Bald & bare

24th December 2019 By Simon

Words for bald / bare in Celtic languages:

Proto-Celtic	*mailos = bald, bare
Primitive Irish	ᚋᚐᚔᚂᚐᚌᚅᚔ (mailagni) = bald, bare
Old Irish (Goídelc)	máel [maːi̯l] = bald, bare, shaved, shorn, tonsured; (of cattle) hornless; blunt, flattened, obtuse, pointless, exposed, defenceless
Irish (Gaeilge)	maol [mˠeːl̪ˠ / mˠiːlˠ] = bald, bare, unprotected; flat (in music)
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	maol [mɯːl̪ˠ] = bare, blunt, hornless, polled; easily deceived; dense, dull; flat (in music)
Manx (Gaelg)	meayl = bald, hairless, bleak (place), hornless, obtuse; flat (in music)
Proto-Brythonic	*moɨl = bold
Old Welsh	mail = sea
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	moel = sea
Welsh (Cymraeg)	moel [moːɨ̯l / mɔi̯l] = bald, bald-headed, crop-haired, tonsured, beardless; bare, barren, mere; unadorned, plain, discourteous, barefaced; empty (hands); hornless, earless; lacking a tower (of a castle), defective; (bare) mountain, (treeless) hill, top of a hill or mountain, summit, mound; heap
Cornish (Kernewek)	mool = bald, bare
Middle Breton	moel = bald, bare
Breton (Brezhoneg)	moal = bald, bare, naked

Etymology: uncertain, possibly related to the Proto-Germanic *maitaną (cut) [source].

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

Seas

14th December 20195th January 2024 By Simon

Words for sea, ocean and related things in Celtic languages.

Words marked with a * are reconstructions.

Proto-Celtic	*mori = sea
Primitive Irish	ᚋᚑᚏᚔᚅ (morin) = sea
Old Irish (Goídelc)	muir [murʲ] = sea muirbolc = inlet romuir = ocean, sea
Middle Irish (Gaoidhleag)	muir = the sea, ocean
Irish (Gaeilge)	muir [mˠɪɾʲ] = sea muirbhealach = sea route, seaway muirbhrúcht = tidal wave, (sea) eruption, invasion (by sea) muirí = marine, maritime muireolaí = oceanographer muireolaíicht = oceanography
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	muir [murʲ] = sea muireil [murʲal] = maritime muir-acainneach = seaworthy muir-èolas = hydrography muir-làn = high water/tide muir-thìreach = amphibious muir-tràghadh = low tide, low-water
Manx (Gaelg)	mooir = sea mooiroil = marine mooiragh = dune, estuary, maritime, mariner mooir-oaylleeaght = oceanography mooir-lane = high tide mooir-hraie = low tide
Proto-Brythonic	*mor = sea
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	mor, myr, mŷr = sea, ocean morad, mor-rad = produce of the sea morawl = sea-inlet, estuary morben = promontory, headland, cape, coast, sea-shore, isthmus moravl, morawl = marine, maritime, naval kefn[f]or, kefynvor = ocean, the main flood
Welsh (Cymraeg)	môr [moːr] = sea, ocean, the deep; plenty, abundance, copiousness morad = produce of the sea, revenue accruing from the sea, custom(s) moraf, mori = to anchor (a boat) morafl = sea-inlet, estuary morben = promontory, headland, cape, coast, sea-shore, isthmus morol = marine, maritime, naval cefnfor = ocean, the main flood
Middle Cornish	mor = sea morec = of the sea, maritime morhoch = porpoise morlenol = tide, influx of the sea mortrig = the ebb of the sea morva = a place near the sea, marsh morvil = whale morvoren = mermaid
Cornish (Kernewek)	mor = sea mor bras, mor broas = ocean mora = to put to sea mordardha = to surf mordrik = low tide mordu = navy morek = maritime morvil = whale morvoren = mermaid
Middle Breton	mor = sea mor-bras = ocean
Breton (Brezhoneg)	mor [ˈmoːr] = sea, tide mor-bras = ocean morad = tide moraer [mo’raɛr] = marine, navigator, boatman morañ [ˈmoːrã] = to launch, to set afloat (a ship) morlaer [ˈmorlaɛr] = pirate morlu [ˈmorly] = fleet, navy morour [ˈmoː.rur] = oceanologist morvil [ˈmor.vil] = whale, cetacean

Etymology: from the Proto-Indo-European móri (sea, standing water), from *mer- (sea, lake, wetland), which is also the root for the English word mere, as in Windermere [source].

