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.

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

Mothers

13th April 202217th April 2022 By Simon

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

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

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

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

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

Words marked with a * are reconstructions.

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

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].

Yearning

15th March 202228th March 2022 By Simon

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

Proto-Celtic	*sīraxto- = roof
Gaulish	siraxta = longing
Old Irish (Goídelc)	sírecht = lack, longing, sadness
Irish (Gaeilge)	síreacht = wistfulness, longing, plaint, plaintive music síreachtach = wistful, longing, plaintive (music)
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	sireachd [ʃirʲəxg] = (act of) searching, seeking
Manx (Gaelg)	shirrey = seeking, solicitation
Proto-Brythonic	*hiraɨθ = nostalgia, longing, yearning, homesickness
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	hiraeth, hyreyth = longing, yearning, nostalgia
Welsh (Cymraeg)	hiraeth [ˈhɪraɨ̯θ/ˈhiːrai̯θ] = grief or sadness after the lost or departed, longing, yearning, nostalgia, wistfulness, homesickness, earnest desire hiraethgar = full of longing, yearning, wistful hiraethiad = a yearning hiraethol = sad, longing, yearning, hankering, wistful, nostalgic hiraethu = to long, yearn, be earnestly desirous, sorrow, grieve hiraethus = yearning, hankering, longing, wistful, sorrowful, eager, ardent, longed for, desired
Middle Cornish	hireth, hyreth, hereth = longing, an earnest desire, regretting, regret
Cornish (Kernewek)	hireth [ˈhɪrɛθ] = loneliness, longing, nostalgia, yearning hirethek = homesick, lonely, longing, yearning
Old Breton	hiraez = yearning, desire
Middle Breton	hirrez, hirez, hireh, hireah = yearning, desire
Breton (Brezhoneg)	hiraezh = yearning, desire, aspiration hiraezhiñ (da) = to yearn (for), desire, aspire (to)

Etymology: from the Proto-Celtic *siros (long), from the Proto-Indo-European *seh₁- (long, lasting), and the Proto-Celtic *anxtu (slaughter), from the Proto-Indo-European *neḱ- (perish, disappear) [source].

Old Irish (Goídelc)	cuma = grief, sorrow
Irish (Gaeilge)	cumha [kuː / kuə] = loneliness, homesickness, parting sorrow cumhach = lonesome, homesick, wistful, nostalgic miancumha = longing, yearning
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	cumha [kũ.ə] = lament, (act of) lamenting cumhach [kũ.əx] = mournful, sorrowful

Etymology: possibly from the Proto-Indo-European *qem/qom (hum) [source].

Irish (Gaeilge)	fadaíocht [kuː / kuə] = lengthiness, longsomeness
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	fadachd [fadəxg] = longing, yearning; length
Manx (Gaelg)	foddeeagh = homesick, longing, nostalgic foddeeaght, foddiaght = distance, fervent, desire, hankering, longing, nostalgia

Etymology: from the Old Irish fota (long) [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

Key Openings

3rd March 20223rd March 2022 By Simon

Today we’re looking at the words for to open, keys and related things in Celtic languages.

Proto-Celtic	koros = putting, casting exs-koris = the opener
Old Irish (Goídelc)	cor [kor] = putting, setting, throwing eochair = key
Irish (Gaeilge)	cor [kɔɾˠ] = to turn, turn, turning movement, cast, lively air, reel corach = turning, twisting coradh = to turn, bend eochair [ˈɔxəɾʲ] = key, clef
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	car [kar] = to bend, spin, turn, twist, trick, fraud, movement, job, task iuchair [ˈɔxəɾʲ] = key, clef
Manx (Gaelg)	cor = twirl ogher = key, peg, headstone, keystone, clef, legend
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	agory, agori, egor = open egoriad = key
Welsh (Cymraeg)	agor [ˈaɡɔr] = to open, unlock, unfasten, undo, loosen, disclose, divulge, reveal, declare, expound, explain, interpret agored = open(ed), ajar, clear, dilated, spread, broad, wide agoredrwydd = openness agoriad = key, opening, hatch, aperture, gap, entrance agoriawdr = opener, (musical) clef agorwr / agorydd = opener, expounder, interpreter
Middle Cornish	ygor(i) = to open ygor = open
Cornish (Kernewek)	ygor(i), egor(i) = to open ygor, egor = open ygorys, egerys = opened ygeryans, egeryans = opening
Middle Breton	igueriff, igor = open
Breton (Brezhoneg)	digor = open digoriñ = to open

