Wild

22nd June 202124th June 2021 By Simon

Words for wild and related words, in Celtic languages.

Proto-Celtic	wēdus/weido- [ˈweː.dus] = wild *weido-mokku- wild pig
Old Irish (Goídelc)	fíad [fʲiːa̯ð] = wasteland, wilderness; uncultivated land, territory, land
Irish (Gaeilge)	fia [fʲiːɾˠ] = waste, wilderness; land, territory fiabheatha = wildlife fiáin = wild, uncultivated, undomesticated, uncontrolled, tempestuous, intensely eager fiánta = wild, fierce, savage fiántas = wildness, fierceness, savageness; wilderness fiata = wild, fierce, angry; shy fiatacht = wildness, fierceness, sternness, anger fiatúil = wild, coarse, rough
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	fiadh [fiəɣ] = lord; wildness, wilderness (archaic) fiadhan [fiə.an] = wildness, shyness, feral fiadhaich [fiə.ɪç] = untamed, uncultivated, wild; fierce; off (food & drink); extremely fiadhaichead [fiə.ɪçəd] = savageness, wildness, savagery fiadhain [fia.ɛn̯ʲ] = wild, untamed fiadhtachd [fiəhdəxg] = wildness, fierceness faoileachail [fɯːləxal] = wild, savage
Manx (Gaelg)	feie = natural, wild, savage faasagh = wild, desolate, wilderness, waste place, desert feiar, feiaragh = savage
Proto-Brythonic	*guɨð = wild
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	gŵydd, gvyd = rude (uncultivated), savage, wild
Welsh (Cymraeg)	gŵydd [ɡuːɨ̯ð/ɡʊi̯ð] = wild, untamed, savage, untilled, uncultivated, woody, overgrown, desolate, desert; unploughed land, fallow land
Old Cornish	guir = wild
Middle Cornish	gwyr, guyr = wild
Cornish (Kernewek)	goodh = wild
Old Breton	guoid, guoed = wild
Middle Breton	goez = wild
Breton (Brezhoneg)	gouez = wild, fierce, ferocious, brutal, rustic

Etmology: possibly from the Proto-Indo-European *weydʰ- (wood, wilderness). Words for Gael(ic) come from the same root [source].

Disambiguation
There are several words in Welsh similar to gŵydd, each of which has different meanings and origins:

gŵydd = wild, untamed, savage
gŵydd = presence, sight, face, from the Proto-Celtic *wēdos (sight, presence) [source]
gŵydd = goose, simpleton. From the Proto-Celtic *gesdā (goose) [source]
gŵydd = grave, sepulchre, burial-mound, tumulus. Possibly related to gwŷdd (tree), or to gŵydd (wild)
gwŷdd/gŵydd = knowledge, science. Related to gwybod (to know)
gwŷdd = tree(s), branches, twigs, forest, woods, shrub(s), lineage. From the Proto-Celtic *widus (wood, trees) [more details]
gwëydd/gwehydd/gwŷdd = weaver, composer of poetry, weaver of songs. From gwau (to weave), from the Proto-Celtic *wegyeti (to weave) [source]