Old Irish (Goídelc)	fairrge [ˈfar͈ɡʲe] = ocean, sea
Middle Irish (Gaoidhleag)	fairrge, fairge = the open sea, ocean, extent, expanse
Irish (Gaeilge)	farraige [ˈfˠaɾˠɪɟɪ] = sea, billow, swell farraigeach = seaman, seafarer farraigeoireacht = (act of) seafaring
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	fairge [farʲagʲə] = sea, ocean, (sea) swell, turbulence of the ocean
Manx (Gaelg)	faarkey [ˈføːɹkə] = sea, ocean, billow, breaker, large wave, swell

Etymology: possibly related to Old Irish fairsiung (ample, broad) [source].

Proto-Celtic	*kawnos = port, haven
Old Irish (Goídelc)	cúan [kuːa̯n] = ocean, sea
Middle Irish (Gaoidhleag)	cúan = bay, gulf, harbour
Irish (Gaeilge)	cuan [kuən̪ˠ] = haven, harbour, bow, curve, bowed, stooped
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	cuan [kuən] = ocean, bay, inlet (archaic), haven (archaic) cuan-eòlaiche = oceanographer cuan-eòlas = oceanography
Manx (Gaelg)	keayn [kiᵈn] = sea, ocean

Etymology: from Proto-Indo-European *kapno-, *keh₂p- (to grasp) [source].

Proto-Celtic	*liros = sea, ocean
Old Irish (Goídelc)	ler [ˈl͈ʲer] = ocean, sea
Middle Irish (Gaoidhleag)	ler, lera = sea, ocean
Irish (Gaeilge)	lear [l̠ʲaɾˠ] = sea, ocean (literary/archaic) thar lear = overseas, abroad, across/beyond the sea
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	lear [l̪ʲɛr] = sea, ocean (poetic) thar lear = overseas (poetic)
Old Welsh (Kembraec)	lirou = sea, ocean
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	llyr = sea, ocean llyryed = to sail, voyage
Welsh (Cymraeg)	llŷr = sea, ocean, watercourse, channel llyriaf, llyrio = to sail, voyage

Etymology: either borrowed from an unknown substrate language or from Proto-Indo-European *leyH- [source].

Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	gueilgi, gweilgi = sea, ocean, the deep; flood, torrent
Welsh (Cymraeg)	gweilgi = sea, ocean, the deep; flood, torrent

Etymology: from Proto-Celtic *wailos (wolf, howler) and Welsh ci (dog), perhaps because the sound of the sea was likened to a wolf howling, or the sea was seen as like a wolf. It is cognate with the Irish faolchú (wild dog, wolf), and the Scottish Gaelic faol-chù (wolf) [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

Strength

9th October 201913th May 2024 By Simon

Words for strength and related things in Celtic languages.

Strength

Words marked with a * are reconstructions.

Proto-Celtic	brīgos = strength brīga = power, worth
Gaulish	*brīgos = strength
Old Irish (Goídelc)	bríg [bʲrʲiːɣ / bʲrʲiːɣʲ] = force, power, value, virtue, strength, vigour, vitality brígach = powerful, mighty, strong brígmar = powerful
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	bríg, brigh = power, strength, force, authority, vigour, virtue, might, value, worth, advantage, meaning brígach = powerful, mighty, forceful brígda = strong, vigorous brígmar = powerful, strong, vigorous, lively, efficacious brígrad = power, force
Irish (Gaeilge)	brí [brʲiː] = strength, vigour; force, significance; influence, merit bríoch = strong, vigorous, efficacious bríochmar = strong, viorous bríochtach = strong, vigorous person
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	brìgh [brʲiː] = essence, gist, matter, pith, purport, substance; meaning, sense, significance; point (of an argument); energy, force brìghealachd [brʲiː.əLəxg] = substance, juiciness, pithiness, significance (in mathematics) brìgheil [brʲiː.al] = meaningful, significant brìoghmhor [brʲiː(v)ər] = meaningful, energetic, substantial, pithy
Manx (Gaelg)	bree = power, energy, stamina, vigour, virtue, initiative, validity, animation, inwardness, glow, exhalation, drift, essence, gist, effect breeagh = inspiring, vigorous breeoil = dynamic, energetic, essential, impulsive, valid, vibrant, vigorous, active, powerful
Proto-Brythonic	*briɣ = honour, dignity (?)
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	bri = honour, dignity, reputation, fame
Welsh (Cymraeg)	bri [briː] = honour, dignity, reputation, fame, prestige, esteem, power, authority, importance, value, popularity briaeth = honour, dignity briol = honourable, reverent, dignified
Middle Cornish (Cernewec)	bry = account, value, worth, price
Cornish (Kernewek)	bri = distinction, esteem, importance, relevance, reputation, value, prominence fowt bri = insignificance heb bri = irelevant
Old Breton (Brethonoc)	bri = importance, weight, authority
Middle Breton (Brezonec)	bry = respect, consideration
Breton (Brezhoneg)	bri [briː] = dignity, honour, respect, consideration brient = privilege, prerogative brientek [bri.ˈɛn.tek] = privileged brientin = = privileged, aristocrat

