Decades

Words for ten and related things in Celtic languages:

ten

Proto-Celtic *dekam = ten
*dekametos = tenth
Celtiberian tekametam = tenth
Gaulish decan = ten
decametos = tenth
Old Irish (Goídelc) deich [dʲexʲ] = ten
dechmad = tenth, ten days
deichenbor = ten people
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg) deich, dech = ten
dechmad, deachmadh = tenth, ten days
deichenbor, dechnabar, dechnebur = ten people
deichenborach = belonging to a company of ten
deichthriub = The Ten Tribes of Israel
Irish (Gaeilge) deich [dʲɛç/dʲɛh/dʲɛ] = ten
(an) deichiú = tenth, tenth part
deichniúr = ten people
deichbhliantúil = decennial (consisting of or lasting 10 years; occuring every 10 years)
deachú = tenth part, tithe
deachúil = decimal
deachúlaigh = to decimalize
deachúlú = decimalization
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig) deich [dʲeç] = ten
deicheamh [dʲeçəv] (10ᵐʰ) = tenth (10ᵗʰ)
deichnear [dʲeçnər] = ten (people)
deich ar fhichead = thirty
Na Deich Àitheantan = The Ten Commandments
deichead [dʲeçəd] = decade, decimal
deicheachadh = (act of) decimalising, decimalisation
deich-fillte = tenfold
Manx (Gaelg) jeih [d͡ʒɛi] = ten
(yn) jeihoo = (the) tenth
jeihaght = decade, ten
jeih keead = thousand
jeih filley = ten-fold
Jeih Annaghyn = Ten Commandments
Proto-Brythonic *deg [dɛːɡ] = ten
*degβ̃ed [dɛɡˈβ̃ɛːd] = tenth
Cumbric dig, dick, dik = ten
Old Welsh dec = ten
Middle Welsh (Kymraec) dec = ten
decuet, decvet, decfed = tenth
decuettyd = tenth day
dec a hugein(t) = thirty
dec a dugein(t) = fifty
dec a phedwar ugein(t) = ninety
degeir = the Ten Commandments, Decalogue
degniev = ten days
deguyr, degwyr = ten men
Welsh (Cymraeg) deg [deːɡ] = ten
degfed [ˈdɛɡvɛd/ˈdɛɡvad] (10fed) = tenth
degfetydd = tenth day
deg ar hugain = thirty
deg a thrigain = seventy
deg a phedwar ugain = ninety
dega(w)d = decade
degiad = decimal
degoes = ten ages or lifetimes, prolonged life
degol = decimal, metric, tenth part
degolaf, degoli = to decimalize; decimate, tithe
degoliad = decimalization, decmiation, a tithing
dengair = the Ten Commandments, Decalogue
dengnïau = ten days
dengnyn, dengw(y)r = ten men, ten persons
Middle Cornish (Cernewec) dec, dék, dég = ten
dege, degves = tenth
dek warn-ugens, dék war-nugens, degwarnygnas = thirty
deg ha dugans = fifty
Cornish (Kernewek) deg = ten
degves = tenth
deg warn ugens = thirty
deg ha dew ugens = fifty
deg ha tri ugens = seventy
deg ha peswar ugens = ninety
degowek, degoweges = teenage, teenager
degvledhen = decade
Old Breton dec = ten
Middle Breton (Brezonec) dec, dêc, deg, dégeu, dek = ten
decuet, dekved = tenth
dec ha triuguent, dec ha tri vguent = seventy
dec ha peuaruguent = ninety
dek kant, dec-cant, dek-kant = thousand
Breton (Brezhoneg) dek = ten
dekvet = tenth
dek ha tri-ugent = seventy
dek ha pevar-ugent = ninety
Dekalog = Decalogue, the Ten Commandments

Etymology: from Proto-Indo-European *déḱm̥ (ten) and *deḱm̥tós (tenth) [source].

