Tin

2nd June 202217th August 2024 By Simon

Today we’re looking at the words for tin and related things in Celtic languages.

Botallack tin mine in Cornwall

Words marked with a * are reconstructions.

Proto-Celtic	*stagnos = tin
Gaulish	*stagnom = tin
Old Irish (Goídelc)	stán [mʲeːnʲ] = tin, tin vessel
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	stán, stan, sdán, sdan = tin
Irish (Gaeilge)	stán = tin, tin vessel stánach = tin-bearing, stannic stánadóir = tinner, tinsmith stánadóireacht = tin-work, (act of) tinkering stánaigh = to tin, to coat with tin, to pack in tin(s) stáncheárta = tinworks stánphláta = tin-plate stántáirgeach = tin-bearing stánúil = tinny, stannous feadóg stáin = tin whistle
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	staoin [sdɯːn̪ʲ] = tin, pewter stàin [sdɯːn̪ʲ] = tin stànadair = tinsmith, tinker staoinseil = tinsel fìdeag-staoin = tin whistle muileann-staoin = tin mill sgragall-staoine = tinfoil
Manx (Gaelg)	stainney = tin, can, tin-plate stainnagh = tin-bearing stainnaghey = to tin-plate stainneyder = tin-miner stainnit = tin-plated stainn-oshleyder, fosleyder stainney = tin-opener feddan (stainney) = tin whistle, flageolot gaaue stainney = tinner, tinsmith
Proto-Brythonic	*staɨn = tin
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	stain, ystain, staen, ystaen = tin, pewter
Welsh (Cymraeg)	(y)staen [ˈ(ə)staɨ̯n] = tin, pewter ystaenaid, staenaid = tinned, tin ystaenwr, ystaeniwr = pewterer, tinsmith
Middle Cornish (Cernewec)	stean, stên = tin stener, stynnar = a tinner, a pewterer
Cornish (Kernewek)	sten [stɛːn / steːn] = tin stenek = tin ground, stannary stenor = tinner sten du = tin ore poll sten = tin pit
Old Breton (Brethonoc)	sten = tin
Middle Breton (Brezonec)	sten, stean, staen = tin
Breton (Brezhoneg)	staen [ˈstɛːn] = tin staenañ = to tinplate staenek = stannic (of or containing tin) staenus = stannous (of or containing tin)

Etymology: probably from the Proto-Indo-European *sth₂gʰ-nó-s (standing, firm), from *steh₂-gʰ- + *-nós, from *steh₂- (to stand) [source].

The Latin word stannum (an alloy of silver and lead; tin) was borrowed from the Gaulish *stagnom, and words for tin in Romance languages developed from this, including étain in French, stagno in Italian, and estaño in Spanish [source].

The scientific abbreviation for tin is Sn, from the Latin stannum. The old Latin name for tin was plumbum candidum (white lead) [source].

Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	tiona = tin (container, metal) á tiona = tinned, from a tin crogan-tiona = tin can
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	tynn, tin, tinn = tin, tin plate
Welsh (Cymraeg)	tun, tyn = tin (metal / container), tin plate, tin can tunio, tuniaf = to tin, coat with tin, seal in a tin tun tân = blower, metal plate placed before an open fire to increase the draught tun te = tin used by workmen to carry leaf tea (and sugar) to work

Etymology: from the English tin, from the Middle English tin, tyn(e), tynne (tin), from the Old English tin (tin), from the Proto-Germanic *tiną (tin), probably from a pre-Indo-European language [source].

Words for tin in Germanic languages come from the same Proto-Germanic root, including tin in Dutch, Zinn in German, tenn in Swedish, and tinn in Norwegian, as do words for tin in some Slavic and Finno-Ugric languages [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, Gerlyvyr Cernewec, Dictionaire Favereau, TermOfis, Le dictionnaire diachronique du breton, Geriafurch, English – ProtoCeltic WordList (PDF), Etymological Dictionary Of Proto Celtic

Iron

27th May 202227th May 2022 By Simon

Today we’re looking at the words for iron and related things in Celtic languages.