Etymology: possibly the Proto-Indo-European *bʰrḗǵʰ-o-s, from *bʰerǵʰ- (to rise, ascend, to be elevated, up high). Words from the same roots, via Gaulish, include brio (vigour, vivacity) in English, briu (energy, push, courage) in Catalan, brio (vivacity, liveliness) in Italian, brío (vigour, mettle, zeal) in Spanish, and brio (brilliance, panache) in French [Source].

Words from the same PIE roots include barrow, burrow, bury, effort, force and fort in English, and brenin (king), bwrw (to hit, strike, cast) in Welsh [Source].

Proto-Celtic	*nertom = strength, power
Celtiberian	Nerto- = strength (?)
Gaulish	Nerto- = strength (?)
Old Irish (Goídelc)	nert [n͈ʲer͈t] = power, strength nertaid [ˈn͈ʲer͈tɨðʲ] = to strengthen
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	nert, nnert, nirt = strength, might, power, ability, significance nertaid = to strengthen, confirm, exhort, urge nertaigid = to strengthen, confirm, encourage, grow strong, side with support
Irish (Gaeilge)	neart [nʲaɾˠt̪ˠ / n̠ʲæɾˠt̪ˠ] = strength, force, power, ability, plenty neartaigh = to strengthen neartaitheach = strengthening, reinforcing neartaitheoir = strengthener, abettor neartmhaire = vigorousness, strength neartmhar = strong, vigorous, powerful neartú = strengthening, reinforcement, support
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	neart [̪nʲɛRʃd] = might, strength, force, energy, power, (alcoholic) proof, majority, most neartachadh [n̪ʲɛRʃdəxəɣ] = strengthening, building up, making strong neartaich strengthen, build up, make strong neartaiche = strengthener, emphasiser neartail = mighty, powerful, emphatic, forcible neartmhor = mighty, powerful, emphatic, forcible neartmhorachd = robustness, vigour
Manx (Gaelg)	niart = strength, power, force niartaght = strength niartal = cogent, forcible, mighty, potent, powerful, strong niarteyder = strengthener
Proto-Brythonic	*nerθ [nɛrθ] = strenght, force, power
Old Welsh (Kembraec)	nerthi = to strengthen, reinforce, fortify
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	nerth, nyrth = force, strength, power, might nerthawc, nerthawg, nerthog = strong, mighty, powerful nerthawl, nerthol = strong, mighty, powerful nerthu = to strengthen, reinforce, fortify nerthyd, nerthwr = fortifier, supporter, helper
Welsh (Cymraeg)	nerth [nɛrθ] = force, strength, power, might, energy, vigour, hardness nerthedig = strong, strengthened nerthog = strong, mighty, powerful, potent nerthol = strong, mighty, powerful, potent nerthu = to strengthen, reinforce, fortify, aid, help, exhort, urge nerthwr, nerthydd = fortifier, supporter, helper
Middle Cornish (Cernewec)	nerth = might, power, strength, force
Cornish (Kernewek)	nerth [nɛrθ] = energy, force, might, power, strength nertha = to strengthen nerthek = energetic, powerful, robust
Old Breton (Brethonoc)	nerth = force, energy
Middle Breton (Brezonec)	nerz, nerh = force, energy nerzus, nerhus = vigorous, robust, energetic
Breton (Brezhoneg)	nerzh [nɛrs] = force, energy nerzhan nerzhañ [ˈnɛrzan / ˈnɛrzã] = to strengthen, reinforce nerzhder = vigueur nerzhek = drastic nerzhekaat = to give energy nerzhelour = dynamic nerzhus = vigorous nerzhusaat = to strengthen oneself

Etymology: possibly the Proto-Indo-European *h₂ner-to- (virile, strong), from *h₂nḗr- (man, vital, energy). Words from the same roots include njer (man, human, person) in Albanian, άντρας [ˈandras] (man, husband) in Greek, noras (wish, desire, will, intention) in Lithuanian, nêr (lord, chief) in Welsh, and the name Nero [Source].