English words from the same roots include ten, decade, decimal and decathlon [source].

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

Threesome

Words for three and related things in Celtic languages:

three

Proto-Celtic *trīs = three
*tritiyos = third (in a sequence)
*trisano- = third (fraction)
Celtiberian Tiriś = three
Gaulish treis = three (m)
tiđres = three (f)
Lusitanian *trīs = three
Old Irish (Goídelc) tri, trí [tʲrʲiː] = three
tress = third (in a sequence)
trían = third (fraction)
tríar = three (people)
tréide = three things
trédenus = three days
tréimse = three months
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg) trí = three
tress = third (in a sequence), one of three
trímad = third (in a sequence)
trían = third (fraction)
tríar = three persons, trio, three things
tréimse = three months, a quarter (of a year)
Irish (Gaeilge) trí [tʲɾʲiː] = three
tríú [tʲɾʲiːuː] = third (in a sequence), third part
triúr [tʲɾʲuːɾˠ] = three (people)
triantán = triangle
triantánacht = trigonometry
triantánaigh = to triangulate
tríoiseach = three-dimensional
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig) trì [triː] = three
treas [tres] (3ˢ) third (3ʳᵈ)
treasamh (3ᵐʰ) third (3ʳᵈ)
triùir [truːrʲ] = three (people)
trì-fillte = triple, threefold, three-ply
trian [triən] = third (part)
triantan [triəndan] = triangle
iantanachd [iantanachd] = trigonometry
Manx (Gaelg) tree [t̪riː] = three
troor = three (people), threesome, triad, Trinity, trio, trinity
treeoo, trass = third
trooane, troorane = triangle
Proto-Brythonic *tri [triː] = three (m)
*teir = three (f)
*trɨdɨð [trɨˈdɨːð] = third (m)
*trɨdeð = third (f)
Old Welsh *tri [triː] = three (m)
*teir = three (f)
tritid = third (in a sequence)
trean = third (fraction)
Middle Welsh (Kymraec) tri = three (m)
teir, tair = three (f)
trited, trydet, trydyd = third
teir coglaỼc, trichonglaỼc, trichongloc = triangular, three-cornered
trydeblyc, tridyblic = three times, threefold, triple
Welsh (Cymraeg) tri [triː] = three (m),
tair [tai̯r] = three (f)
triawd = trio, threesome, triology, triple
trichorn = three-horned, three-cornered, tricorn hat
tric(h)onglog = triangular, three-cornered
tri deg = thirty
tridyblyg = three times, threefold, triple, triplicate
trionglyn = triangle
trydydd (3ydd) = third (m)
trydedd (3edd) = third (f)
teirgwaith = three times, thrice, on three occasions
Middle Cornish (Cernewec) tri, trei = three (m)
teir, teyr = three (f)
triddydh = the space of three days
tridzha = third
trihans = three hundred
trindas, trinsys = Trinity
triugans = three score, sixty
trivorh = three-pronged
Cornish (Kernewek) tri, trei = three (m)
trei = three (f)
tredhek, terdhek = thirteen
tressa, tryja = third
triasen = triplet
trihorn = triangle
tryflek = threefold, triple
teyrgweyth = three times
Old Breton tri = three
Middle Breton (Brezonec) tri, try = three (m)
teir, teyr = three (m)
tri-c’hard = three quarters
tri-ugent = sixty
tri-chant = three hundred
triad = trio, group of three
tric’hogn, tricoign, tric’horn = triangle
Breton (Brezhoneg) tri = three (m)
teir [ˈte.iʁ] = three (f)
trived (m) teirved (f) = third
trizek = thirteen
tri-ugent = sixty
trifarzh = three quarters
tric’horn, tric’hogn = triangle

Etymology: from Proto-Indo-European *tréyes (three – m) and *tisres (three – f) [source].

English words from the same roots include tertiary, three, thrice, three, triad, tripod, triple and triplex [source].