Proto-Celtic	*gʷeltis wild
Old Irish (Goídelc)	geilt [fʲiːa̯ð] = wasteland, wilderness; uncultivated land, territory, land
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	geilt/gelt = madman, lunatic
Irish (Gaeilge)	gealt [ɟal̪ˠt̪ˠ] = crazy person, lunatic; panic-stricken person, naked fugitive gealtach = crazed, insane, wild, panic-stricken person or animal gealtachas = craziness, lunacy, panic, terror gealtacht = lunacy, insanity, wildness, panic gealtlann = lunatic asylum gealtra = (gang of) wild, mischievous children
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	geilt [gʲeldʲ] = terror, fear, dread, skittishness gaelachan [gʲal̪ˠəxan] = lunatic tinneas na gealaich = lunacy, madness, insanity (archaic)
Manx (Gaelg)	doghanagh = ill, diseased, disoredered, morbid, sickly eayst-ghoghanagh = lunatic far-ghoghanagh = malingerer
Proto-Brythonic	*gwɨlt [ˈɡwiːr] = wild
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	guyll, gwyllt = rude (uncultivated), savage, wild
Welsh (Cymraeg)	gwyllt [ɡwɨːɬt/ɡwɪɬt] = wild, timid, untamed, angry, furious, fierce; uncultivated, uninhabited, desolate, desert; stormy, tempestuous, raging, turbulent gwylltineb = wildness, rashness, rage, fury gwylltio = to lose one’s temper, be scared, flee, grow wild gwylltaidd = wildish, turbulent, unruly, irresponsible gwylltâf/gwylltáu = to become wild, grow wild
Old Cornish	guill = wild
Cornish (Kernewek)	gwyls = wild, fierce, savage, violent gwylvos = wilderness
Old Breton	gueld = wild, untamed

Etmology: from the Proto-Indo-European *gʷʰel-t- [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)

Really True

16th June 202122nd June 2021 By Simon

Words for true and related words, in Celtic languages.

Proto-Celtic	wīros = true wīrjā-/wīrjānjā- = truth *wīrjāno- = truthful, just
Old Irish (Goídelc)	fír [fʲiːr] = true, truth fír fer = fair play fír flatha = just rule fír nDé = ordeal (true)
Irish (Gaeilge)	fíor [fʲiːɾˠ] = true, real, intense, very, ultra; noble fíoraigh = to verify fíoreolas = real knowledge fíorfhuil = pure, noble, blood fíorga = righteous fíorgacht = righteousness fíorghrá = true love
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	fìor [fiər] = true, veritable; genuine, real, actual, authentic fìreanta [fiːrʲən̪ˠdə] = true, just, righteous fìrinn [fiːrʲɪn̪ʲ] = truth, verity, fact, reality; the Gospel fìrinneach [fiːrʲɪn̪ʲəx] = true, truthful, factual, real, just, honest fìrinnich, fìreanaich = to verify, justify, exonerate fìorghlan = chaste, immaculate, pure fìor-riochdail = realistic fìor-uisge = springwater, freshwater
Manx (Gaelg)	feer = very, exceptionally, true, real, authentic, regular feeraghey, feerey, firrinaghey = to verity, affirm feeraghey, firrinaghey = to authenticate, authentication, certify, confirm feerid = truth, reality, simplicity, veracity, authenticity feer ushtey = fresh water firrinagh = authentic, candid, devout, faithful, honest, real
Proto-Brythonic	*gwir [ˈɡwiːr] = true
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	gwir, guir, gvir = true
Welsh (Cymraeg)	gwir [ɡwiːr] = true, certain, genuine, real, very, right, sure gwiriad = confirmation, verification, proof, check, assertion gwir(i)af, gwir(i)o = to prove right or correct, confirm, verify gwiriant = confirmation, verification gwirion = pure, sinless, blameless, chaste, true, faithful; weak-minded, silly, daft, foolish, unwise; simpleton, fool, idiot gwir(i)edig = verified, checked, proved, attested, confirmed gwiriedigol = positive, certain gwir golau = Right Honourable Gwir Anrhydeddus = the plain/naked/honest truth yn wir = in truth, indeed, verily cael y gwir = to get justice, get one’s due
Old Cornish	guir = true
Middle Cornish	gwyr, guyr = true
Cornish (Kernewek)	gwir = true, genuine, real, right, actual; authentic gwiryonedh, gwrionedh = truth gwiryon = truthful gwirvos = reality gwirya, gwirhe = to verify gwir-pryntya = copyright y’n gwir = really yn hwir, dhe wir = truly, really
Old Breton	gwuir = true
Breton (Brezhoneg)	gwir [ɡwiʁ] = right, true, correct; truth gwiriañ = to verify gwirionez = truth gwirvoud = reality e(n) gwir = really

Etmology: possibly from the Proto-Indo-European *weh₁ros (true) from *weh₁- (true). English words such as verdict, verity, very and warlock come from the same root [source].