Proto-Celtic	*īsarnom = iron
Old Irish (Goídelc)	íarn [iːa̯rn] = iron
Irish (Gaeilge)	iarann [ˈiəɾˠən̪ˠ] = iron (element, appliance, golf club); iron part of a tool; brass (money) amhiarann, iarnmhian = iron ore iarann rocach = corrugated iron iaranach = irons, iron implements, fetters, ploughshare iaranaigh = to put in irons, fit, cover with iron iaranaí = (made of) iron, iron-hard iaranáil = to iron (clothes) iarnmhangaire = ironmonger iarannaois = the Iron Age iarna = hardware iarnród = railway iarnúil = iron-like, ferrous
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	iarann [iər̪ˠən̪ˠ] = iron, (metal) blade; day’s worth cutting peat (for two) iarnaidh = ferrous, iron-hard, iron-coloured, stingy iarnaigeadh, iarnachadh = (act of) ironing iarnair = ironmonger iarainn-tàthainn, iarann-sobhdraidh = soldering iron iarann-dreasaigidh = clothes iron iarann mòlltaichte = cast iron iarann preasach = corrugated iron rathad-iarainn = railway
Manx (Gaelg)	yiarn = iron; tool, scythe, blade; dough (money); tip (gratuity) yiarnagh = ferric yiarnal = iron, ironing yiarneyder = ironmonger yiarnrey = hardware yiarnaghey, yiarney = to cover with iron, to iron yiarnoil = ferrous
Proto-Brythonic	*hijarn = hard, hard metal, iron
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	heirn, hyarn, heyrn, hayarnn, haearn = iron
Welsh (Cymraeg)	haearn = iron, iron bar, hardness, strength, resoluteness, hard, strong, unyielding; sword, spear, lance; iron armour, coat of mail; fetters, shackles; branding-iron, pincers; flat-iron; spur haearnaidd = like iron, ferrous; strong, hard, callous, oppressive haearneiddio = to harden, make (one) unfeeling or callous haearnol = of iron, iron-like, hard, unfeeling, rigid, stern haearnwr = ironmonger, ironworker haearn bwrw = cast iron haearn gwaith = wrought iron haearn gwrymiog = corrugated iron
Middle Cornish	heorn, horn, hôrn = iron
Cornish (Kernewek)	horn = iron hornek = ferric, iron hornell = iron (for clothes) hornella = to iron horner = ironmonger horn margh = horseshoe hyns horn = railway
Old Breton	hoiarn = iron
Middle Breton	houarnn = iron
Breton (Brezhoneg)	houarn [ˈhuː.arn] = iron; flat iron; horseshoe houarnek = ferric houarnus = ferrous houarnaj = scrap iron houarnajer = scrap merchant houarnañ = to shoe (a horse) houarn-marc’h = horseshoe houarn da zistennañ = iron (for clothes) hent-houarn = railway

Words marked with a * are reconstructions.

Etymology: probably from the Proto-Indo-European *h₁ēsh₂r̥no- (bloody, red), from *h₁ésh₂r̥ (blood) [source].

Words for iron in Germanic languages come from the same Proto-Celtic root, via the Proto-Germanic *īsarną (iron), including iron in English, ijzer in Dutch, Eisen in German, and järn in Swedish [source].

Words for blood in Romance languages come from the same PIE root, via the Latin sanguīs (blood, descent, progeny, family), including sang in Catalan and French, sangue in Italian and Portuguese, and sangre in Spanish, and also the English word sanguine (blood red; warm, optimistic, confident) [source].

Bolts and Locks

5th May 20225th May 2022 By Simon

Today we’re looking at the words for locks, bolts and related things in Celtic languages.