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

Grave Ditches

Words for graves, ditches and related things in Celtic languages:

Llanfihangel Esglai, Swydd Henffordd ☩☩☩ Michaelchurch Escley, Herefordshire

Proto-Celtic *bodyom = grave, ditch
Celtiberian arkato-bezom = silver mine (?)
Proto-Brythonic *beð = grave
Middle Welsh (Kymraec) bed, bet = grave, tomb
medraud, uedraut, bedraud = burial-place, grave, sepluchre, cemetery
Welsh (Cymraeg) bedd [beːð] = grave, tomb, gravestone, tombstone, interred
beddaf, beddu, beddo = to bury
bedd-dorrwr = gravedigger
beddfa = grave, tomb, mausoleum
beddfaen = gravestone, tombstone
beddrod = tomb, vault, grave, cemetery
Middle Cornish (Cernewec) bedh = grave
bedhy = to bury
Cornish (Kernewek) bedh = grave, tomb
bedhros = graveyard
bedhskrif = epitaph
Middle Breton bez = tomb, tombstone
Breton (Brezhoneg) bez = grave, tomb, sepulchre

Etymology: from the Proto-Indo-European *bʰedʰ- (to dig, burrow). Words from the same PIE root include fossa (ditch, trench, moat, fosse, grave) in Latin, and possibly bed in English [source].

Old Irish (Goídelc) úag = grave
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg) úag, úaig = grave
Irish (Gaeilge) uaigh [uəɟ/uə] = grave
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig) uaigh [uəj] = grave, tomb, sepluchre
uaigh staoin = shallow grave
uaigh-thrannsa = passage grave
uaigheach = sepulchral, abounding in graves
uaigheachd = (act of) burying, burial
Manx (Gaelg) oaie, oaye = grave, pit, sepulchre

Etymology: unknown [source].

Old Irish (Goídelc) reillic = grave
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg) reilic = burial place, relics (of saints)
reilcech = containg cemeteries
Irish (Gaeilge) reilig [ˈɾˠɛlʲɪɟ/ˈɾˠɛlʲɪc/ˈɾˠɨ̞lʲɪɟ] = graveyard, burial ground; relics
reiligire = sexton, grave-digger
reiligireacht = caring for churchyard, grave-digging
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig) réilig, réileag [r̪ˠeːlɪgʲ] = burial place, ossuary, stone chest
réilig-cloiche = ossuary, stone chest
réiligeach = like a churchyard, having a churchyard
Manx (Gaelg) ruillick, rhullick = burial ground, cemetery, graveyard, necropolis, churchyard
ruillick fo-halloo = catacombs
ruillick ny moght = paupers’ grave

Etymology: from the Latin rēliquiae (remains, relics, remnants, survivors), from relinquō (I abandon, relinquish, forsake, leave), from the Proto-Italic *wrelinkʷō, ultimately from the Proto-Indo-European *leykʷ (to leave) [source].

Words from the same PIE root include loan in English, лишать [lʲɪˈʂatʲ] (to deprive, rob, bereave) in Russian, and possibly dìleab (bequest, inheritance, legacy) in Scottish Gaelic [source].

Words marked with a * are reconstructions.

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

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Magic and Spells

Today we’re looking at words for magic, spells and related things in Celtic languages.

Witch

Proto-Celtic *brixtā = spell, magical formula, incantation
Celtiberian *bruxtia
Gaulish brixtia
Old Irish (Goídelc) bricht = charm, spell, incantation
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg) bricht = incanation, charm, magic spell
Irish (Gaeilge) briocht = charm, spell, amulet
briocht sí = fairy charm
briocht a chanadh = to chant a spell
briocht draíochta = magic spell
Proto-Brythonic *briθ [ˈbriːθ] = charm, incantation
Middle Welsh (Kymraec) lleturith, lledrith, ledryth = magic, spell, charm, enchantment
llethrithawc, lledrithyawc, lleturithawc = magic, magical, enchanted
Welsh (Cymraeg) lledrith, lledfrith = magic, spell, charm, enchantment; apparition, spectre, phantom; illusion, delusion, fantasy, imagination
lledrithaid = pretence, dissembling, deception
lledrithiaf, lledrithio = to counterfeit, fake, pretend, simulate
lledrithiog = magic, magical, enchanted
Old Breton brith = charm, incantation (?)