Etymology: possibly from the Proto-Indo-European (s)ker- (to turn, curve) [source].

From the same PIE root we get the Latin word cancer (crab, tumor, cancer, lattice, grid), and related words in other languages, such as cancer, canker and incarcerate in English, and cangrejo (crab) and cáncer (cancer) in Spanish [source].

Proto-Brythonic	*alchwedd = key
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	allwed = key
Welsh (Cymraeg)	allwedd [ˈaɬwɛð/ˈaɬwɛð] = key, corkscrew, pedal allweddu = to key or type, keyboard allweddair = keyboard, password, buzz-word, catchword, slogan allweddog = bearing/having keys, keyed allweddol = key, critical, pivotal, crucial, strategic
Old Cornish	alped = key
Middle Cornish	alwheth = key
Cornish (Kernewek)	alhwedh = key alhwedha = to lock alhwedhor(es) = treasurer
Middle Breton	alhouez = key
Breton (Brezhoneg)	alc’hwez [ˈal.ɣwe/ˈal.ɣwɛs] = key alc’hweziek = keyed

Etymology: from the Proto-Indo-European *(s)kleh₂w- (hook, peg) [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

Smiths

17th February 202217th February 2022 By Simon

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

Proto-Celtic	gobanns / goban- = smith
Gaulish	Gobano = personal name Cobanno = name of a god
Old Irish (Goídelc)	gobae [ˈɡove] = smith goibnecht / gaibnecht = the craft or calling of a smith
Irish (Gaeilge)	gabha [ɡəu.ə/ɡəu/ɡoː] = smith gabha buí = goldsmith gabha dubh = backsmith, dipper, water ouzel gabha geal = silversmtih, whitesmith gabha óir = goldsmith gabha stáin = tinsmith
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	gobha [go.ə] = (black)smith gobha-dubh = blacksmith gabha-geal = whitesmith gobha-ghunnachan = gunsmith gobha-ghlasan = locksmith
Manx (Gaelg)	gaaue = blacksmith, forger, smith gaauenys = smithcraft, smithery, smithywork gaauenaght = smithcraft gaaue airh = goldsmith gaaue argid = silversmith gaaue armyn = armourer gaaue cabbil = farrier gaaue glish = locksmith gaaue gunney = gunsmith gaaue stainney = tinsmith
Proto-Brythonic	*goβ = smith, blacksmith
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	gof, gob, gou, geueil = smith, blacksmith
Welsh (Cymraeg)	gof [ɡoːv] = smith, blacksmith, ironsmith gof angorau = anchor-smtih gof afrau = harness-maker gof arain = silversmtih gof aur = goldsmith gof cloeau = locksmith gof du = blacksmtih gof ffrasau = maker of phrases gof pren = carpenter gof pres = brass-smith, copper-smith, tinker
Old Cornish	gof = smith
Cornish (Kernewek)	gov = blacksmith, smith govel = forge
Old Breton	gob, gobail = smith
Middle Breton	goff = smith
Breton (Brezhoneg)	gov [ˈɡow] = smith govel = forge, wire, forging, sharpening govelaj = forging goveliañ = to forge govelier = smith govelierezh = forging, sharpening

Etymology: uncertain – possibly related to the Latin word faber (artisan, craftsman, maker, forger, smith), or from the Proto-Indo-European *gʷʰobʰ-/*gʰwobʰ- [source].

