Country and Land

23rd July 2021 By Simon

Words for land, country and related words in Celtic languages.

Proto-Celtic	tīros = dry land, land, earth wo-tīro- = piece of land
Old Irish (Goídelc)	tír = land, country, territory, ground Tír inna n-Óc = (mythical) Land of Youth
Irish (Gaeilge)	tír [tʲiːɾʲ] = country, land, state, nation; region, district. territory, rural district, country native, ordinary tírdhreach = landscape tíreach = native, of the country tíreachas = domesticity tíreánach = mainlander tíreolaí = geographer tíreolaíocht = geography tírghrá = patriotism tírghrách = patriotic tírghráthóir = patriot Tír na nÓg = (mythical) Land of the Young/Youth
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	tìr [tʲiːrʲ] = land, country, territory tìreach = countryman, patriot tìr-eòlas = geography tìr-ghràdhaiche = patriot tìr-mór = mainland, continent Tìr nan Òg = (mythical) Land of the Young/Youth àrd-tìr = highland
Manx (Gaelg)	çheer = land, country, state, territory, shore çheeragh = native çheer-ghraihagh = patriotic çheer-oayllee = geographer çheer-oaylleeaght = geography çheer vooar = mainland çheer yalloo = landscape Çheer ny Aeg = (mythical) Land of Youth
Proto-Brythonic	*tir [ˈtiːr] = land
Old Welsh	tir = land
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	tir, tyr = land
Welsh (Cymraeg)	tir [tiːr] = land, ground, soil, turf, estate, open land, region, territory, domain, country, earth, ridge tiriaf, tirio = to land, come ashore, disembark, arrive, reach tir(i)og = landowning, landed tiriogaeth = territory, realm, district, tract, (piece of) land tiriogaethol = territorial tirwedd = landscape, scenery, (geographic) relief
Cornish (Kernewek)	tir = land, earth tira = to land, come ashore tiredh = territory tirlanow = landfill tir meur = mainland tirnos = landmark tirwedh = landscape konna tir = peninsula penn tir = headland
Breton (Brezhoneg)	tir = land penn-tir = headland

Etymology: possibly from the Proto-Indo-European *tērs-os/tḗrs (to heap up, increase, enlarge) [source].

Proto-Celtic	wlatis = sovereignty, rule walo- = prince, chief *walatro- = ruler
Old Irish (Goídelc)	flaith [flaθʲ] = lordship, sovereignty, rule, kingdom, realm, prince, ruler flaithem = prince, ruler flaithemail = princely, munificent flaithemnacht = rule flaithemnas, flaithius = rule, sovereignty flaithiúlacht = princeliness, munificence, lavishness, generosity
Irish (Gaeilge)	flaith [fˠlˠah/fˠlˠa] = lordship, sovereignty, ruler, prince, lord, chief banfhlaith = princess flaithbheartach = princely, generous flaithbhile = princely scion, noble champion flaitheas = rule, sovereignty, kingdom, realm flaitheasach = heavenly, celestial co-fhlaitheas = confederation flaithiúil = princely, munificent, lavish, generous flaithiúlach = lavish, generous flaithiúnta = sovereign, heavenly mì-fhlathail = ignoble
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	flath [fl̪ˠah] = king, prince, ruler, noble banfhlath = wife of a chieftain, noblewoman flath-shonas [fl̪ˠahənəs] = dominion, kingdom, heaven, the heavens flathail = noble, gallant, patrician, princely, majestic; blithesome mì-fhlathail = ignoble
Manx (Gaelg)	flah = prince, potentate flaunys = heaven, utopia, paradise
Proto-Brythonic	gwlad [ˈɡwlaːd] = sovereignty, country gwlėdig = civil, secular, established, national *gwaladr [ɡwaˈladr̩] = ruler
Old Welsh	gulat = country, realm
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	gulat, gulad, gwlat, gwlad = country, realm
Welsh (Cymraeg)	gwlad [ɡwlaːd/ɡlaːd] = country, land, province, region, district, kingdom, realm, domain; nation, the people of a country gwaladr = ruler, sovereign gwladaidd = rural, rustic countrified, homely, plain, mean, poor, boorish, vulgar, rough, clumsy, awkward gwladiath = native tongue, mother tongue gwladwr = countryman, peasant, rustic, compatriot, inhabitant, citizen gwledig = rural rhyngwladol = international
Old Cornish	gulat = country
Cornish (Kernewek)	gwlas = country gwlaskar = patriotic gwlaskarer / gwlaskarores = patriot gwlaskarenja / gwlaskerensa = patriotism gwlaskor = kingdom, realm
Old Breton	guletic = prince
Middle Breton	gloat = kingdom, wealth gloedic = count
Breton (Brezhoneg)	glad [ɡlɑːt] = inheritance, heritage, patrimony