Etymology: from the Proto-Indo-European *bʰerHǵ- (enlighten). Words that probably come from the same Proto-Celtic root, via the Celtiberian *bruxtia, include bruja (witch, crone, hag, owl) in Spanish, bruxa (witch, hex) in Galician, bruxa (witch) in Portuguese, and bruixa (witch) in Catalan [source].

Irish (Gaeilge) dríocht [ˈd̪ˠɾˠihaxt̪ˠə] = druidic art, druidism, witchcraft, magic, charm, enchantment
draíochtach = magical, bewitching, entrancing
draíochtúil = magic, magical
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig) draoidheachd [drɯjəxg] = magic, socery, druidism
eun-draoidheachd = augury
slat-draoidheachd = magic wand/td>
Manx (Gaelg) druaight = charm, druid
druaightagh = charmer, charming, druid, magician, occult
druaightys = charming, druid, druidism, magic
fo druaight = charmed
Welsh (Cymraeg) derwyddiaeth [dɛrˈwəðjaɨ̯θ/dɛrˈwəðjai̯θ] = druidism, the druid cult
Cornish (Kerneweg) drewydhieth = druidism
Breton (Brezhoneg) drouizelezh / drouiziezh = druidism

Etymology: these words come from the same roots as words for druid.

Proto-Celtic *soitos. *soyto- = magic
Proto-Brythonic *hʉd = magic, charm
hʉdol = charming, illusory
Middle Welsh (Kymraec) hut, hud = magic, wizardry, sorcery, witchcraft
hûdadwy, hydadwy = persuasive, enticing, seducible
Welsh (Cymraeg) hud [hɨːd/hiːd] = magic, wizardry, sorcery, witchcraft, spell, enchantment, charm, fascination, allurement, persuasion
hudadwy = persuasive, enticing, seducible
hudaf, hudo = to fashion or produce by magic, conjure, cast a spell upon, enchant, charm, entice, allure, persuade, seduce, beguile
hudaidd = alluring, charming, seductive
hudol = charming, enchanting, enticing, alluring, illusory, deceptive, deceitful
Old Cornish hudol = charming, illusory
Middle Cornish (Cernewec) huder = a deceiver, hypocritic, juggler, sorcerer
hudol = sorcerer
Cornish (Kerneweg) hus = charm, enchantment, illusion, magic, sorcery, spell
husa = to charm, create an illusion, enchant
Middle Breton (Brezonec) hud = magic
hudek, hudel = magic, magical
hudiñ = to charm, enchant, bewitch, delight
hudour = magician, wizard
hudouriezh = magic
Breton (Brezhoneg) hud = magic
hudek = magic, magical
hudour = magician, wizard

Etymology: from the Proto-Indo-Etymology *sh₂oy-tó-s (magic), from *sh₂ey (to bind, fetter) [source]. Words from the same PIE roots include seiður (magic, witchcraft, sorcery) in Icelandic, sejd (sorcery, witchcraft, magic potion) in Swedish, and seid (magic) in Norwegian [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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Heather