Proto-Celtic	*klāwos = bolt
Old Irish (Goídelc)	cló, cloë = nail, spike
Irish (Gaeilge)	cló [klˠoː] = form, shape, appearance; impression, mould; print, type; nail, spike clóbhuail = print clóchur = (type) setting clóchuradóir = type-setter clódóir = printer, dyer clódóireacht = printing; dyeing, colouring; misrepresentation clóghrafaíocht = typography clóphreas = printing press clóscríobh = typing, typewriting; to type cló-eagar = composition cló-eagraí = compositor cló-eagraigh = to compose
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	clò [kl̪ˠɔː] = cloth, woven material, tweed; print; imprint; spike, nail; peg, pin clò-bhualadh = printing, publication, printout clò-bhualadair = printer (machine & printing house) clò-ghrafachd = typography clò-sgrìobhadair = typist, typewriter clò-shuidheachadh = typesetting Clò na Hearadh = Harris Tweed cruth-clò = font
Manx (Gaelg)	clou = edition, print, printed matter, printing press, publication, type clouder = printer clougraafeeaght = typography clouscreeudeyr = typist clou doo, clou trome = bold type clou Gaelgagh = Gaelic type clou gorrym = blueprint soiaghey clou = type-setting soieder clou = type-setter
Proto-Brythonic	*klọw = bolt
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	clo, klo = lock, bolt
Welsh (Cymraeg)	clo [kloː] = lock, bolt; impediment, difficulty; brake; cluster, bunch; conclusion ar glo = locked clo clap, clo clec, clo clwt = padlock clo rheswm = conclusion cyfnod clo = lockdown tan glo (ac allwydd) = locked (up), under lock and key cload = locking, end, conclusion, closure cloadwy = lockable, locked, final cloëdig, cloiedig = locked, secure, closed, concealed, bound, confined cloi = to lock, shut, bind, clinch, conclude
Old Breton	clou = bolt
Middle Breton	clao = bolt
Breton (Brezhoneg)	klaou = gear, key, mesh

Words marked with a * are reconstructions.

Etymology from the Proto-Indo-European *kleh₂w-os (bolt, bar, hook), from *(s)kleh₂w- (hook, crook, peg) [source].

Words from the same PIE root, via the Latin clāvis (key), include: chiave (key, spanner) in Italian, clé (key, wrench, spanner) and clef (clef (in music)) in French, clef, clavicle and clavichord in English, and llave (key, spanner, wrench, tap, spigot, switch) in Spanish [source].

I can’t find a cognate word in Cornish. A lock is a strother, and a bolt is a ebil. The origins of these words are not known.

Nephews

29th April 202229th April 2022 By Simon

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

My nephew. Mo nia. Mac my shayrey. Fy nai. Ma noy. Ma niz.

Proto-Celtic	*neɸūss = nephew
Primitive Irish	ᚅᚔᚑᚈᚈᚐ (niotta) = nephew (sister’s son)
Old Irish (Goídelc)	nia [ˈn͈ʲi.a] = nephew, sister’s son
Irish (Gaeilge)	nia [n̪ʲiə] = nephew garneacht = great-nephew
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	nia [n̪ʲiə] = nephew (sister’s son)
Manx (Gaelg)	neear = nephew
Proto-Brythonic	*nei = nephew
Old Welsh	nei = nephew
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	ney, nei = nephew
Welsh (Cymraeg)	nai [nai̯] = nephew, first cousin’s son nai fab brawd = nephew (brother’s son) nai fab chwaer = nephew (sister’s son) mab nai = great-nephew naigarwch = nepotism
Middle Cornish	noi = nephew
Cornish (Kernwek)	noy = nephew
Old Breton	ny = nephew
Middle Breton	ni = nephew
Breton (Brezhoneg)	niz = nephew gourniz = great-nephew

Etymology from the Proto-Indo-European *népōts (grandson, descendent, nephew), possibly from *ne (not) and *pótis (master, lord, husband) [source].

Other words for nephew:

Irish: mac deirféar (sister’s son), mac dearthár (brother’s son)
Scottish Gaelic: mac-peathar (sister’s son), mac-bràthar (brother’s son)
Manx: mac shayrey (sister’s son), mac braarey (brother’s son)

Nieces

27th April 202226th November 2023 By Simon

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

My brother and my niece

Words marked with a * are reconstructions.