Etymology: from the Proto-Indo-European *h₂wélh₁tis/*h₂wl̥h₁téy-, from *h₂welh₁- (to rule, strong, powerful) [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

Grass

21st July 202121st July 2021 By Simon

Words for grass, hay and related words in Celtic languages.

Proto-Celtic	wegrom/wegro- = grass
Old Irish (Goídelc)	fér [fʲeːr] = grass
Irish (Gaeilge)	féar [fʲeːɾˠ] = grass, hay féarach = pasture féaránach = grazing animal, animal sent to pasture féarúil, féarmhar. = grassy
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	feur [fiər/fjɔːrʲ] = grass, hay feur-itheach = herbivorous feur-tioram = hay fiabhras-feòir = hay fever
Manx (Gaelg)	faiyr [feːə] = grass
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	gweir, gweyr, gueir = grass, hay
Welsh (Cymraeg)	gwair [ɡwai̯r] = grass, hay
Cornish (Kernewek)	gora = hay
Breton (Brezhoneg)	garzh = hedge, wooden slope

Etymology: possibly from the Proto-Indo-European *h₂weg- (to heap up, increase, enlarge) [source].

Proto-Celtic	gʷeltā = grass gʷeleti = to graze
Old Irish (Goídelc)	gelt = grazing, feeding, pastures gelid [ɡʲe.lʲəð] = to graze, consume
Irish (Gaeilge)	geil = to graze
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	geil [gʲel] = graze
Manx (Gaelg)	gyndyr = grazing, graze, browsing
Proto-Brythonic	*gwellt [ˈɡwɛlt] = grass
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	geul, guell, guelt = grass
Welsh (Cymraeg)	gwellt [ɡweːɬt/ɡwɛɬt] = grass, herbage gwellta = to gather/spread straw gwelltach = waste/worthless straw, stubble, litter gwellty = straw-house gwelltiaf, gelltio = to turn to straw, finish flainling straw gwelltir = glass-land, pasture, prairie
Cornish (Kernewek)	gwels = grass
Old Breton	guelt = grass
Breton (Brezhoneg)	geot, gwelt [ˈɡɛwt/ˈɡɥɛlt] = grass geoteg = pasture geotegek = grassy, grazier, pasture

Etymology: unknown [source].

Stony Rocks

14th July 202114th July 2021 By Simon

Words for rocks and stones in Celtic languages.