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

Heather

Proto-Celtic *wroikos = heather
Gaulish *wroika = heather
Celtiberian *broikios = heather
Old Irish (Goídelc) froích, fróech = heather
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg) fráech = heather
Irish (Gaeilge) fraoch [fˠɾˠeːx / fˠɾˠiːx / fˠɾˠiːx] = heather, heath, moor
fraochán = bilberry, whortleberry, ring-ouzel
fraochlach = heath
fraochmhá = heath
fraochmhar = heathery
fraoch bán = white heather
fraoch coitianta = Scotch heather, ling
píobaire fraoch = grasshopper
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig) fraoch [frɯːx] = heather, ling
fraoch-geal = white common heather (Calluna vulgaris alba
fraoch-bheinn = heather-covered mountain
fraochan = whortleberry, blaeberry, lingonberry, cranberry
fraochach = heathy, heathery
Manx (Gaelg) freoagh = heather, ling, heath
freoagh bane = brier, white heather
freoagh marrey = sea fern
freoagh mooar = Scotch heather
Proto-Brythonic *gwrʉg [ˈɡwrʉːɡ] = heather
Middle Welsh (Kymraec) gruc, gerug, gwrug = heather
Welsh (Cymraeg) grug [ɡrɨːɡ / ɡriːɡ] = heather, ling heath
grug cyffredin = heather, ling, common heath, Calluna vulgaris
grugiar = (red) grouse, willow grouse, heath-hen
gruglus = heath-berries
gruglwyn = bush of heather, sweet broom
grugnythu = to nest or nestle in the heather
grugog = heath-covered, heathery, abounding in heather
Cornish (Kernwek) grug [ɡryːɡ / ɡriːɡ] = heath, heather, ling
grugyar = partridge
Middle Breton groegan = heather
Breton (Brezhoneg) brug = heather

Words marked with a * are reconstructions.

Etymology unknown, possibly from a non-Proto-Indo-European root [source]. It’s uncertain where the Breton word brug comes from, but it’s likey that it was borrowed from the Latin *brūcus (heather).

The Spanish word brezo (heath) comes from the Vulgar Latin *broccius, from the Proto-Celtic *wroikos, as does the Galician breixo (heather) [source].

Words from the Gaulish root *wroikos (heather), via the Latin *brūcus (heather), include brugo (heather) and brughiera (heath, moor) in Italian, bruc (heather) and bruguera (heath) in Catalan, and bruyère (heather, heath, brier) in French [source].

Eilean Fraoch (Heather Isle) is a nickname for the Isle of Lewis / Eilean Leòdhais in the Western Isles / Na h-Eileanan Siar. Here’s a song about it:

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

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Mothers

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

Mother Goose

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

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

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

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

Words marked with a * are reconstructions.

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

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Herons

Words for heron in Celtic languages.

Proto-Celtic *korxsā / *korxsiyos = heron
Celtiberian *cárcia = heron
Old Irish (Goídelc) corr = crane, heron, stork, crane
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg) corr = (grey) heron, stork, crane, leg-necked person
Irish (Gaeilge) corr [kəuɾˠ] = (grey) heron, stork, crane, leg-necked person
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig) corra [kɔr̪ˠə] = heron, stork, crane
Manx (Gaelg) coar = heron, stork, crane
Proto-Brythonic *krɨxɨð = heron
Middle Welsh (Kymraec) crychyd, krechydd, crechydd = heron
Welsh (Cymraeg) crychydd [ˈkrəχɨ̞ð / ˈkrəχɪð] = heron
Old Cornish cherhit = heron
Middle Cornish (Cernewec) cerhidh = heron
Cornish (Kernewek) kerghydh = heron
Old Breton corcid = heron
Middle Breton (Brezonec) quercheiz, querch-eïz, querc’heiz, qarc’hleyz kerc’heiz = heron
Breton (Brezhoneg) kerc’heiz = heron

Etymology: possibly immitative in origin. Words for heron in Spanish (garza) and Portuguese (garça) come from the Celtiberian root [source].

Proto-Brythonic *krexVr = heron
Middle Welsh (Kymraec) crehyr = heron
Welsh (Cymraeg) crëyr [ˈkrɛ.ɨ̞r / kreː.ɪr] = heron

Etymology: possibly from the Proto-Indo-European *(s)ḱrey- (to scream, screech) [source].

