Nephews

29th April 202229th April 2022 By Simon

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

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

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

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

Other words for nephew:

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

Nieces

27th April 202226th November 2023 By Simon

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

My brother and my niece

Words marked with a * are reconstructions.

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

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

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

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

Other words for niece:

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

Sisters

22nd April 202226th November 2023 By Simon

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

Words marked with a * are reconstructions.

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

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

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

Sources: Wiktionary, Am Faclair Beag, Online Manx Dictionary, Teanglann.ie, eDIL – Electronic Dictionary of the Irish Language, In Dúil Bélrai English – Old Irish glossary, Geiriadur Prifysgol Cymru, Gerlyver Kernewek, Lexicon Cornu-britannicum: A Dictionary of the Ancient Celtic Language of Cornwall, Dictionaire Favereau, TermOfis, Le dictionnaire diachronique du breton, Etymological Dictionary Of Proto Celtic

Brothers

21st April 202221st April 2022 By Simon

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

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

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

Words marked with a * are reconstructions.

Fathers

17th April 202225th July 2024 By Simon

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

Words marked with a * are reconstructions.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Etymology from the Proto-Celtic *altros (foster), from *altos (nourished, fostered) + *awū (uncle), ultimately from Proto-Indo-European *h₂éwh₂os (maternal grandfather, maternal uncle). Words from the same roots include uncle in English, abbi (grandfather, old man) in Faroese, and oncle (uncle) in French [source].

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

Mothers

13th April 202217th April 2022 By Simon

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

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

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

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

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

Words marked with a * are reconstructions.

Families and Households

21st April 20195th August 2022 By Simon

Words for family, tribe, household and related things in Celtic languages.

Proto-Celtic	*wenyā = family, kindred
Leptonic	𐌅𐌄𐌍𐌉𐌀 (venia)
Old Irish (Goídelc)	fine [ˈfʲinʲe] = family, kin, group of people of common descent, clan, tribe, race
Irish (Gaeilge)	fine [ˈfʲɪnʲə] = family group, race, territory of a family group
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	fine [finə] = tribe, clan, kindred, phylum ceann-fine = chieftain, clan chief finneach = clannish, tribal, heathen fineachas = clanship, kindred
Middle Breton	gouen(n) = race
Breton (Brezhoneg)	gouenn = race

Etymology: from the Proto-Indo-European *wenh₁ (to wish, seek, desire, love, win). The name of Vannes, a town in Brittany, comes from the same Proto-Celtic root, via the Latin Veneti [source]

Words from the same PIE root include venom, Venus, wonder, wean and winsome in English, vän (friend) in Swedish, and gwenwyn (poison, venom) in Welsh [source].

Proto-Celtic	tego-slougo- / tegeso-slougo- = family, household
Old Irish (Goídelc)	teglach [ˈtʲeɣlax] = family, household
Irish (Gaeilge)	teaghlach [ˈtʲalˠəx] = household, family, domestic establishment, household troops, retinue teaghlachas = domestic economy, housekeeping, establishment
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	teaghlach [ˈtʲɤːɫ̪ˠəx] = family, household teaghlachail = domestic teaghlachas = domesticity teaghlach ba gréine = the solar system (poetic)
Manx (Gaelg)	thielagh = family, household mooinjer thielagh = household
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	teulu, tuyly = family, tribe, nation, household
Welsh (Cymraeg)	teulu = family, tribe, nation, household; retinue, retainers, entourage, host, crowd, people teuluaeth = household management, housekeeping, husbandry teuluaf, teuluo, teulua = to raise a family, run a household teuluaidd = family, familial, household, domestic teuluedd = familiarity, concord, harmony, peace teulueiddrwydd = hospitality; familiarity teulues = housewife teuluol = family, familial
Old Cornish	teilu = family
Cornish (Kernewek)	teylu [‘tɛɪly / ‘təɪlɪʊ] = family hanow teylu = surname
Breton (Brezhoneg)	tiegezh = household, farm, family

Etymology: from the Proto-Indo-European *tegos (cover, roof) [source] and *slowgʰos / *slowgos (entourage) [source].