Proto-Celtic	klukā, kluggā = stone, rock *klukaros = pile of stones
Old Irish (Goídelc)	cloch [klox] = stone, rock, precious stone, gem, bead (in a rosary), something built of stone, castle, fortress, stronghold
Irish (Gaeilge)	cloch [klˠɔx, klˠʌx] = rock, large stone clochach = stony, rocky clochaid = stone, covered with stones clochamail = stony, unyielding clochán = paved road, causeway clochar = stony place clochda = made of stony, stony
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	clach [kl̪ˠax] = rock, stone, testicle, ball clach-stéidhe = foundation stone clach an teinntein = hearthstone clach-uaighe = gravestone, headstone clach-mheallain = hail(stone) clach-mhìle = milestone
Manx (Gaelg)	clagh [klaːx] = stone, testicle, stone monument clagh eayil = limestone clagh eayl = kidney stone clagh gheayil = coal clagh gheinnee = sandstone clagh hayrn = magnet, magnetite, lodestone
Proto-Brythonic	*klog = stone, rock
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	clok, cloc, clog = stone, rock
Welsh (Cymraeg)	clog [kloːɡ] = rock, cliff, precipice; skull clegyr, clegr = rocks, stones, rock, crag, cairn, stony place clogfaen = boulder, large stone, rock clogfryn = cliff, steep rock, precipice clogyr = rock, crag clogwrn = cliff, rock, tump, knoll clogwyn = cliff, precipice, crag, boulder
Cornish (Kernewek)	clog = stone, rock
Breton (Brezhoneg)	kleger = rock, rocky

Etymology: unknown [source].

Proto-Celtic	karrikā, karrikī = stone, rock
Old Irish (Goídelc)	carrac = rock
Irish (Gaeilge)	carraig [ˈkɑɾˠɪɟ, ˈkaːɾˠɪɟ, ˈkaɾˠəc] = rock carraigeach = rocky carraigeolaí = petrologist carraigeolaíocht = petrology
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	carraig [kar̪ˠɪɡʲ] = rock, crag, cliff, pinnacle, hard mass
Manx (Gaelg)	carrick = cliff, crag, rock in the sea, fortress
Proto-Brythonic	*karreg = stone, rock
Old Welsh	carrecc, cerricc = stone
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	carrec, cerric, karreg = stone
Welsh (Cymraeg)	carreg [ˈkarɛɡ/ˈkaraɡ] = stone; gall-stone; (fruit) pip; testicle carreg (yr) aelwyd = hearthstone carreg a thwll = gibberish, worthless thing (“stone with a hole”) carreg fedd/bedd = gravestone carreg (y) filltir = milestone carreg sarn = stepping-stone, causeway carreg sylfaen foundation-stone carreg werthfawr = precious stone
Cornish (Kernewek)	karrek = rock
Breton (Brezhoneg)	karreg = rock, reef, shell karregoniel = petrographic karregoniezh = petrography karregoniour = petrograph

Etymology: from the Proto-Indo-European *kh₂er- (hard) [source].

Proto-Celtic	*maginos = stone, place
Old Irish (Goídelc)	magan, maigen = a piece of open land, a spot, home, a place belonging to (someone)
Irish (Gaeilge)	maighean = place, steading
Proto-Brythonic	*maɣɨn = stone
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	maen, main, mein, mayn = stone
Welsh (Cymraeg)	maen [maːɨ̯n/mai̯n] = stone (with a particular use), griddle stone, bakestone, griddle, precious stone maenaf, maenu = to stone, pelt with stones, petrify maenaidd = stony, like stone, full of stones maenwaith = stonework, masonry calchfaen, conglfaen = limestone gwenithfaen, ithfaen = granite llosgfaen = brimstone, sulphur sylfaen = foundation, base, basis tywodfaen = sandstone
Cornish (Kernewek)	men = stone
Old Breton	main = stone
Middle Breton	main, maen, men = stone
Breton (Brezhoneg)	maen = stone

Etymology: possibly related to the Proto-Celtic word *magos (plain, field), from the Proto-Indo-European *meǵh₂- (big, great) [source].