Proto-Celtic	*nextī = niece
Old Irish (Goídelc)	necht = niece, grand-daughter
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	necht, neachd = niece, grand-daughter
Irish (Gaeilge)	neacht [n̠ʲæxt̪ˠ] = niece garneacht = grand-niece
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	nigh [n̪iːj] = daughter, niece
Proto-Brythonic	*nėθ = niece
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	nith = niece
Welsh (Cymraeg)	nith [niːθ] = niece gor-nith = great-niece
Old Cornish	noit = niece
Middle Cornish (Cernwec)	noit = niece
Cornish (Kernwek)	nith = niece
Old Breton	nith = niece
Middle Breton	nyz, niz = niece
Breton (Brezhoneg)	nizh, nizez = niece gou(r)nizez = great-niece

Etymology from the Proto-Indo-European *néptih₂ (niece, granddaughter) [source].

Words in Germanic language the come from the same PIE root, via the Proto-Germanic *niftiz (female descendent, granddaughter, niece), including: Nichte (niece) in German, nicht (female cousin, niece) in Dutch, and the obsolete English word nift (niece) [source].

The English word niece comes from the same PIE root, via the Middle English nece (niece, granddaughter), from the Old French nece (niece, granddaughter), from the Vulgar Latin *neptia (niece), from the Latin neptis (granddaughter) [source].

Other words for niece:

Irish: iníon deirféar (sister’s daughter), iníon dearthár (brother’s daughter)
Scottish Gaelic: nighean-pheathar (sister’s daughter), nighean-bhràthar (brother’s daughter), ban-ogha = granddaughter, niece
Manx: inneen shayrey (sister’s daughter), inneen vraarey (brother’s daughter)

Sisters

22nd April 202226th November 2023 By Simon

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

Words marked with a * are reconstructions.

Proto-Celtic	*swesūr [ˈswe.suːr] = sister
Gaulish	suiorebe = sister
Old Irish (Goídelc)	siur = sister, kinswoman, female relation derbṡiur [ˈdʲerʲvʲ.fʲi.ur] = sister (by blood / in a religious community) sinserṡiur [ˈsʲinsʲerˌhi.ur] = elder sister
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	siur = sister, kinswoman, female relation derbsiur = sister (by blood / in a religious community)
Irish (Gaeilge)	siúr [ʃuːɾˠ] = sister, kinswoman; Sister (member of a religious community); (nursing) sister deirfiúr = sister deirfiúr athar = paternal aunt deirfiúr máthar = maternal aunt deirfiúr céile = sister-in-law leathchúpla deirféar = twin sister iníon deirféar = brother’s son, niece mac deirféar = sister’s son, nephew deirféar = sisterly
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	siùir [ʃuːrʲ] = sister (archaic) piuthar [pju.ə] = sister piùthrag [pjuːrag] = little sister, sis piutharail [pju.əral] = sisterly peathrachas [pɛrəxəs] = sisterhood, soroity piuthar-chèile = sister-in-law piuthar leth-aon = twin sister piuthar-altraim = foster-sister piuthar-athar = paternal aunt piuthar-màthar = maternal aunt
Manx (Gaelg)	shuyr [ʃuːr] = sister shayragh, shuyroil = sisterly shuyrys = sisterhood shuyr (v)ayrey = aunt shuyr gholtit = foster-sister shuyr lannoonagh = twin sister shuyr ‘sy leigh = sister-in-law
Proto-Brythonic	*hwehir = sister
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	chwaer = sister
Welsh (Cymraeg)	chwaer [χwaːɨ̯r / χwai̯r] = sister, half-sister, female mate or partner; maiden, sweetheart, mistress; nun, sister (in hospital) chwaer efell = twin sister chwaer faeth = foster sister chwaer fedydd = god-sister chwaer yng nghyfraith = sister-in-law hanner chwaer = half-sister, step-sister chwaerol = sisterly chwaeroliaeth = sisterhood
Old Cornish	huir = sister
Middle Cornish (Cernewec)	hoer, huir, wuir, hôr = sister
Cornish (Kernwek)	hwor = sister hanter-hwor = half-sister
Old Breton	guoer = sister
Middle Breton	hoar, choar = sister (female sibling, nun)
Breton (Brezhoneg)	c’hoar = sister c’hoarig = sis, little sister; twin sister c’hoarelezh = sisterhood c’hoar-gaer, c’hoareg = sister-in-law, stepsister

Etymology from the Proto-Indo-European *swésōr (sister) [source]. Words for sister in many Indo-European languages come from the same roots [source].