Old Irish (Goídelc)	muinter = community, family or household (including servants), folks, followers, attendants
Irish (Gaeilge)	munitir [ˈmˠiːn̠ʲtʲəɾ / ˈmˠɪn̠ʲtʲəɾʲ] = household, community, family; associates, adherents, followers; party, retinue; kinsfolk; folk, people muniteartha = belonging to a household or community, associated, familiar, friendly, related munitearthacht = friendliness
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	muinntir [mɯin̪ʲd̪ʲɪr̪ʲ] = folk, kindred, people; inhabitants muinntireas = service, servitude, residency (of a writer, etc) muinntireach = household servant neach-muinntir = (household) servant bean-mhuinntir = maidservant muinntir taighe = the household, members of the household
Manx (Gaelg)	mooinjer = family, people, tribe, relations, inhabitants, kin, servants, folk, entourage, farmhand mooinjerey = domestic dooinney mooinjerey = cousin, kinsman, kinsfolk, relation mooinjereys = blood relationship, connection, domestic servce, kinship

Etymology: from the Proto-Celtic *moniterā, from *monis (protection, patronage), or possibly from the Latin monastērium (monastry,cell) [source], from the Ancient Greek μοναστήριον (monastḗrion – solitary dwelling, hermit’s cell, monastery) [source].

Proto-Celtic	*luxtus = people, crowd
Old Irish (Goídelc)	lucht [l͈uxt] = occupants, inhabitants, possessors, household comlucht = accomplices, companions
Irish (Gaeilge)	lucht [l̪ˠʊxt̪ˠ / l̪ˠʌxt̪ˠ] = people lucht na mbothán = frequenters of neighbour’s houses lucht an bhurdúin = tale-bearers lucht míghrinn = mischief-makers lucht tréachtais = hangers-on
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	luchd [l̪ˠuxg] = person neach [n̪ʲɛx] = person, people (plural of luchd) neach-dàimheachd = kin, relative neach-eòlais = acquaintance co-neach-dùthcha = fellow compatriot / countryman
Manx (Gaelg)	lught = people, folk lught eaishtagh = listener, audience, house lught thie = family, household, household members colught = body of people, company, firm
Old Welsh	luidt, luith = tribe, lineage, family
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	luith, llwyth = family, tribe, nation, household
Welsh (Cymraeg)	llwyth [ˈɬuːɨ̯θ / ˈɬʊi̯θ] = tribe, people tylwyth = immediate family, household (“house tribe”) Tylwyth Teg = fair folk (elves, fairies)
Old Cornish	leid, luyte = tribe, family
Cornish (Kernewek)	looth = tribe
Old Breton	loit = household, farm, family
Breton (Brezhoneg)	leizh = tribe

Etymology: unknown – possibly from a non-Proto-Indo-European substrate language [source].

Proto-Celtic	toutā [ˈtow.taː] = people, tribe, tribal land toutyos [ˈtow.tjos] = tribesman, tribal citizen
Gaulish	touta, teuta = people, tribe, tribal land
Old Irish (Goídelc)	túath [tuːa̯θ] = tribe, laity, people, tribal territory
Irish (Gaeilge)	tuath [t̪ˠuə] = people tribe, country, territory tuathánach = countryman, rustic, peasant
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	tuath [ˈtʲɤːɫ̪ˠəx] = family, household tuathanach = domestic teaghlachas = domesticity teaghlach na gréine = the solar system (poetic)
Manx (Gaelg)	theay = citizens, common people, general public. laity, peasantry, public, populace
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	tut, tud = people, tribe, nation, family
Welsh (Cymraeg)	tud = people, tribe, nation, family, country, territory, district, region, kingdom, land, earth tudlen = map (of the world) tudliw = ochre
Middle Cornish (Cernewec)	tus = a nation, people, men
Cornish (Kernewek)	tus = men, people, persons tus henavek = elderly
Breton (Brezhoneg)	tud = people, parents, relatives, characters tud-kozh = grand-parents

Etymology: from the Proto-Indo-European *tewtéh₂ (people, tribe) [source].

Words from the same PIE root include Dutch in English, Deutsch (German) in German, todo (all, every, each, everything) in Spanish, þjóð (a people, a nation) in Icelandic, [source].

The name Tudor was borrowed from the Welsh name Tudur, from the Old Welsh name Tutir, from the Proto-Brythonic name *Tʉdür, from the Proto-Celtic name *Toutorīxs, from *toutā (people, tribe) and *rīxs (king) [source].

Words marked with a * are reconstructions.

Cowherd, boy, child

25th March 201929th October 2022 By Simon

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

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

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

Celtiadur

Exploring connections between Celtic languages

Category: Family

Nephews

Nieces

Sisters

Brothers

Fathers

Mothers

Families and Households

Cowherd, boy, child

Daughter / Girl

Sons