Words marked with a * are reconstructions.

Heron

Sources: Wiktionary, Am Faclair Beag, MacBain’s Dictionary, In Dúil Bélrai English – Old-Irish Glossary, teanglann.ie, On-Line Manx Dictionary, Geiriadur Prifysgol Cymru, Gerlyver Kernewek, Dictionnaire Favereau

Horses

Words for horse, stallion, mare and foal in Celtic languages.

Ceffylau / Horses

Proto-Celtic *kapallos = horse
Gaulish *caballos = horse
Old Irish (Goídelc) capall [ˈkapal͈] = horse
Irish (Gaeilge) capall [ˈkapˠəl̪ˠ] = horse, mare
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig) capall [kahbəl̪ˠ] = mare, colt, horse, small horse
Manx (Gaelg) cabbyl = horse
Proto-Brythonic *kappilos = horse
Middle Welsh (Kymraec) keffyl, ceffyl = horse
Welsh (Cymraeg) ceffyl [ˈkɛfɨ̞l / ˈkɛfɪl] = horse, nag, hobby
Middle Cornish cevil, kevil = horse
Breton (Brezhoneg) kefel = horse

Etymology: uncertain – related to the Late Latin caballus (horse, nag), which is thought to come from the Gaulish caballos [source].

Proto-Celtic *markos = horse
Galatian *μάρκαν (márkan) = horse
Gaulish *markos = horse
Old Irish (Goídelc) marc [mark] = horse
Irish (Gaeilge) marc [mˠaɾˠk] = horse (literary / archaic)
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig) marc [marxk] = charger (warhorse – literary)
Manx (Gaelg) mark-sleih = horseman
Proto-Brythonic *marx = horse
Middle Welsh (Kymraec) march = horse
Welsh (Cymraeg) march [marχ] = horse, stallion, war-horse, steed
Old Cornish march = horse
Middle Cornish march = horse
Cornish (Kernewek) margh [ˈmaɾx] = horse
Old Breton marh = horse
Middle Breton march = horse
Breton (Brezhoneg) marc’h [ˈmaʁχ] = horse, easel

Etymology: thought to be from the Proto-Indo-European *márkos, which is also the root of the English words mare and marshal, the French word maréchal (marshal), and related words in other languages [source].

Related words

Irish (Gaeilge) marcach = horseman, rider, jockey; cavalryman, Cavalier
marcachas = horsemanship
marchaigh = to ride
marcaíocht = riding, horsemanship, ride drive lift
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig) marc-shluagh = horsemen, riders, cavalry
marchach = equestrian, mounted; riding
Welsh (Cymraeg) marchaidd = pertaining to a horse, horsy, horselike, equine
marchallu = horsepower
marchasyn = jackass, male donkey
marchdy = stable
marchfeddyg = horse doctor, farrier
marchfilwr = dragoon, cavalryman, cavalier, trooper
marchog = horseman, rider, jockey, mounted warrior, knight
Cornish (Kernewek) marghek = knight, rider
margh-leska = rocking horse
marghnerth = horsepower
marghogeth = to ride (a horse)
marghti = stable
horn margh = horseshoe
Breton (Brezhoneg) marc’heg = knight
Proto-Celtic *ekʷos [ˈe.kʷos] = horse
Celtiberian ekua- = horse
Gaulish epos = horse
Primitive Irish *ᚓᚊᚐᚄ (*eqas) [exʷah] = horse
Old Irish (Goídelc) ech [ex] = horse
Irish (Gaeilge) each [ax] = horse (archaic)
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig) each [ɛx] = horse
Manx (Gaelg) agh [ax] = steed, riding horse
Proto-Brythonic *eb [ɛːb] = horse
Old Welsh eb = horse
Middle Welsh (Kymraec) ep, ebawl = colt, foal
Welsh (Cymraeg) ebol [ˈɛbɔl / ˈeːbɔl] = colt, foal, sucker
cyfeb = mare in foal
Middle Cornish ebol, ebel = foal, colt
Cornish (Kernewek) ebel = horse
Old Breton eb = horse
Breton (Brezhoneg) ebeul [ˈe.bøl] = foal
keneb = mare in foal

Etymology: from the Proto-Indo-European *h₁éḱwos, which is also the root of the Latin word for horse, equus, and the English word equine [source]. The horse goddess, Epona, may be related as well.