Here’s a traditional Scottish Gaelic song about sisters – A’ phiuthrag ’sa phiuthar

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

Brothers

21st April 202221st April 2022 By Simon

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

Proto-Celtic	*brātīr [ˈbraː.tiːr] = brother
Gaulish	*bratir = brother
Old Irish (Goídelc)	bráthair [ˈbraːθirʲ] = brother, cousin, kinsman bráthardacht = brotherly bráthardae = brotherly, fraternal derbráthair = brother (by blood), from derb (certain) & bráthair sinserbráthair = elder brother, senior kinsman
Irish (Gaeilge)	bráthair [ˈɑhəɾʲ/ˈahæɾʲ] = brother (member of a religious community), friar, kinsman; monkfish, angelfish bráithriúil = brotherly bráithriúlacht = brotherliness deartháir = brother, male sibling
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	bràthair [ahɪrʲ] = brother, male sibling bràithreil = brotherly bràthair-altraim = foster brother bràthair-athar = parternal uncle bràthair-màthar = maternal uncle bràthair-cèile = brother-in-law comh-bhràthaireil = fraternal leth-bhràthair = half-brother
Manx (Gaelg)	braar = brother, monk, friar braar ayrey = parternal uncle braar mayrey = maternal uncle braar keeilley, braar ‘sy leigh = brother-in-law braar lannoonagh = twin brother braaragh, braaroil = brotherly, fraternal braarys = brotherhood jarroo-vraar = blood brother lhiass-vraar = stepbrother lieh-vraar = half brother
Proto-Brythonic	*brọdr = brother
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	brawt, braud, bravt = brother
Welsh (Cymraeg)	brawd [brau̯d] = brother, half-brother, male relative; clansman, fellow-countryman, male friend, fellow-man, like-minded person; monk; friar brawd crefydd = friar, brother of a religious order brawdoliaeth = brotherhood, brotherliness, brotherly feeling, brotherly love, fraternity, fellowship, relationship brawdoli = to fraternize brawdoldeb = brotherliness, brotherhood, brotherly love brodorol = brotherly, fraternal; native, indigenous, vernacular brawdyn = (little) brother, poor brother, wretch, male friend
Cornish (Kernwek)	broder [taːz/tæːz] = brother hanter-broder = half-brother broder da = brother-in-law brederedh = brotherhood
Old Breton	brotr = brother
Middle Breton	breuzr = brother
Breton (Brezhoneg)	breur [ˈbrøːr] = brother breur gevell = twin brother breur-kaer, breureg = brother-in-law breur-laezh, breur-mager = foster brother breurel = fraternal breuriezh = frairie breuriad = siblings hantervreur = half-brother

Etymology from the Proto-Indo-European *bʰréh₂tēr (brother) [source].

Words marked with a * are reconstructions.

Fathers

17th April 202225th July 2024 By Simon

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

Words marked with a * are reconstructions.

Proto-Celtic	ɸatīr [ˈɸa.tiːr] = father ɸatriyos = paternal
Old Irish (Goídelc)	ath(a)ir [ˈaθɨrʲ] = father athramail = fatherly, paternal, fatherlike
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	athair, athir = father aithre, aithreacha = parents, forefathers, ancestor
Irish (Gaeilge)	athair [ˈɑhəɾʲ/ˈahæɾʲ] = father, ancestor, sire aithriúil = fatherly ardathair = patriarch athair mór = maternity, fatherhood leasathair = stepfather seanathair = grandfather
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	athair [ahɪrʲ] = father, progenitor, sire athair-baistidh = godfather athair-cèile = father-in-law bràthair-athar = parternal uncle leas-athair = stepfather piuthar-athar = parternal aunt prìomh-athair = forefather, patriarch taobh athar = paternal
Manx (Gaelg)	ayr [ˈeːar] = father, matron, mater, queen, dam; focus, fountainhead, generator ayroil = fatherly, parternal ayrvarroo = patricide shennayr = grandfather
Old Welsh	-atr = ?