Proto-Celtic	*ɸlikkā = (flat) stone
Old Irish (Goídelc)	lecc = plate, stone, flat slab or rock
Irish (Gaeilge)	leac [l̠ʲak, l̠ʲæk] = flat stone or rock, flagstone, slab, lid leacach = area of flat rocks or flagstones; strewn with flat stones, flagged, stony leacán = small flat stone, slab, tile
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	leac [l̪ʲɛxg] = flagstone, slab; tile; cheek; callus leacag = small slab, tile leacan = small slab, flagstone
Manx (Gaelg)	leac = slab, sheet, flagstone, headstone, plaque, monolith, slate leacan = tile
Proto-Brythonic	*llex = (flat) stone
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	llech, lec = slate, slab of stone
Welsh (Cymraeg)	llech [ɬeːχ] = slate, bakestone, griddle, slab of stone, paving stone, gravestone, rock, boulder, cliff cromllech = cromlech, dolmen llechfaen = slate, slab, flag, tablet, bakestone, griddle priddlech = tile, brick
Cornish (Kernewek)	legh = slates
Breton (Brezhoneg)	lec’h = megalith. dolmen, flat rock

Etymology: from the Proto-Indo-European *pl̥keh₂ (flat surface), from *pleh₂- (flat), which is also the root of English words such as floor, palm, piano, plain, plan and plane [source].

River Mouths

8th July 202124th September 2021 By Simon

Words for estuary / mouth (of a river) in Celtic languages.

Proto-Celtic	*adberos = mouth, confluence (of a river)
Pictish	*ᚐᚁᚓᚏ (aber) = mouth, confluence (of a river)
Old Irish (Goídelc)	abar [ˈfʲilʲi] = confluence, river mouth
Irish (Gaeilge)	abar [ˈabˠəɾˠ] = boggy ground, morass abarach = boggy, muddy, sloughy abracht = boggy place
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	abar / obar = confluence, place where two or more streams meet; marsh, bog, fen
Manx (Gaelg)	aber = range, pasturage, river mouth, bunker, run
Proto-Brythonic	*aber [aˈbɛːr] = mouth, confluence (of a river)
Old Welsh)	oper, aper = estuary, mouth of a river
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	aber = estuary, mouth of a river
Welsh (Cymraeg)	aber [ˈabɛr/ˈaːbɛr] = river mouth, estuary, confluence, bay, harbour, port, anchorage
Old Cornish	aber = estuary, mouth of a river
Cornish (Kernewek)	aber = river mouth
Old Breton	aperou = estuary, mouth of a river
Breton (Brezhoneg)	aber = estuary, mouth of a river, confluence, creek

Etymology: from the Proto-Celtic *ad- (to(wards), at) and *beros (bearer, flow) [source].

Old Irish (Goídelc)	*in(d)ber = river mouth
Irish (Gaeilge)	inbhear / inbhir [ˈabˠəɾˠ] = river mouth, estuary, firth inbhearach = having many estuaries
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	inbhir [in̪ʲɪrʲ] = estuary, river mouth, (internet) feed
Manx (Gaelg)	inver = estuary, river mouth

Etymology: from the Proto-Celtic *endo-ber-o (carrying in) [source].

Notes
These words appear mainly in placenames such as Aberaeron, Abererch, Aberffraw, Abergavenny (Y Fenni), Abergynolwyn, Aberystwyth, Abergwaun (Fishguard), Aberhonddu (Brecon), Aberteifi (Cardigan), Aberdaugleddau (Milford Haven), Aberpennar (Mountain Ash) and Abertawe (Swansea) in Wales.

Aberdeen (Obar Dheathain) , Aberfeldy (Obar Pheallaidh), Aberfoyle (Obar Phuill), Abernethy (Obar Neithich), Arbroath (Aber Brothaig), Invergowrie (Inbhir Ghobharaidh), Inverkeithing (Inbhir Chèitinn), Inverness (Inbhir Nis), Inbhir Nàrann (Nairn), Inbhir Pheofharain (Dingwall), Inbhir Ùige (Wick) in Scotland.

Aber/Obar appear used in Scottish placenames of Pictish origin, and may have been borrowed from Pictish. Inbhir/Inver appear in other placenames [source].

More details of placenames featuring Aber and Inver.