Proto-Celtic *uɸorēdos = horse
Gaulish *werēdos = horse
Proto-Brythonic *gworuɨð = horse
Middle Welsh (Kymraec) gorwydd = steed, horse
Welsh (Cymraeg) gorwydd = steed, horse

Etymology: from the Proto-Celtic *uɸo- (under) and *rēdo- (to ride; riding, chariot), from Proto-Indo-European *(H)reydʰ- (to ride) [source].

Proto-Celtic *(φ?)lārek- = mare
Old Irish (Goídelc) láir = mare
Irish (Gaeilge) láír [l̪ˠɑːɾʲ] = mare
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig) làir [l̪ˠaːrʲ] = mare
Manx (Gaelg) laair = mare

Etymology: unknown [source].

Proto-Celtic *kankstikaā = mare
Welsh (Cymraeg) caseg [ˈkasɛg] = mare
Old Cornish cassec = mare
Cornish (Kernewek) kasek = mare
Breton (Brezhoneg) kazeg = mare

Etymology: from the Proto-Indo-European *ḱanḱest-/*kankest- (horse) [source].

Old Irish (Goídelc) serrach = colt, faol
Irish (Gaeilge) searrach = colt, faol
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig) searrach [ʃɛr̪ˠəx] = colt, faol, filly
Manx (Gaelg) sharragh = faol

Etymology: unknown [source].

Words marked with a * are reconstructions.

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

Yew (trees)

Words for yew (tree) (Taxus baccata) in Celtic languages:

Proto-Celtic *eburos [d̪ˠaɾʲ] = yew (tree)
Celtiberian ebur- = yew (tree)
Gaulish eburo- = yew (tree)
Old Irish (Goídelc) ibar [d̪ˠaɾʲ] = yew (tree)
Irish (Gaeilge) iúr [uːɾˠ] = yew (tree)
iubhar [ˈju.əɾ] = yew (tree)
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig) iubhar / iùbhar [ju.ər] = yew (tree), bow
Manx (Gaelg) euar = yew (tree)
Proto-Brythonic *eβor = yew (tree)
Middle Welsh (Kymraec) efwr, ewr, ewur, evwr = hogweed, cow parsnip
Welsh (Cymraeg) efwr [ˈɛvʊr / ˈeːvʊr] = cow parsnip, hogweed
Cornish (Kernewek) evor = hogweed
Old Breton heuor / euor = yew
Breton (Brezhoneg) evor = alder buckthorn

Etymology: from the Proto-Indo-European *h₁ebʰros (yew) [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

Words for yew (tree) in Celtic languages:

Proto-Celtic *iwos = yew (tree)
Gaulish *iwos = yew (tree)
Old Irish (Goídelc) [eːo̯] = stem, shaft, yew, tree
Irish (Gaeilge) eo [oː/ɔː] = yew tree (literary)
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig) iodh [jɤɣ] = yew tree
Proto-Brythonic *ɨwī / *ɨwɨnā = yew (tree)
Welsh (Cymraeg) yw [ɨ̞u̯ / ɪu̯] = yew (tree), yew-wood
Old Cornish hiuin = yew (tree)
Cornish (Kernewek) ewin = yew (tree)
Breton (Brezhoneg) iwin / ivin = yew (tree)

Etymology: from the Proto-Indo-European *h₁eyHweh₂ (yew) [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

Ancient Yew

Kings and Queens

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) [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) [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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