Words marked with a * are reconstructions.

Apples

9th June 20219th June 2021 By Simon

Words for apples and related words, in Celtic languages.

Proto-Celtic	abalom = apple abalnā = apple tree
Gaulish	abalon, aballon = apple, apple tree
Old Irish (Goídelc)	ubull, uball [ˈu.vul͈/ˈu.val͈] = apple aball = apple tree
Irish (Gaeilge)	úll [uːl̪ˠ] = apple; ball-and-socket joint; globular object, ball úllach = bearing apples, abounding in apples úllachán = little apple, little ball (of thread, etc) úlllgharraí, úllghort, úllord = orchard úllghlas = apple-green úll óir = golden apple, precious thing abhaill = apple tree fia-úll = crab-apple
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	ubhal [u.əl̪ˠ] = apple ubhal-chrann, abhaill = apple tree ubhal-cridhe = tomato ubhal-fiadhain, fiadh-ubhal, searbh-ubhal = crab/wild apple (malus sylvestris) ubhal-ghort = apple orchard dearc-ubhal = oak apple lionn-ubhal = (apple) cider òr-ubhal = orange
Manx (Gaelg)	ooyl = apple, pommel ooylagh = orchard billey ooyl = apple tree ooyl feie = crab-apple ooyl ghraih = tomato ooyl ghraney, ooyl ghrineagh = pomegranate
Proto-Brythonic	aβal = apple aβaln = apple tree
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	aual, aval, afal = apple auallen, avallen, yfallen = apple tree
Welsh (Cymraeg)	afal [ˈaval/ˈaːval] = apple afallen = apple tree afal cariad = tomato, love-apple afal cwins = quince afal drain = haw, hawthorn berry afal gwlanog = peach afal sur (bach) = crab apple
Cornish (Kernewek)	aval [ˈaval/ˈævɐl] = apple avalen = apple tree aval briansen = larynx aval dor = potato aval gwlanek = peach aval kerenja/kerensa = tomato aval lagas = eyeball aval paradhis = grapefruit aval saben = pine cone
Old Breton	abal = apple
Middle Breton	aval [ˈɑː.val] = apple
Breton (Brezhoneg)	aval = apple avalwez = apple tree aouraval = orange greunaval = pomegranate aval-douar = potato

Etmology: possibly from the Proto-Indo-European *h₂ébōl (apple), which is also the root of words for apple in Baltic, Slavic, Celtic, Germanic and Italic languages [source].

Avalon, the legendary island in the west to which King Arthur was taken after the Battle of Camlann, probably comes from the same root, via the Latin Insula Avallonis – the name used by Geoffrey of Monmonth in his Historia Regum Britanniae (c. 1136). Avalon may have been the Isle of Man, or the Isle of Arran, which were known as Emain Ablach in Old Irish poems [source.

Words marked with a * are reconstructions.

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.

Blackberries

26th May 202128th May 2021 By Simon

Words for blackberries and related words, in Celtic languages.