Old Irish (Goídelc)	gáeth = the sea, a stream, an estuary
Irish (Gaeilge)	gaoth [ɡeːh / ɡiːh] = inlet of sea, estuary Gaoth Dobhair [ɡiːˈd̪ˠoːɾʲ] = Gweedore (a parish in County Donegal)
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	geodha [gʲɔ.ə] = inlet, cove, gully (by the sea), indent(ation)
Manx (Gaelg)	giau = creek, inlet, cove Giau Vooar ny Pershey = Persian Gulf

Etymology: from the Old Norse gjá (chasm, rift, crack) [source].

Words marked with a * are reconstructions.

Weaving Words

29th June 202129th June 2021 By Simon

Words for weave and related words, in Celtic languages.

Proto-Celtic	*wegyeti = to weave, compose
Old Irish (Goídelc)	figid = to weave, plait, intertwine
Irish (Gaeilge)	figh = to weave, put together, contrive, compose (a story, etc) fián = grain (in meat) fíochán = (act of) weaving, weave, web, plaiting, tissue, tracery fíodóir = weaver, spider idirfhigh = to interweave
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	fighe [fi.ə] = weaving, to weave, knitting figheadair [fi.ədɛrʲ] = weaver, knitter fighiche [fi.ɪçə] = weaver
Manx (Gaelg)	fee = weave, plait, knit, interlace, braid, intertwine, mat; ravens feeder, fidder = weaver fidderaght = texture, weave, weaving fidderagh = weaving fidderys = weaving
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	ywehu, weaf, gweawdd, wav, gweheu = to weave, plait, knit
Welsh (Cymraeg)	gweu, gwau, gweaf, gweuaf = to weave, plait, knit, spin in a web; to weave or compose poems gwau [ɡwaɨ̯/ɡwai̯] = weaving, knitting gwe [ɡweː] = (spider) web, gauze, the Web gwefan = website gwead = weave gweadog, gweadol = weaving, plaiting, twisting gweadur = weaver, knitter, plaiter, spiner, composer gwëydd, gwehydd, gwŷdd = weaver, composer of poetry, weaver of songs gwehyddu = to weave
Cornish (Kernewek)	gwia = to weave gwiader/gwiadores = weaver gwias = web, fabric. tissue, consistency gwiasva = website
Middle Breton	gueaff = to weave
Breton (Brezhoneg)	gweañ = to wring, twist, bend, buckle, writhe; to braid, plait, weave gwiad = fabric, cloth, tissue, canvas; spider’s web, cobweb gwiader = weaver gwiadiñ = to weave

Etmology: from the Proto-Indo-European *weg- (to spin, weave) [source].

Words marked with a * are reconstructions.

Wild Ones of the Woods

24th June 202124th June 2021 By Simon

Words for Gael, Irish person and other wild types, in Celtic languages.

Proto-Celtic	*wēdelos = savage, woodsman
Old Irish (Goídelc)	Goídel [ˈɡoːi̯ðʲel] = Gael, Irishman Goídelc [ˈɡoːi̯ðʲelɡ] = Irish (language) goídelach = Gaelic, Irish, Gaelic-speaking Goídelta = Gaelic, Irish
Irish (Gaeilge)	Gael [ɡeːlˠ] = Gael, Irish person; (Scottish) Highlander Gaeilge/Gaelainn = Irish (language) Gaeilgeoir = Irish speaker/learner Gaeilgeoireacht = (act of) speaking Irish Gaelach = Irish; attached to the Irish language/culture; native to ireland, homely, pleasant, common, ordinary Gaelachas = Irish characteristic(s); attachment to Irish culture Gaelaigh = to Gaelicize Gaeltacht = Irish(-speaking) people; Irish-speaking area; Gaelic-speaking area of Scotland. Gaelú = Gaelicization
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	Gàidheal [gɛː.əl̪ˠ] = Gael, Highlander Gàidhlig [gaːlɪgʲ] = (Scottish) Gaelic (language) A’ Ghàidhealtachd = Highlands Gàidhealach [gɛː.əl̪ˠəx] = (culturally) Gaelic; Highland-related Gàidhealachadh [gɛː.əl̪ˠəx] = making Gaelic; Gaelification, Gaelicisation Gàidheileamailteach [gɛː.aləmaldʲəx] = German learner of Gaelic
Manx (Gaelg)	Gael = Gael Gaelg, Gailck = Gaelic, Manx (language) Gaelgagh, Gailckagh = highland people, Manx, Gaelic, Scottish Gaelic Gaelgeyr = (Manx) Gaelic speaker Gaeltaght = Gaelic speaking area
Proto-Brythonic	*guɨðel = wild
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	Guoidel, Guodel, Gwydyl = Irishman
Welsh (Cymraeg)	Gwyddel [ˈɡʊɨ̯ðɛl/ˈɡʊi̯ðɛl] = Irishman Gwyddeles = Irishwoman Gwyddeleg = Irish (language) Gwyddelegwr = Irish speaker, Irish scholar Gwyddelig = Irish, Hibernian; savage, barbarous
Cornish (Kernewek)	Godhal = Gael Godhalek = Gaelic (language)
Breton (Brezhoneg)	Gouezel = Gael gouezel = Gaelic gouezeleg = Gaelic (language) gouezeleger = Gaelic speaker gouezelegva = Gaelic speaking area