Old Irish (Goídelc)	láitir = strong, powerful
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	láitir, laitir [ˈl͈aːdʲərʲ] = strong, powerful
Irish (Gaeilge)	láidir [ˈl̪ˠɑːdʲəɾʲ / ˈl̪ˠaːdʲəɾʲ] = strong, powerful, durable, tough, solid, forcible, loud láidreacht = strength láidrigh = to strengthen
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	làidir [l̪aːdʲɪrʲ] = strong, potent, emphatic, robust, substantial làidireachd = strength làidireach = strong, potent, emphatic làidrich = make strong, strengthen
Manx (Gaelg)	lajer = strong, potent, vigorous, hard, heavy, powerful, stark lajeragh = to strengthen, strengthening lajerid = potency, powerfulness, strength, vigour lajerys = cogency, force, might, prowess, strength

Etymology: unknown [Source].

Irish (Gaeilge)	cadrán = hardness, stubborness, obstinacy cadránta = hard, unfeeling, stubborn, obstinate cadrántacht = hardness, stubborness, obstinacy
Proto-Brythonic	*kadarn = strong, powerful, mighty (?)
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	cadarn, kadarn, katarnn = strong, powerful, mighty cadarnhau, kadarnaha = to strengthen, secure, fortify, safeguard kedernyt, kedernit, cedernyt = strength, power, potency, might
Welsh (Cymraeg)	cadarn [ˈka(ː)darn] = strong, powerful, mighty, firm, fast cadarnhad = confirmation cadarnhau = to strengthen, secure, fortify, safeguard cadernid = strength, power, potency, might
Middle Cornish (Cernewec)	cadarn = strong, stout, valiant

Etymology: from Proto-Celtic *katus (battle), from Proto-Indo-European *kéh₃tus (battle), from *keh₃- (to fight). Words from the same roots include Hader (dispute, quarrel) and hadern (to quarrel, bicker, struggle) in German, and words for battle in Celtic languages [Source].

Proto-Celtic	*kriɸmos = strong (?)
Proto-Brythonic	*krɨβ̃ = strong
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	cryf, kryf = strong, powerful, vigorous cryfder = strength, power, might
Welsh (Cymraeg)	cryf [krɨːv / kriːv] = strong, powerful, vigorous, intoxicating, tough, rich, fruitful, intense cryfder = strength, power, might cryfhau = to strengthen
Old Cornish	crif = strong, mighty, vigorous, hardy
Middle Cornish (Cernewec)	cref, crŷf, crif, crev = strong, mighty, vigorous, hardy
Cornish (Kernewek)	krev = forceful, powerful, robust, strong, substantial krevder = intensity, strength
Middle Breton (Brezonec)	cref, creff = strong, powerful
Breton (Brezhoneg)	kreñv [ˈkrẽ(w)] = strong, solid kreñvaat [krẽˈfɑːt] = to strengthen, reinforce kreñvder [ˈkrẽ(w)dɛr] = strength, power, might kreñvlec’h = stronghold, fortress

Etymology: from Proto-Celtic *kriɸ- (body) from Proto-Indo-European *krep- (body). Words for body in Celtic and other languages come from the same roots [Source].

Proto-Celtic	trexsnos = strong trexsos = stronger
Gaulish	Trexius, Trexa, Trenus = personal names
Primitive Irish	ᚈᚈᚏᚓᚅᚐᚂᚒᚌᚑᚄ (ttrenalugos), ᚈᚏᚓᚅᚐᚌᚒᚄᚒ (trenagusu) = (?)
Old Irish (Goídelc)	trén [tʲrʲeːn] = strong treise = power, strength
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	trén = strong, powerful, strong man treise = strength, vigour, power
Irish (Gaeilge)	tréan = strong man, warrior, champion, strength, power, intensity, plenty, abundance tréaniarracht = strong, forcible, attempt treise = strength, power, dominance, force, emphasis treisigh = to strengthen, reinforce, fortify treisiúil = strong, forceful, vigorous
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	trèine [treːnə] = might, power treise [treʃə] = strength, vigour treun [treːn] = champion, hero, brave, strong, sturdy treunar [treːnər] = strong man, champion, hero; very brave, heroic treunas = might, power treuntachd = boldness, courage treuntas = strength, power, magnanimity
Manx (Gaelg)	trean = brave, firm, heroic, intensive, mighty, stout, valiant treanid = braveness, exploit, feat heroics, might, strength, valour
Proto-Brythonic	*trex = stronger
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	trech = stronger, mightier, greater, superior, better
Welsh (Cymraeg)	trech [treːχ] = stronger, mightier, greater, superior, better trechedd = supremacy, dominance trechu = to defeat, overcome, overpower
Cornish (Kernewek)	trygh = conquest, victory, superior, triumphant, victorious trygher = victor tryghi = to conquer, vanquish
Middle Breton (Brezonec)	trech = victorious, victory trechy, trechiff = to conquer, prevail, overcome
Breton (Brezhoneg)	trec’h [briː] = superior, victorious, victory trec’hadeg = triumph trec’hadenn = success trec’hedigezh = defeat trec’her = winner trec’hin, trec’hiñ = to conquer, prevail, overcome trec’hus = victorious