Proto-Celtic	*smiyoros = berry, berries
Old Irish (Goídelc)	smér = blackberry
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	smér = blackberry
Irish (Gaeilge)	sméar [sˠmʲiaɾˠ/sˠmʲeːɾˠ] = berry, blackberry sméarach = abounding in blackberries sméardhris = blackberry bush, bramble sméara dubha = blackberries púca na sméar = fruit-destroying pooka, herald of winter
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	smeur [smiar] = bramble, blackberry, mulberry smeur-dhubh = blackberry smeur-craoibhe = mulberry smeur-loganach = loganberry smeur-Artaigeach = nagoonberry, Arctic bramble/raspberry (Rubus arcticus) craobh nan smeur = mulberry tree (Morus)
Manx (Gaelg)	smeyr = blackberry, berry smeyr ghoo = blackberry smeyr churree = cranberry smeyr fannag = crowberry smeyr loaganagh = cloudberry crouw smeyr = mulberry
Proto-Brythonic	*muɨar = blackberries, berries
Welsh (Cymraeg)	mwyar(en) [ˈmʊɨ̯.ar/ˈmʊi̯.ar] = blackberries, dewberries, brambles, briers, berries mwyara = to gather blackberries; to be idle mwyarbren = mulberry bush, blackberry bush, bramble mwyar Berwyn/ mwyar Doewan = wild raspberries, (Rubus idæus), cloudberries, (Rubus chamæmorus) mwyar y brain = bilberries, whimberries, whortleberries (Vaccinium myrtillus) mwyar y ddaear = dewberries (Rubus cæsius), cloudberries mwyar du(on) = blackberries (Rubus fruticosus) mwyar Ffrengig = mulberries, blackberries mwyar glas = dewberries mwyar Mair = mulberries, dewberries
Old Cornish	moyr(bren) = berries
Cornish (Kernewek)	mor(en) = berries mora = to gather blackberries mor du = blackberries
Old Breton	moiaroc = berries
Breton (Brezhoneg)	mouar(enn) = blackberries, berries; bramble, mulberry tree mouar du / mouar gouez = blackberries, dewberries mouar gwenn = mulberries mouar ruz = red mulberries

Etmology: unknown

Words marked with a * are reconstructions.

Heavenly Sky

19th February 202118th October 2022 By Simon

Words for sky and heaven in Celtic languages.

Proto-Celtic	*nemos = sky, heaven
Old Irish (Goídelc)	nem [n͈ʲeṽ] = heaven, sky, radiance
Irish (Gaeilge)	neamh [nʲavˠ / n̠ʲavˠ / n̠ʲaw] = heaven, sky, firmament neamhaí [n̪ʲial̪ˠ] = heavenly, celestial; droning, monotonous, apathetic
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	nèamh [n̪ʲɛ̃ːv] = heaven; firmament, the skies nèamhaidh [n̪ʲɛːvɪ] = heavenly, celestial
Manx (Gaelg)	niau = heaven niauagh = heavenly, celestial niauoil = divine, heavenly
Proto-Brythonic	*neβ̃ [ˈnɛːβ̃] = heaven, sky
Old Welsh	nem = heaven
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	new, nym, nef = heaven
Welsh (Cymraeg)	nef [neːv] = heaven, paradise; God, providence; sky, firmament nef a daear = heaven and earth
Old Cornish	nef = heaven
Cornish (Kernewek)	nev = heaven
Old Breton	nem = heaven
Middle Breton	neff = heaven
Breton (Brezhoneg)	neñv [ˈnẽ(w)] = sky, heaven

Etymology: from the Proto-Indo-European *nébʰos (cloud, mist, moisture) [source].

Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	spéir [ˈsˠkamˠəl̪ˠ] = sky,
Irish (Gaeilge)	spéir [spʲeːɾʲ] = sky, air; airiness, brightness, light; sphere, circle, orbit spéirbhean = beautiful woman, fair lady (‘sky-woman’) spéirghealach = ‘sky-brightness’, starry light spéirghlan = clear-skied spéirghorm = sky-blue spéirléas = skylight
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	speur [sbiər] = the sky, firmament, heavens, heights speur-bhean = beautiful woman (usually in myths) speur glan = clear skies speur-eòlas = star-gazery speur-shiubhal = space travel bàta-speur = airship bun-speura = skyline sgoil-speur = astronomy
Manx (Gaelg)	speyr = sky, climate speyr-ghorrym = sky-blue, cerulean speyr-oaylleeaght = aerology speyr voorjeenagh =angry (sky) speyr vreck = mackerel sky corpane speyr(ey) = heavenly body
Welsh (Cymraeg)	sffêr [neːv] = sphere, ball, globe, heavely body, sphere (of the sky)
Breton (Brezhoneg)	sphère, sfer = sphere, globe

Etymology from the Latin sphēra / sphaera (ball, globe, sphere), from the Ancient Greek σφαῖρα (sphaîra – ball, globe) [source].

