Category: Proto-Celtic

Lord, Ruler

By Simon

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

lord and lady

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.

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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

Doctor

By Simon

Words for doctor in Celtic languages.

Irish (Gaeilge) dochtúir [d̪ˠɔxˈt̪ˠuːɾʲ / ˈd̪ˠʌxt̪ˠuɾʲ] = doctor
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig) dotair [dɔhdɛrʲ] = doctor, surgeon, physician
Manx (Gaelg) doghtoor = doctor

Etymology: from the Latin doctor (teacher, instructor), from doceō (teach), from the Proto-Italic *dokeō (tell, inform, teach, instruct), from the Proto-Indo-European *deḱ- (to take) [source].

Sources: Wiktionary, Am Faclair Beag, teanglann.ie, Dictionary of the Irish Language On-Line Manx Dictionary

Proto-Celtic *lī(φ)agi- = doctor
Old Irish (Goídelc) líaig = leech, doctor, physician
Irish (Gaeilge) lia = healer, physician
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig) lèigh [ʎeː] = physician, surgeon
lighiche [ʎi.ɪçə] = healer, physician, surgeon
Manx (Gaelg) (fer/ben) lhee = (male/female) doctor, physician

Etymology: from the Proto-Indo-European lēg(‘)- (doctor), the same root as the English word leech [source].

Sources: Wiktionary, Proto-Celtic English Word List, Am Faclair Beag, teanglann.ie, Dictionary of the Irish Language On-Line Manx Dictionary

Proto=Brythonic *meðïg = doctor
Welsh (Cymraeg) meddyg [ˈmɛðɪɡ / ˈmeːðɪɡ] = doctor
Cornish (Kernewek) medhek [mɛðɛk / ‘mɛðɐk] = doctor, physician
Breton (Brezhoneg) mezeg = doctor

Doctor

Etymology: from the Latin medicus (doctor), from medeor (I heal, cure, remedy), from the Proto-Italic *medēōr (to heal), from the Proto-Indo-European *med- (to measure, give advice, heal) [source].

Words marked with a * are reconstructions.

Sources: Wiktionary, Geiriadur Prifysgol Cymru, Gerlyver Kernewek, Dictionnaire Favereau

Craftsman

By Simon

Words for craftsman in Celtic languages.

Proto-Celtic *saɸiros = craftsman
Old Irish (Goídelc) sáer [saːi̯r] = craftsman
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg) saer = craftsman
Irish (Gaeilge) saor [sˠeːɾˠ / sˠiːɾˠ] = artificer, craftsman, (stone)mason
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig) saor [sɯːr] = joiner, carpenter
Manx (Gaelg) seyr = carpenter, wright
Welsh (Cymraeg) saer [saːɨ̯r / sai̯r] = carpenter, joiner; craftsman, skilled worker, artisan, builder
Old Cornish sair = craftsman, carpenter
Cornish (Kernewek) ser [sɛ:r / ze:r] = craftsman

fine tuning

Etymology
From the Proto-Indo-European *sapiros, from *sap- (skill) [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

Old Woman, Crone, Hag

By Simon

Words for old woman, crone, hag in Celtic languages.

Old Irish (Goídelc) caillech = nun, housekeeper, elderly woman, crone, hag
Irish (Gaeilge) cailleach = nun, old woman; hag; precocious girl; spineless fellow, coward; spent, shrivelled, thing; stump; truss, bundle (of straw)
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig) cailleach [kaʎəx] = old lady, old woman; old biddy, hag; her indoors, the wife, the old lady; landlady
Manx (Gaelg) caillagh = witch, crone, old woman, single woman; glaucous gull

Etymology: from the Old Irish caille (veil), from the Latin pallium (cloak, coverlet) [source].

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

Proto-Celtic *wrakkā = woman
Old Irish (Goídelc) frac = woman
Welsh (Cymraeg) gwrach = ugly old woman, crone, hag, witch, sorceress
Old Cornish gruah = old woman
Cornish (Kernewek) gwragh [gwra:x / gwræ:h] = hag, witch, wrasse (fish), woodlouse
Breton (Brezhoneg) gwrac’h = old woman, witch, fairy, mermaid

Words marked with a * are reconstructions.

Sources: Wiktionary, Proto-Celtic English Word List, Geiriadur Prifysgol Cymru, Gerlyver Kernewek, Dictionnaire Favereau

Kings and Queens

By Simon

Words for king and related things in Celtic languages.

Brian Boru, High King of Ireland (1002-1014)
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

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Poet, bard

By Simon

Words for poet, bard in Celtic languages.

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

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

Words marked with a * are reconstructions.

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

Cowherd, boy, child

By Simon

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

Cowherd 1

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Daughter / Girl

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

By Simon

Words for son in Celtic languages.

My sister and her son (my nephew)
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

Woman / Wife

By Simon

Words for woman / wife in Celtic languages.

Proto-Celtic *benā = woman
Gaulish benā = woman, wife
Old Irish (Goídelc) ben [bʲen] = woman
Irish (Gaeilge) bean [bʲanˠ] = woman, wife
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig) bean [bɛn] = woman, wife
Manx (Gaelg) ben = woman, lady, wife
Proto-Brythonic *ben = woman
Old Welsh ben = woman
Welsh (Cymraeg) benyw = female, girl, woman, feminine
menyw = woman, female, feminine
Old Cornish benen = woman
Cornish (Kernewek) benyn [‘bɛnɪn / ‘bɛnən] = woman
Old Breton ban = woman
Breton (Brezhoneg) e-ben = woman

Etymology
From the Proto-Indo-European *gʷḗn (woman) [source], which is also the root of the English words queen and gynecology, words for woman in some other Germanic languages, such as kvinna in Swedish, and words for woman / wife in Slavic languages, such as žena in Czech.

Words marked with a * are reconstructions.

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

Proto-Celtic *wrakkā = woman
Old Irish (Goídelc) frac = woman
Proto-Brythonic *gwrėg [ˈɡwre̝ːɡ] = woman, (human) female, wife
Middle Welsh (Kymraec) gureic, gwreic = wife, woman
Welsh (Cymraeg) gwraig [ɡuˈrai̯ɡ] = wife, woman, (human) female
Old Cornish greg, grueg = wife
Middle Cornish gurek = wife
Cornish (Kernewek) gwreg [gwrɛ:g / gwre:g] = wife
Middle Breton gruec = wife
Breton (Brezhoneg) gwreg [ˈɡwʁɛːk] = wife

Words marked with a * are reconstructions.

Sources: Wiktionary, Proto-Celtic English Word List, Geiriadur Prifysgol Cymru, Gerlyver Kernewek, Dictionnaire Favereau