Etymology from the Proto-Indo-European *ph₂tḗr (father) [source]. Words from the same PIE root include father, padre, paternal in English, and Vatter (father) in German [source].

Proto-Celtic	attyo-, attiyos = father, foster-father
Old Irish (Goídelc)	aite [ˈadʲe] = foster-father; tutor, teacher
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	aite = foster-father, tutor, teacher aitecht = tutorage, instruction
Irish (Gaeilge)	oide [ˈɛdʲə] = foster-father; tutor, teacher oideachas = education oideachasóir = educationalist oideachasúil = educational oideas = instruction, teaching, prescription, recipe oideoir = educator oideolaíoch = pedagogic(al)
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	oide [ɤdʲə] = tutor, foster-father, stepfather, godfather oide-altraim = foster-father oide-baistidh = godfather oide-foghlaim = instructor oide-ionnsachaidh = tutor oide-sgoile = schoolmaster oidich = instruction
Manx (Gaelg)	gedjey = foster-father, godfather, guardian, sponsor

Etymology from the Proto-Indo-European *átta (father) [source].

Proto-Celtic	*tatos = dad, daddy
Proto-Brythonic	*tad = father
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	tad = father
Welsh (Cymraeg)	tad [taːd] = father tadaidd = fatherly, paternal tadeiddiad = fatherhood tadenw = patronymic tadol = paternal, fatherly, inherited from the father tadu = to father (a child), become a father; ascribe, attribute (to) tadwlad = fatherland, native land tadwys = family, lineage, fatherhood tadwysaeth = paternity
Old Cornish	tat = father
Middle Cornish (Cernewec)	tad, tat = father tadvath, tatvat = nurser, breeder
Cornish (Kernwek)	tas [taːz/tæːz] = father tasek = patron tasrewl = patriarchy tasveth = foster-father tas bejydh = godfather tas gwynn = grandfather Tas Nadelik = Father Christmas tas sans = patron saint ugheldas = patriarch
Middle Breton	tat = father tadelez = paternity
Breton (Brezhoneg)	tad [ˈtɑːt] = father tadeg = father-in-law tadek = paternal tadelezh = paternity tadig = dad, daddy tad-kaer = father-in-law tad-kozh = grandfather tad-kuñv = great-grandfather tata = dad

Etymology from the Proto-Celtic *attiyos (father, foster-father), the Proto-Indo-European *átta (father) [source]. The English word dad possibly has Celtic roots [source].

Proto-Celtic	*altrawū = foster uncle
Old Irish (Goídelc)	altra = foster-father
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	altra = foster-father altrannas = fostering, fosterage, nurture banaltra = foster-mother, nurse
Irish (Gaeilge)	altra [ˈɛdʲə] = nurse (gender-neutral), foster-father† banaltra = (female) nurse altram = fosterage altramaí = fosterer, foster-parent altramaigh = to foster altranas = nursing
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	altram [al̪ˠdrəm] = nursing, nurturing, dandling, fostering, fosterage, rearing altraim = nurse, nurture, dandle, foster, rear altrach = fosterer, one who fosters, nurse banaltram [ban̪ˠal̪ˠdrəm] = nurse, wet-nurse neach-altram = nurse, nursing profession
Manx (Gaelg)	boandyr = nanny, nurse, nursemaid boandyrys = to nourish, nurse, nursing
Proto-Brythonic	*alltrọw = ?
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	athro, athraw = teacher, instructor, tutor athrawes, athravves = female teacher, tutor, governess, school mistress athronddysg, athrondysc, athronddysc = doctrine, teaching, instruction, learning alldraỽ, alldraw = godfather, godparent
Welsh (Cymraeg)	athro [ˈaθrɔ] = teacher, instructor, tutor, doctor (of law, literature, etc), scholar, master, professor athrawes [aˈθrau̯ɛs] = female teacher, tutor, governess, school mistress athronddysg = doctrine, teaching, instruction, learning alltraw [ˈaɬtrau̯] = godfather, godparent; (ecclesiastical) sponsor, representative, attorney alltrewes [aɬˈtrau̯ɛs] = godmother
Old Cornish	alltrow = stepfather
Middle Cornish (Cernewec)	altrou = stepfather altruan = stepmother aultra = godfather aultruan = godmother
Cornish (Kernwek)	altrow = stepfather altrewen = stepmother
Old Breton (Brethonoc)	altro = foster-father
Middle Breton	autrou, otrou, eutreu = lord, foster-father
Breton (Brezhoneg)	aotroù [ˈɔ.tru] = lord, gentleman, Mr aotrouniaj = lordly, stately, manorial, seigneurial aotrouiek = seigneurial, authoritarian. aotrouniekaat = to act authoritarian aotrouiezh = authority aotrounius = imperious