The surname McGowan comes from Mac Gabhainn (Irish) or Mac Gobhainn (Scottish Gaelic), both of which mean “son of the smith”. Other versions of this name are available, including MacGabhainn, O’Gowan, McGavin, McGowin and McCowan [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

Walls

15th February 202211th May 2023 By Simon

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

Irish (Gaeilge)	balla [ˈbˠal̪ˠə] = wall cúlbhalla = back wall idirbhalla = party wall uchtbhalla = parapet
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	balla [bal̪ˠə] = wall balla-tòin = back wall balla-tarsainn = partition (wall) balla-dìon = protective wall, safety barrier
Manx (Gaelg)	boalley = bulwark, dyke, wall boallee = to wall, enclose, impale boallit = walled, dyked, enclosed
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	wal/gwal = wall
Welsh (Cymraeg)	(g)wal [(ɡ)wal] = wall walio = to wall
Middle Cornish	gwal = wall

Etymology: from the Old English weall (wall, dike), from the Proto-Germanic *wallaz / *wallą (wall, rampart, entrenchment), from the Latin vallum (rampart, military wall), from vallus (stake, pallisade, point), from the Proto-Indo-European *welH-/*wel- (to turn, wind, roll) [source].

Words from the same roots include wall, wallow, well and valve in English, wal (coast, shore, earthen levee) in Dutch, Wall (rampart, parapet, earthwork, levee, embankment) in German, valla (fence, barricade, obstacle) in Spanish, and vall (moat) in Catalan [source].

Old Irish (Goídelc)	múr = wall
Irish (Gaeilge)	múr [mˠuːɾˠ] = wall, rampart, pile, building, dwelling, bank, mound, heap, mass, shower, profussion, abundance múrach = having walls, walled, mural múrdhathadóireacht = wall-painting múr báistí = rain-cloud, heavy fall of rain múr cathrach = city wall múr ceo = bank of fog múr tine = wall of flame, conflagration
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	mùr [muːr] = (defensive) wall, rampart, fortification
Proto-Brythonic	*mʉr = wall
Old Welsh	mur = wall
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	mur = wall
Welsh (Cymraeg)	mur [mɨːr/miːr] = wall, rampart, fortification, defender murio = to build (a wall) to wall, fortify, lay bricks or stones muriog = walled, fortified, wall-like, defensive murlen = poster, placard murlun = mural, frieze
Breton (Brezhoneg)	mur = (exterior) wall

Etymology: from the Latin mūrus (wall), from the Proto-Italic *moiros, from the Proto-Indo-European *mey- (to fix, to build fortifications or fences) [source].

Words from the same roots include mere (boundry, limit) in English, mur (wall) in French, muro (wall) in Italian, and muur (wall, barrier) in Dutch [source].

Proto-Celtic	*wraga = ?
Gaulish	*brāca = ?
Old Irish (Goídelc)	fraig = wall (interior)
Irish (Gaeilge)	fraigh = (interior of) wall, rafters, roof fraighfhliulch = damp-walled, damp from contact with a wet wall (of clothes) fraighleach = roofing, rafters
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	fraigh [frɤj] = partition, partitioning wall, border, edge, fringe, shelf fraighnidh [frɤin̪ʲɪ] = water oozing through a wall

Etymology: unknown

Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	paret, parwyt = wall
Welsh (Cymraeg)	pared = wall, surface of a wall, dividing-wall, partition
Old Cornish	poruit = wall

Etymology: from the Latin pariēs (the wall of a house or room). Words from the same roots include parete (wall, side, surface) in Italian, pared (wall) in Spanish, and paroi (inner wall, inside surface, side) in French [source].