Etymology: the Proto-Indo-European *(s)treg- (to be stiff, rigid, strong) or *treg- (strength). Words from the same roots include þróttur (strength, vigour, energy) in Icelandic, and idrott (sport, physical education) in Swedish [Source].

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

Names

7th June 2019 By Simon

Words for name in Celtic languages.

Proto-Celtic	*anman = name
Gaulish	anuana = name
Primitive Irish	ᚐᚅᚋ (anm) = name
Old Irish (Goídelc)	ainmm, ainm [anʲmʲ] = name, reputation, repute, renown; noun
Irish (Gaeilge)	ainm [ˈanʲəmʲ] = name, reputation, noun
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	ainm [ɛnɛm] = name, denomination, title
Manx (Gaelg)	ennym [ɛnɛm] = name, noun, epithet, designation, title of book, figurehead
Proto-Brythonic	*anw [ˈanw] = name
Old Welsh	anu = name
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	enw = name
Welsh (Cymraeg)	enw [ˈɛnʊ / ˈeːnu] = name, appellation, appellative; title, denomination, term, name or title; noun
Cornish (Kernewek)	hanow [‘hanɔʊ / ‘hænɔ] = name, noun, substantive
Middle Breton	hanu, anff = name
Breton (Brezhoneg)	anv [ˈɑ̃n.o] = name, noun

Etymology: from the Proto-Indo-European *h₁nómn̥ (name) [source].

Words marked with a * are reconstructions.

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

Useful phrases

What’s your name?

Irish: Cén t-ainm atá ort? Cad is ainm duit? C’ainm atá ort?
Scottish Gaelic: Dè an t-ainm a th’ort
Manx: Cre’n ennym t’ort?
Welsh: Beth ydy dy enw di?
Cornish: Pyth yw dha hanow?
Breton: Petra eo da anv? Pe anv out?

My name is …

Irish: Is mise … / Mise … / … is ainm dom
Scottish Gaelic: Is mise …
Manx: Ta’n ennym orrym … / Mish …
Welsh: … dwi / … ydw i
Cornish: Ow hanow yw …
Breton: … eo ma anv

More phrases in:
Irish, Scottish Gaelic, Manx, Welsh, Cornish, Breton

Lord, Ruler

9th April 201920th January 2024 By Simon

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

Words marked with a * are reconstructions.

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

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

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

More about words for Kings and Queens.

Kings and Queens

2nd April 201914th August 2023 By Simon

Words for king and related things in Celtic languages.

Brian Boru, High King of Ireland (1002-1014) / Brian Bóruma mac Cennétig, Ard-Rí ar Éirinn

Proto-Celtic	rīxs/rig- = king
Celtiberian	reikis = king
Gaulish	rīx = king – appears in names like Katurīx, Suādurīx, *Werkingetorīx (Vercingetorix) and Asterix
Primitive Irish	ᚏᚔᚌᚐᚄ (rigas) = (of the) king
Old Irish (Goídelc)	rí [r͈ʲiː] = king rígdae = regal, kingly rígdún = palace
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	rí, ríg, rig = king, head, chief rígán = a sub-king, chief rígamail, rioghamhail = royal rígdacht = kingliness, kingly qualities, a kingdom rígda(e) = a royal dwelling place, palace rígrach = = royal, kingly
Irish (Gaeilge)	rí [ɾˠiː] = king, sovereign, monarch ríoga = regal, royal ríora = kings, royal persons, royalty, dynasty
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	rìgh [r̪ʲiː] = king banrìgh = queen àrd-rìgh = high king mòr-rìgh = emperor rìoghachadh = reigning, reign rìoghachd = kingdom, realm
Manx (Gaelg)	ree = king reejerey = cavalier, chevalier, king, knight, lord, paladin, prince reeoil = kinglike, monarchy, regal, royal reeaght, reeriaght, riaght, ream = kingdom
Proto-Brythonic	*riɣ [ˈriːɣ] = king
Old Welsh	rig = king
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	ri, rhi = king rhiaidd, rhïaidd = regal, royal, noble, generous rieu, riav = king, lord, ruler, chieftain rriawdr, riawdr = lord, ruler, chieftain, God
Welsh (Cymraeg)	rhi [r̥iː] = king, prince, lord, ruler, chieftain rhiaidd = regal, noble, aristocratic, dignified rhiau = king, lord, ruler, chieftain rhiawdr = lord, ruler, chieftain, God
Middle Cornish (Cernewec)	ruy, ruif = king, sovereign, ruler ryal, real = royal, kingly
Cornish (Kernewek)	riel = regal, royal
Old Breton	ri = king
Middle Breton (Brezonec)	ri, rí = king