Old Irish (Goídelc)	aer [ˈa.er] = air, sky
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	aidhéar, aer = air, atmosphere, sky, breath, amusement, sport
Irish (Gaeilge)	aer [eːɾˠ / eːɾˠ] = air, sky, climate, gaiety, pleasure, (musical) air, tune aerach = airy, light-hearted, gay, lively, frolicsome aerfort = airport aerghiotár = air guitar aertha = light-headed, giddy, simply-minded, silly
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	adhar [a.ər] = air, sky, heaven adharag = light breeze, aerial being adharail = ethereal, airy, aerial port-adhair = airport
Manx (Gaelg)	aer [eːə] = aeronautical, air, pneumatic, atmosphere aerag = aerial, antenna aeragh = aerated, airy, atmospheric, ethereal aeroil = airy, jaunty, volatile
Proto-Brythonic	*auɨr = air
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	awyr [ˈa.uɨ̯r] = air
Welsh (Cymraeg)	awyr [ˈau̯.ɨ̞r, ˈau̯.ɪr] = air, atmosphere, sky, firmament, (the) heavens awyraidd = aerial, celestial, atmospheric, airy, well-ventilated awyrell = balloon, airship, vent, ventilation shaft, airway awyren = aeroplane, aircraft, balloon, meteor, fan awyrennu = aviation awyro = to ventilate, air, aerate maes awyr = airport
Middle Cornish (Cernewec)	ayr, auuit, aer = air, sky
Cornish (Kernewek)	ayr = air ayrborth = airport ayrbost = airmail ayredh = climate ayrek = aerial ayrell = ventilator ayrella = to ventilate ayrellans = ventilation ayren = aeroplane
Old Breton	aer = air, strong smell, sky, appearance
Middle Breton (Brezonec)	aer, ær, ear, éér = air, strong smell, sky, appearance
Breton (Brezhoneg)	aer [ɛʁ] = air aeraer = ventilator, aerator aerañ = to ventilate, aerate aerlu = airforce

Etymology: from the Latin āēr (air), from the Ancient Greek ᾱ̓ήρ (āḗr – mist, air, wind, space, volume), from the Proto-Hellenic *auhḗr (morning mist), from the Proto-Indo-European *h₂ewsḗr, from *h₂ews- (dawn, east) [source].

Words from the same PIE root include east, Easter, aura, aurora and Australia [source].

Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	wybr, ybrev = air
Welsh (Cymraeg)	wybr [ʊɨ̯br, ʊi̯br] = sky, firmament, heaven, cloud, cataract wybraf, wybro, wybran = to wander (aimlessly), rove, look up at the sky wybraidd = pertaining to the sky or firmament, celestial, aerial. cloudy wybrwr, wybrydd = astronome, astrologer, traveller, wanderer, vagabond, rover wybryddiaeth = astronomy, astrology, meteorology
Old Cornish	huibren = sky, firmament
Middle Cornish (Cernewec)	ebron, ybron, ybbern = sky, firmament
Cornish (Kernewek)	ebron = sky
Old Breton	noabreen = sky, cloud
Middle Breton (Brezonec)	oabr = sky, cloud
Breton (Brezhoneg)	oabl [ˈwɑːpl] = sky, cloud

Etymology: unknown

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

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

Nails, Claws and Talons

12th December 202012th December 2020 By Simon

Words for nails in Celtic languages.