Proto-Celtic	*koret = palisade, wall
Old Irish (Goídelc)	cora = weir
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	cora = stone fence, weir
Irish (Gaeilge)	cora [ˈkɔɾˠə] = weir, rocky crossing-place in river, rocky ridge extending into sea or lake cora éisc = fish weir cloch chora = stepping-stone
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	caradh [karəɣ], cairidh [karʲɪ] = weir, mound (in a body of water) cairidh-iasgaich = fishing weir
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	kored, cored, coret = weir, dam, fishgarth
Welsh (Cymraeg)	cored = weir, dam
Old Breton	kored / gored = fish weir
Breton (Brezhoneg)	kored = fish weir

Etymology: uncertain – possibly related to the German word Hürde (hurdle) and/or the Old English word *hyrd (framework, door), which is the root of the English word hurdle.

The usual word for wall in Cornish is fos, which is cognate with words for ditch in other Celtic languages. See Ditches and Trenches.

Another word for wall in Breton is moger. See Fields, Meadows and Pastures.

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

Wings

29th January 202229th January 2022 By Simon

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

Proto-Celtic	ɸeto/feto- = to fly fatar/fatanos/*fetnos = wing, bird
Old Irish (Goídelc)	ette [ˈetʲe] = wing, pinion, fin, feather, plume ettech/ittech = winged, finned, flying, fluttering
Irish (Gaeilge)	eite [ˈɛtʲə] = wing, pinion, wing feather, fin, vane eiteach = winged, pennate, plumed, feathered, finned eiteog = wing, (little) wing feather, (little) fin, wing-like
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	ite [içdʲə] = feather, plume, fin, overlap, blade iteach [ihdʲəx] = feathery, feathered, finned itealach = winged, flying, hovering, fluttering
Manx (Gaelg)	fedjag [ˈfaiaɡ] = feather, plume, quill, pinion fedjagagh = pinnate, feathery
Proto-Brythonic	*atanī = wing
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	adain = wing, fin
Welsh (Cymraeg)	adain [ˈadai̯n/ˈadɛn/ˈaːdɛn] = wing, fin, arm, sleeve adeiniog = winged
Old Cornish	aden = leaf of a book
Old Breton	attanoc = wing

Etymology: from the Proto-Indo-European *peth₂- (to fly, to spread out) [source]. The English words such as feather, petal, pinion and helicopter come from the same PIE root [source].

Words for birds and larks come from the same Proto-Celtic roots.

Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	ascall = armpit
Irish (Gaeilge)	ascaill [ˈasˠkəl̠ʲ/ˈasˠkəl̪ˠ] = armpit, recess, avenue, axil asclán = something carried under arm, armful, gusset
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	asgall [asgəl̪ˠ] = breast, bosom, armpit
Manx (Gaelg)	aghlish = axil, armful, armpit
Proto-Brythonic	*askell = wing
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	asgell, askell = wing
Welsh (Cymraeg)	asgell [ˈasɡaɬ / ˈaskaɬ] = wing, feather, fin, flank, side asgellog = winged, feathered, flying, finned, scaly, barbed asgellwr = winger, wing-forward (in sports) asgellu = to feather (an arrow), put wings on, grow wings, shelter/protect (with wings)
Old Cornish	ascall = wing
Cornish (Kernewek)	askel = wing
Breton (Brezhoneg)	askell [ˈas.kɛl] = wing, fin, flipper

Etymology: from the Latin ascella (wing), from axilla (little wing, axilla, armpit), a diminutive of āla (wing, armpit, shoulder blade) from the Proto-Indo-European *h₂eḱs- (axis) [source].

Words marked with a * are reconstructions.

Sources: Wiktionary, Am Faclair Beag, Online Manx Dictionary, Teanglann.ie, eDIL – Electronic Dictionary of the Irish Language, logainm.ie, 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

Knowledge

19th January 202219th January 2022 By Simon

Today we’re looking at words for knowledge, and related words, in Celtic languages.