Etymology: from Proto-Indo-European *h₃rḗǵs (king, ruler) [source], which is also the root of the German word Reich (empire, realm), and the English suffix -ric, as in bishopric (a diocese or region of a church which a bishop governs) [source].

Proto-Celtic	*rīganī= queen
Gaulish	rigani = queen
Old Irish (Goídelc)	rígan = queen
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	rígain, rígan, rígnae = queen, noble lady
Irish (Gaeilge)	ríon = queen, queenly, noble, lady, fair maiden banríon = queen (ban)ríonacht = queenship ríonaí = queenly ríonaigh = to queen (chess)
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	rìghinn [r̪ʲi.ɪn̪ʲ] = princess (archaic) rìbhinn [r̪ʲiːvɪn̪ʲ] = maid, maiden, girl, Venus, adder, queen (archaic) banrìgh = queen
Manx (Gaelg)	reeven = queen rein = queen ben-rein = queen
Proto-Brythonic	*rriɣėn [r͈iˈɣe̝ːn] = queen
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	riein, riain = (young) woman, girl, damsel, lass, maiden, virgin, queen, noble girl, lady
Welsh (Cymraeg)	rhiain = (young) woman, girl, damsel, lass, maiden, virgin, queen, noble girl, lady

Etymology: from Proto-Indo-European *h₃rḗǵnih₂ (queen), from *h₃rḗǵs (king, ruler) [source]. Words from the same roots include reine (queen) in French, reina (queen) in Spanish, erregina (queen) in Basque, and regină (queen) in Romanian [source].

Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	rhỼyf, rwyf, rỼy = king, lord, ruler, chieftain, leader rwyfaỼ, rwyfaỼ = to have dominion over, govern, rule rwyuannus, rhwyvanus = royal, kinglike, governing ruyvenit = prince, king, ruler rhwyfiadur, ruyfadur, rwyfyadur, rỼyfyadur = chief(tain), lord, leader, ruler, protector
Welsh (Cymraeg)	rhwy(f) = king, lord, ruler, chieftain, leader rhwyfo = to have dominion over, govern, rule, lead, be ostentatious, live in splendour rhwyfanes = queen, lady rhwyfaniad = reign, government, rule, kingdom rhwyfanus = royal, kinglike, governing rhwyfenydd = prince, king, ruler rhwyf(i)adur = chief(tain), lord, leader, ruler, protector
Old Cornish	ruifanes = queen ruifadur = chief(tain), lord, leader
Middle Cornish (Cernewec)	ruy, ruif = king, sovereign, ruler ruifanes, ruivanes = a female ruler, queen
Cornish (Kernewek)	ruvanes = queen ruvaneth = kingdom
Old Breton	roe = king
Middle Breton (Brezonec)	roe, roé, roue, rouè = king rouanes, roanez, rouanés = queen rouantelez, roeantelez = kingdom roueel = royal roueeler = royalist roueelezh = royalty roueelouriezh = royalism roueoni = reign
Breton (Brezhoneg)	roue = king rouanez = queen rouantelezh = kingdom, monarchy roueel = royal roueelezh = royalty roueelouriezh = royalism

Etymology: from Old French roi (king), from Latin rēgem (king, ruler, despot, tyrant), from Proto-Italic *rēks (king), from Proto-Indo-European *h₃rḗǵs (king, ruler) [source].

Words from the same Latin root include re (king) in Italian, roi (king) in French, viceroy in English and rey (king) in Spanish [source].

