also the root of the English words human, humus and (bride)groom [source].

Old Irish (Goídelc)	popul [ˈpobul] = people; tribe, nation, inhabitants; folk; populace, crowd
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	popul = people
Irish (Gaeilge)	pobal [ˈpˠɔbˠəlˠ / ˈpˠʌbˠəlˠ] = people, community; parish, congregation; population pobalscoil = community school poblacht = republic poblachtach = republican teach pobail = church, chapel teange an phobail = vernacular
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	poball [pobəl̪ˠ] = folk, people; community; laity, lay people poballach [pobəl̪ˠəx] = popular, populous poblachd [pɔbl̪ˠəxg] = republic
Manx (Gaelg)	pobble = people, population, community, folk, congregation, masses pobbylagh = public, populous pobblaght = republic
Proto-Brythonic	*pobl = people
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	pobyl = people
Welsh (Cymraeg)	pobl [ˈpʰɔbl̩ˠ / ˈpʰɔbl̩] = people, public, nation, tribe, crowd, inhabitants pybl = people, the common person, folk poblog = populous, peopled, populated; popular, acceptable; common poblogaeth = population, populousness poblogedig = populated, inhabited poblogeiddio = to popularize poblogi = to populate, people, inhabit; to popularize
Old Cornish	popel = people
Cornish (Kernewek)	pobel = people pobla = to populate poblans = population poblansorieth = demographics poblansoriethek = demographic
Breton (Brezhoneg)	pobl = people, multitude

Etymology: from the Latin populus (people, nation, community), from the Proto-Italic *poplos (army) [source].

Words marked with a * are reconstructions.

To Carry / Flow

11th February 201911th February 2019 By Simon

Words for to carry / flow in Celtic languages.

Proto-Celtic	bereti = to carry
Old Irish (Goídelc)	beirid [ˈbʲerʲiðʲ] = to carry
Irish (Gaeilge)	beir [bʲɛɾʲ] = to bear, give birth, lay, bear away, bring, take (verb noun = béarfaidh)
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	beir [berʲ] = to take hold, bring forth, bear, produce (verb noun = breith)
Manx (Gaelg)	behr = to bear (give birth to) (verb noun: brey)
Proto-Brythonic	*bėrɨd [be̝ˈrɨːd] = to flow, carry
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	beru = to flow, drip; drizzle
Middle Breton	beraff = to flow
Breton (Brezhoneg)	berañ = to drip, drain, wring out; to flow, run

Etymology: possibly related to the Proto-Indo-European *bʰéreti (to be carrying) [source].

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

Celtiadur

Exploring connections between Celtic languages

Category: Middle Breton (Brezonec)

Towns and Tribes

Lord, Ruler

Kings and Queens

Poet, bard

Cowherd, boy, child

Sons

Man / Husband

Troop, host, throng

Person, people, human

To Carry / Flow