Etmology: from the Proto-Celtic *wēdus (wild), from the Proto-Indo-European *weydʰ- (wood, wilderness). The Irish, Scottish Gaelic and Manx words for Gael were borrowed from Proto-Brythonic [source].

Words marked with a * are reconstructions.

Wild

22nd June 202124th June 2021 By Simon

Words for wild and related words, in Celtic languages.

Proto-Celtic	wēdus/weido- [ˈweː.dus] = wild *weido-mokku- wild pig
Old Irish (Goídelc)	fíad [fʲiːa̯ð] = wasteland, wilderness; uncultivated land, territory, land
Irish (Gaeilge)	fia [fʲiːɾˠ] = waste, wilderness; land, territory fiabheatha = wildlife fiáin = wild, uncultivated, undomesticated, uncontrolled, tempestuous, intensely eager fiánta = wild, fierce, savage fiántas = wildness, fierceness, savageness; wilderness fiata = wild, fierce, angry; shy fiatacht = wildness, fierceness, sternness, anger fiatúil = wild, coarse, rough
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	fiadh [fiəɣ] = lord; wildness, wilderness (archaic) fiadhan [fiə.an] = wildness, shyness, feral fiadhaich [fiə.ɪç] = untamed, uncultivated, wild; fierce; off (food & drink); extremely fiadhaichead [fiə.ɪçəd] = savageness, wildness, savagery fiadhain [fia.ɛn̯ʲ] = wild, untamed fiadhtachd [fiəhdəxg] = wildness, fierceness faoileachail [fɯːləxal] = wild, savage
Manx (Gaelg)	feie = natural, wild, savage faasagh = wild, desolate, wilderness, waste place, desert feiar, feiaragh = savage
Proto-Brythonic	*guɨð = wild
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	gŵydd, gvyd = rude (uncultivated), savage, wild
Welsh (Cymraeg)	gŵydd [ɡuːɨ̯ð/ɡʊi̯ð] = wild, untamed, savage, untilled, uncultivated, woody, overgrown, desolate, desert; unploughed land, fallow land
Old Cornish	guir = wild
Middle Cornish	gwyr, guyr = wild
Cornish (Kernewek)	goodh = wild
Old Breton	guoid, guoed = wild
Middle Breton	goez = wild
Breton (Brezhoneg)	gouez = wild, fierce, ferocious, brutal, rustic

Etmology: possibly from the Proto-Indo-European *weydʰ- (wood, wilderness). Words for Gael(ic) come from the same root [source].