Proto-Celtic	*brigantīnos = (someone) pre-eminent, outstanding
Proto-Brythonic	*brɨɣėntin [brɨɣe̝nˈtiːn] = lord, king
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	breenhin, breennin, breyenhin, brenhin = king brenhynes, brenhines = queen, goddess, queen bee brenineiziaw = to become kingly brenhynyaeth, brenhinyaeth = royalty, kingship, reign
Welsh (Cymraeg)	brenin [ˈbrɛnɪn / ˈbreːnɪn] = king, sovereign, monarch, head of region brenineiddio = to make/become regal/kingly, make (sb) a king breninesaidd = queen-like, queenly breninesol = queen-like, queenly, pertaining to a queen breningarol = royalist breniniaethu = to reign, govern breninoldeb = kingship, royalty brenhines = queen, goddess, queen bee brenhiniaeth = royalty, kingship, reign, government
Middle Cornish (Cernewec)	brentyn, bryntyn = privileged, sovereign, noble, excellent
Cornish (KerneweK)	bryntin, brentin = grand, great, noble, splendid, superb
Old Breton	brientin, brientinion = king
Middle Breton (Brezonec)	brientin = aristocrat brientinelezh = aristocracy
Breton (Brezhoneg)	brientin = aristocrat brientinel = aristocratic brientinelezh = aristocracy brienteg, brientek = privileged brientekaat = to favour briental = royalties

Etymology: from Proto-Indo-European *bʰérǵʰonts (high), from *bʰerǵʰ- (to rise up, ascend) [source].

From the same Proto-Celtic root, , we get the tribal name *Brigantī (Brigantes – a Celtic tribe that occupied much of what is now northern England), Brigantia (a Celtic goddess of victory, and the territory of the Brigantes), the name Bridget, the Irish name Bríd, the Scottish Gaelic name Brìghde, the Manx name Breeshey, and the placenames such as Bragança (a city in northeastern Portugal), Bregenz (a city in western Austria) and Brianza (a city in northern Italy), [source].

English words from the same PIE root include bourgeois, burrow, fort and maybe burgler [source].

Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	mechdeyrn, mychdeyrn, machdeyrn = king, lord, monarch, emperor mechteyrnged, mychteyrnged = tribute due to an overlord from an inferior lord
Welsh (Cymraeg)	mechdeyrn, mychdeyrn, machdeyrn = king, lord, monarch, emperor, God, tributary prince, viceroy mechdeyrnged, mychdeyrnged = tribute due to an overlord from an inferior lord
Middle Cornish (Cernewec)	mychtern = sovereign, king mychternes = queen mychterneth = sovereignity, dominion, royalty, kingdom
Cornish (Kernewek)	myghtern, metern [mɪx’tɛrn] = king, monarch myghternes, meternes = monarch, queen myghterneth, meterneth = kingdom myghternses, meternses = kingship, monarchy
Old Breton	machtiern = king

Etymology: from Welsh mach (surety, guarantor, sponsor, hostage) and teyrn (sovereign, monarch, king) [source].

Source: Gerlyver Kernewek, Geiriadur Prifysgol Cymru

Words marked with a * are reconstructions.

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

Daughter / Girl

24th March 201926th April 2022 By Simon

Words for daughter / girl in Celtic languages.

Proto-Celtic	*enigenā = daughter
Primitive Irish	ᚔᚅᚔᚌᚓᚅᚐ (inigena) = daughter
Old Irish (Goídelc)	ingen [ˈinʲɣʲen] = daughter, maiden, virgin, young woman
Irish (Gaeilge)	iníon [ɪˈnʲiːnˠ / ˈɪnʲiːnʲ / n̠ʲiənˠ] = daughter, girl, maiden; (young) woman, Miss gariníon = granddaughter iníon deirféar = niece (sister’s daughter) iníon dearthár = niece (brother’s daughter)
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	nighean [ɲiː.an̪ˠ] = daughter, girl, lass gar-inghean, nighean-mhic = granddaughter nighean-pheathar = niece (sister’s daughter) nighean-bhràthar = niece (brother’s daughter)
Manx (Gaelg)	inneen [ɪnˈjiːn] = daughter, girl (also written ‘neen / ‘nneen) oe ‘neen = granddaughter inneen shayrey = niece (sister’s daughter) inneen vraarey = niece (brother’s daughter)

Etymology
From the Proto-Indo-European *h₁én (in) + *ǵenh₁- (produce, give birth). [source].

Words marked with a * are reconstructions.

Sources: Wiktionary, Am Faclair Beag, teanglann.ie, On-Line Manx Dictionary

Proto-Celtic	*merkā = daughter
Proto-Brythonic	*merx = daughter
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	smarach [smɛrəx] = lively person; lad, young man
Welsh (Cymraeg)	merch [mɛrχ] = girl, lass; female, (young or unmarried) woman; daughter; female descendant
Cornish (Kernewek)	myrgh [mɪrx] = daughter mergh = daughter
Breton (Brezhoneg)	merc’h = daughter, girl, maiden merc’hig = little girl, daughterling

Etymology
From the Proto-Indo-European *méryos (boy, girl). [source].

Words marked with a * are reconstructions.