Etymology from the Proto-Celtic *altros (foster), from *altos (nourished, fostered) + *awū (uncle), ultimately from Proto-Indo-European *h₂éwh₂os (maternal grandfather, maternal uncle). Words from the same roots include uncle in English, abbi (grandfather, old man) in Faroese, and oncle (uncle) 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, An Etymological Dictionary of the Gaelic Language, Geiriadur Prifysgol Cymru, Gerlyver Kernewek, Dictionaire Favereau, TermOfis, English – ProtoCeltic WordList (PDF), Etymological Dictionary Of Proto Celtic

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.

Festive Feasts

26th March 20223rd December 2023 By Simon

Today we’re looking at the words for festival, feast and related things in Celtic languages.

Words marked with a * are reconstructions.

Proto-Celtic	*lītus = feast, celebration
Old Irish (Goídelc)	líth [l͈ʲiːθ] = festival, feast-day, festivity, luck
Middle Irish (Gaoidhleag)	líth = festival, feast-day, festivity, entertainment, rejoicing, luck, properity líthech = festive
Irish (Gaeilge)	líth [ˈfʲeːlʲə] = festival, festivity, rejoicing; (good) omen, good luck, prosperity lítheach = festive
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	lì, lìthe [l̪ʲiː] =paint, colour, tinge, hue, complexion, properity, happiness
Middle Breton (Brezonec)	lyt, lid = ceremony, rite
Breton (Brezhoneg)	lid = ceremony, rite, worship, jubilation

Etymology possibly from the Proto-Indo-European *leyH- (flow) [source].

Proto-Celtic	*westā = food, feast
Old Irish (Goídelc)	feis, fess, feiss = entertainment, feast; night’s lodging
Middle Irish (Gaoidhleag)	feis(s), fess = spending the night, sleeping, accommodation for the night, entertainment for the night, food, supper, feast, festival fes(s)id = spend the night, stops (in a place), remains
Irish (Gaeilge)	feis [fʲɛʃ] = festival, carnival; act of sleeping, accommodation, entertainment, bed and supper
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	fèis [feːʃ] = festival fèist [feʃdʲ] = entertainment, feast fèistear [feːʃdʲər] = entertainer fèisteas [feːʃdʲəs] = entertainment
Manx (Gaelg)	feish = assembly, carnival, festival, fete
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	gwest = night’s stay/lodging, night’s sleep/rest, lodging, hospitality guestei, gwestai = guest, visitor, visiting stranger, sojourner; beggar, parasite, host guesti, gwesti = to stay, rest, remain, lodge, lodging, abode, welcome, reception, sustenance, guest, lodger gwestwyr, gwestywr = guest visitor, host
Welsh (Cymraeg)	gwest [ɡweːsd/ɡwɛsd] = night’s stay/lodging, night’s sleep/rest, lodging, hospitality, welcome, entertainment, provision, maintenance, food-rent, feast, banquet; guest, visitor gwestai = guest, visitor, visiting stranger, sojourner; beggar, parasite, host gwesti = to stay, rest, remain, lodge, lodging, abode, welcome, reception, sustenance, guest, lodger gwest(i)wr = guest visitor, host gwestu = to spend a night, sleep, rest, lodge, visit, feast, borrow, beg, sponge (upon) gwesty = lodging, guest-house, inn, hotel gwestya = to lodge, live in lodgings, show hospitality to (guests), welcome
Cornish (Kernewek)	gwester = guest gwesti = guesthouse gwestva = hospitality
Old Breton	guest = feast

Etymology possibly from the Proto-Indo-European *h₂wes- (to reside) [source].