Proto-Celtic	*wissus = act of discovering, finding out, knowledge
Old Irish (Goídelc)	fius(s) [fʲiu̯s] = knowledge, information, message
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	fis(s) [fʲis] = knowledge, information, message
Irish (Gaeilge)	fios [fʲɪsˠ] = knowledge feasach / fiosach = knowing, knowledgeable, well-informed fiosaigh = to know fiosaíocht = occult knowledge, clairvoyance fiosrach = inquiring, inquisitive fiosraigh = to inquire fiosraitheoir = inquirer, inquisitive person, visitor fiosrú = inquiry, visitation fiosúil = knowing, knowledgeable, well-mannered, well-spoken ainbhiosach = ignorant, stupid uilefheasach = omniscient uilefhios = omniscience bean/cailleach feasa = wise woman, fortune-teller fear feasa = seer, soothsayer
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	fios [fis] = knowledge, information, notice, notification, indication, news fiosrach = (well-)informed, aware, learned, versed, knowledgeable fiosraich = to ascertain, find out, inquire fiosaiche = prophet, fortune-teller, soothsayer, seer, scout ainbhiosach = ignorant, illiterate ainbhiosrach = ignorant, unintelligent uil-fhiosrach = all-knowing, omniscient uil-fhiosrachd = omniscience
Manx (Gaelg)	fys = advice, cognisance, cognition, information, intelligence, knowledge, notice fysseraght = inquisitiveness, premonition, supernatural knowledge fysseree = clairvoyance, data, foreknowledge, information, prescience, science; communications; knowledge, inquisition fyssoil = knowing ooilley-fysseragh = omniscient ooilley-fysseraght = omniscience
Proto-Brythonic	*gwɨs = knowledge, research
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	guys / gwys = summons, citation, call to arms
Welsh (Cymraeg)	gwŷs [ɡwɨːs/ɡwiːs] = summons, writ, call to arms, citation, notice

Etymology: from the Proto-Indo-European *wéydtus, from *weyd- (to see, discover) [source], which is also the root of such English words as wise, wit, view, vision, video, guide, druid and history [source].

Proto-Celtic	*windeti = to find, experience
Old Irish (Goídelc)	ro·finnadar [r͈oˈfʲin͈aðar] = to find out, discover, to know
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	finnaid [ˈfʲin͈əðʲ/ˈfʲin͈əɣʲ] = to find out
Irish (Gaeilge)	fionn [fʲɪsˠ] = to ascertain, discover fionnadh = ascertainment, discovery
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	fionn [fjũːn̪ˠ] = to flay, skin; examine, look, see, know by investigation fionnadh = flaying, skinning, trying, searching, examining
Manx (Gaelg)	feddyn = to find feddyn magh = to ascertain, determine, dig out, discover
Proto-Brythonic	gwɨs = knowledge, research gwɨbod [ɡwɨˈboːd] = knowing, to know
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	guys / gwys = summons, citation, call to arms guibit / guybi / gvybot / gwybot = to know
Welsh (Cymraeg)	gwybod = to know, perceive, be aware of, discern gwybodaeth = knowledge, acquaintance, perception, familiarity, cognition, comprehension
Cornish (Kernewek)	godhvos = ability, knowledge; to acknowledge, can, know; to be qualified to godhvos a = to know about godhvedhys = known
Old Breton	gudbut = to know
Middle Breton	gouzuout = to know
Breton (Brezhoneg)	gouzout = to know gouiziegezh = knowledge, erudition, acquaintance

Etymology: from the Proto-Celtic *windo- (to find, experience), from the PIE root *weyd- (see above) [source]

Words marked with a * are reconstructions.

Sources: Wiktionary, Am Faclair Beag, Online Manx Dictionary, Teanglann.ie, eDIL – Electronic Dictionary of the Irish Language, logainm.ie, In Dúil Bélrai English – Old Irish glossary, Geiriadur Prifysgol Cymru, Gerlyver Kernewek, 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: Old Breton (Brethonoc)

Sisters

Brothers

Mothers

Festive Feasts

Yearning

Key Openings

Smiths

Walls

Wings

Knowledge