Sources: Wiktionary, Am Faclair Beag, Geiriadur Prifysgol Cymru, Gerlyver Kernewek, Dictionnaire Favereau

Sons

17th March 201927th April 2022 By Simon

Words for son in Celtic languages.

My sister and her son (my nephew)

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

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

Words marked with a * are reconstructions.

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

Man / Husband

3rd March 201922nd April 2022 By Simon

Words for man / husband in Celtic languages.

Proto-Celtic	*wiros = man, husband
Celtiberian	*uiros = man, husband
Gaulish	*wiros = man, husband
Primitive Irish	ᚃᚔᚏᚐᚄ (viras) [u̯irah] = man
Old Irish (Goídelc)	fer [fʲer] = man, husband
Irish (Gaeilge)	fear [fʲaɾˠ] = man, husband
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	fear [fɛr] = man, husband, male
Manx (Gaelg)	fer [fɛr] = male, man, gentleman, individual, fellow, bloke, chap
Proto-Brythonic	*gwur [ˈˠwur] = man, husband
Old Welsh	gur = man, husband
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	gur = man, husband
Welsh (Cymraeg)	gŵr [ɡuːr] = man, person, anyone, valiant warrior, brave man, hero; vassal; married man, husband; chessman, pawn
Old Cornish	uir = husband
Cornish (Kernewek)	gour [ɡu:r] = husband
Middle Breton	gur = man, husband
Breton (Brezhoneg)	gour [ˈɡuːʁ] = man, person, husband (rare)

Etymology
From the Proto-Indo-European *wiHrós (man, husband, warrior, hero) [source], which is also the root of the English words virile and werewolf.

Words marked with a * are reconstructions.

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

Poets, Seers & Bards

9th December 201829th June 2021 By Simon

Words for poets, seers & bards in Celtic languages.

Proto-Celtic	*weless = seer, poet
Gaulish	uelets = seer, poet
Primitive Irish	ᚃᚓᚂᚔᚈᚐᚄ (velitas) = seer, poet
Old Irish (Goídelc)	fili [ˈfʲilʲi] = poet, seer
Irish (Gaeilge)	file = poet; satirist, scold filíocht = poetry
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	filidh [filɪ] = poet, bard, minstrel, warbler, songster, philosopher, orator filidheachd [filɪjəxg] = poetry of a filidh; versification
Manx (Gaelg)	feelee = poet feeleeaght = poetry

Etymology: from the Proto-Celtic *weleti (to see), from the Proto-Indo-European *wel- (to see) [source].

Proto-Celtic	*wātis = soothsayer, prophet
Gaulish	οὐάτεις (uatis) = seer
Old Irish (Goídelc)	fáíth [faːθʲ] = seer, soothsayer, prophet fáíthsine = prophecy, augury
Irish (Gaeilge)	fáigh = seer, prophet, wise man, sage fáighbhean = prophetess, wise woman fáidheadóir = prophet, predictor, soothsayer; profound, sage fáidheadóireacht = prophecy, prediction; wise, sagacious, speech fáidhiúil = prophetic, wise, sagacious fáidhiúilacht = prophetic quality, sagaciousness
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	fàidh [faːj] = prophet, seer; soothsayer fàidheadair [faːjədɛrʲ] = prophet fàisneachd = prophecy, prediction, foretelling fàidheadaireachd = prophesying, prophecy, prediction, divination
Manx (Gaelg)	fadeyr = prophet
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	guant, gwaud, gwawt = song of praise
Welsh (Cymraeg)	gwawd = song of praise, panegyric, eulogy, praise, exaltation; mockery, derision, ridicule, lampoon, scorn, satire gwawdaidd = scornful, jeering, satirical gwawdair = poem, eulogy, praise, commendation gwawdawr = poet gwawdio = to mock deride gwawdlun = caricature gwawdlyd = mocking, scornful

Etymology: from the Proto-Indo-European *weh₂t- (excited, inspired, possessed, excited) [source].

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

Etymology: from the Proto-Indo-European *gʷerH- (to approve, praise) [source].

Sources: Wiktionary, Am Faclair Beag, Online Manx Dictionary, Teanglann.ie, eDIL – Electronic Dictionary of the Irish Language, In Dúil Bélrai English – Old Irish glossary, Geiriadur Prifysgol Cymru, Gerlyver Kernewek, Dictionaire Favereau, TermOfis, English – ProtoCeltic WordList (PDF)

Celtiadur

Exploring connections between Celtic languages

Category: Primitive Irish

Bald & bare

Seas

Strength

Names

Useful phrases

Lord, Ruler

Kings and Queens

Daughter / Girl

Sons

Man / Husband

Poets, Seers & Bards