Proto-Celtic	*angʷīnā = (finger/toe) nail
Old Irish (Goídelc)	ingen [ˈiŋʲɡʲen] = (finger/toe) nail
Irish (Gaeilge)	ionga [ˈɔŋə] = nail, claw, talon; hoof; clove (of garlic); quid (of tabacco) ionga méire finger nail ionga ordóige = thumbnail ionga coise / ionga laidhre toenail
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	ionga [iŋgə] = (finger) nail, toenail, claw, talon, gusset
Manx (Gaelg)	ingin [ˈiŋən] = claw, nail, talon, hoof; clove (of garlic) ingin ordaag = thumbnail ingin choshey toenail
Proto-Brythonic	*ėɣwin = nail
Old Welsh	eguin = nail
Middle Welsh (Kyrmraec)	ewin = nail
Welsh (Cymraeg)	ewin [ˈɛu̯.ɪn] = nail of a finger or toe; claw or talon (of bird), claw (of carnivorous beast); division of a cloven hoof; worthless remnant; power of grip; cog of a wheel; jutting edge of rock; clove (of garlic), small piece, particle ewin bawd thumbnail ewin troed toenail
Old Cornish	euuin = fingernail
Cornish (Kernewek)	ewyn = claw, fingernail, talon, toenail; clove (of garlic)
Old Breton	eguin = fingernail
Middle Breton	euin = fingernail
Breton (Brezhoneg)	ivin [ˈboːs] = fingernail, tab

Etymology: from the Proto-Indo-European *h₃nṓgʰs ((finger/toe) nail) [source].

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.

Gulls

15th August 202011th May 2022 By Simon

Celtic words for (sea)gull, seabirds of the genus Larus or of the family Laridae.

Proto-Celtic	*wailannā = seagull
Old Irish (Goídelc)	faílenn, foílenn = seagull
Irish (Gaeilge)	faoileán, faoileog = gull, seagull faoileán bán = common gull (Larus canus) faoileán ceanndubh, faoileán an chaipín = black-headed gull (Chroicocephalus ridibundus) faoileán droma duibh = greater black-backed gull (Larus marinus) foillan scadán = (Larus argentatus)
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	faoileann [fɯːlən̪ˠ], faoileag [fɯːlag] = gull, seagull, common gull faoileann-bheag = common gull faoileann-dubh = black-headed gull faoileann a’ chinn dhuibh = greater black-backed gull faoileann-mhór = herring gull
Manx (Gaelg)	foillan, foilleig, fooilleig = gull, seagull foillan bane = common gull foillan kione doo = black-headed gull foillan saggyrt = greater black-backed gull foillan skeddan = herring gull
Proto-Brythonic	*gwuɨlann = seagull
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	gwylan = seagull
Welsh (Cymraeg)	gwylan [ˈɡʊɨ̯lan / ˈɡʊi̯lan] = sea-gull, sea-mew; fair maiden; glutton gwylan gyffredin = common gull gwylan goes goch / gwylan benddu = black-headed gull gwylan gefnddu = greater black-backed gull gwylan y penwaig = herring gull
Old Cornish	guilan = seagull
Cornish (Kernewek)	golan [ˈɡoːlan / ˈɡʊlɐn] = gull, seagull gwylan gemyn = common gull skraw / skrawik / scraw = black-headed gull gwylan keyn du = greater black-backed gull gwylan hern = herring gull
Old Breton	guilannou = seagull
Middle Breton	goelann = seagull
Breton (Brezhoneg)	gouelan = seagull gouelan loue = common gull gouelanig maskl du = black-headed gull gouelan bras = greater black-backed gull gouelan gris = herring gull

Etymology: thought to be from the Proto-Indo-European *wáy (oh! ah! woe! alas!), possibly related to *waylos (howler, wolf) [source].

The English word gull also comes from the same Proto-Celtic *wailannā, via the Middle English gulle [source].

The French word goéland (gull, herring gull) comes from the Breton gouelan [source].

Note: the types of gulls mentioned here are commonly seen in Celtic-speaking areas. Other gulls are available.

Words marked with a * are reconstructions.

Here’s a song I wrote in Manx and English about seagulls and their love of chips: Spollagyn son tey / Chips for tea

Simon Ager · Spollagyn son tey / Chips for tea

Celtiadur

Exploring connections between Celtic languages

Category: Old Breton (Brethonoc)

Wild

Really True

Apples

Strawberries

Blackberries

Heavenly Sky

Seasons

Nails, Claws and Talons

Owls

Gulls