Proto-Celtic	*wlidā = food, feast
Old Irish (Goídelc)	fled [fʲlʲeð] = banquet, feast
Middle Irish (Gaoidhleag)	fled = feast, banquet, carousal, beverage fletech = a banqueting-house or hall
Irish (Gaeilge)	fleá [fʲlʲaː / fʲlʲɑː / fʲlʲæː] = (drinking) feast fleá cheoil = festival of music fleách = festive, convivial fleáchas = festivity, conviviality fleadhaigh = to feast, carouse<
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	fleadh [flɤɣ] = feast, reception fleadh-bainnse = wedding reception fleadhach [flɤɣəx] = feasting, banqueting, entertaining fleadhadh = (act of) conviving, gathering for feasting/td>
Manx (Gaelg)	fleah = banquet, feast fleah foalley = barbeque
Proto-Brythonic	*gwleð [ˈɡwlɛːð] = feast, banquet
Old Welsh	guled = feast, banquet
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	gwledd = feast, banquet
Welsh (Cymraeg)	gwledd [ɡwleːð] = feast, banquet, repast, carousal, revelry, sumptuous meal gwleddu = to partake of a feast or banquet, feed with relish or enjoyment, carouse, revel, observe a festival gwleddol = convivial, festive, banqueting, feasting, feaster gwleddoldeb = festivity gwleddwr = banqueter, guest, frequenter of feasts, reveller, carouser
Cornish (Kernewek)	gwledh = banquet
Old Breton	gloê = feast, banquet

Etymology possibly from the Proto-Indo-European *wldeh₂, from *welh₁- (to wish, desire, want) [source].

Old Irish (Goídelc)	féil = festival, feast-day
Middle Irish (Gaoidhleag)	féil, fel = a festival, feast-day féilire = a calendar, almanac fletech = a banqueting-house or hall
Irish (Gaeilge)	féile [ˈfʲeːlʲə] = festival, feast (day) féilire = calendar féiltiúil = pertaining to festival, festive; periodic, recurrent, regular, punctual féiltiúlacht = observance of feast days, seasonableness, regularity, punctuality
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	féill [feːl̪ˠ(ə)] = feast, festival, holy day fair, sale, market féilleachd [feːl̪ˠəxɡ] = festivity, festivities
Manx (Gaelg)	feaill [ˈsolan] = festival, holy day feailley = feast, festival, fête, holiday, holy day, sacred feaillys = festivity, sacredness, vacation
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	gwyl, gŵyl = holiday, holy-day, religious festival
Welsh (Cymraeg)	gŵyl [ˈhalɛn / ˈhalan] = holiday, holy-day, religious festival, fête; watch, guard, vigil gŵyl y Banc = Bank Holiday
Middle Cornish	goil = festival, holiday
Cornish (Kernewek)	gool = fair, feast, festival, vigil, wake Gool Enys = carnival
Middle Breton (Brezonec)	goel = (religious) festival, fête
Breton (Brezhoneg)	gouel = (religious) festival, fête

Etymology from the Latin vigilia (wakefulness, watch), from vigil (awake), from the Proto-Indo-European *weǵ- (to be strong) [source].

The English words vigil, vigilant come from the same Latin root, and wake and watch come from the same PIE root, via Proto-Germanic [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, 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

Celtiadur

Exploring connections between Celtic languages

Category: Old Breton (Brethonoc)

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Bolts and Locks

Nephews

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Sisters

Brothers

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Mothers

Festive Feasts