Disambiguation
There are several words in Welsh similar to gŵydd, each of which has different meanings and origins:

gŵydd = wild, untamed, savage
gŵydd = presence, sight, face, from the Proto-Celtic *wēdos (sight, presence) [source]
gŵydd = goose, simpleton. From the Proto-Celtic *gesdā (goose) [source]
gŵydd = grave, sepulchre, burial-mound, tumulus. Possibly related to gwŷdd (tree), or to gŵydd (wild)
gwŷdd/gŵydd = knowledge, science. Related to gwybod (to know)
gwŷdd = tree(s), branches, twigs, forest, woods, shrub(s), lineage. From the Proto-Celtic *widus (wood, trees) [more details]
gwëydd/gwehydd/gwŷdd = weaver, composer of poetry, weaver of songs. From gwau (to weave), from the Proto-Celtic *wegyeti (to weave) [source]

Proto-Celtic	*gʷeltis wild
Old Irish (Goídelc)	geilt [fʲiːa̯ð] = wasteland, wilderness; uncultivated land, territory, land
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	geilt/gelt = madman, lunatic
Irish (Gaeilge)	gealt [ɟal̪ˠt̪ˠ] = crazy person, lunatic; panic-stricken person, naked fugitive gealtach = crazed, insane, wild, panic-stricken person or animal gealtachas = craziness, lunacy, panic, terror gealtacht = lunacy, insanity, wildness, panic gealtlann = lunatic asylum gealtra = (gang of) wild, mischievous children
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	geilt [gʲeldʲ] = terror, fear, dread, skittishness gaelachan [gʲal̪ˠəxan] = lunatic tinneas na gealaich = lunacy, madness, insanity (archaic)
Manx (Gaelg)	doghanagh = ill, diseased, disoredered, morbid, sickly eayst-ghoghanagh = lunatic far-ghoghanagh = malingerer
Proto-Brythonic	*gwɨlt [ˈɡwiːr] = wild
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	guyll, gwyllt = rude (uncultivated), savage, wild
Welsh (Cymraeg)	gwyllt [ɡwɨːɬt/ɡwɪɬt] = wild, timid, untamed, angry, furious, fierce; uncultivated, uninhabited, desolate, desert; stormy, tempestuous, raging, turbulent gwylltineb = wildness, rashness, rage, fury gwylltio = to lose one’s temper, be scared, flee, grow wild gwylltaidd = wildish, turbulent, unruly, irresponsible gwylltâf/gwylltáu = to become wild, grow wild
Old Cornish	guill = wild
Cornish (Kernewek)	gwyls = wild, fierce, savage, violent gwylvos = wilderness
Old Breton	gueld = wild, untamed

Etmology: from the Proto-Indo-European *gʷʰel-t- [source].

Words marked with a * are reconstructions.

Really True

16th June 202122nd June 2021 By Simon

Words for true and related words, in Celtic languages.

Proto-Celtic	wīros = true wīrjā-/wīrjānjā- = truth *wīrjāno- = truthful, just
Old Irish (Goídelc)	fír [fʲiːr] = true, truth fír fer = fair play fír flatha = just rule fír nDé = ordeal (true)
Irish (Gaeilge)	fíor [fʲiːɾˠ] = true, real, intense, very, ultra; noble fíoraigh = to verify fíoreolas = real knowledge fíorfhuil = pure, noble, blood fíorga = righteous fíorgacht = righteousness fíorghrá = true love
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	fìor [fiər] = true, veritable; genuine, real, actual, authentic fìreanta [fiːrʲən̪ˠdə] = true, just, righteous fìrinn [fiːrʲɪn̪ʲ] = truth, verity, fact, reality; the Gospel fìrinneach [fiːrʲɪn̪ʲəx] = true, truthful, factual, real, just, honest fìrinnich, fìreanaich = to verify, justify, exonerate fìorghlan = chaste, immaculate, pure fìor-riochdail = realistic fìor-uisge = springwater, freshwater
Manx (Gaelg)	feer = very, exceptionally, true, real, authentic, regular feeraghey, feerey, firrinaghey = to verity, affirm feeraghey, firrinaghey = to authenticate, authentication, certify, confirm feerid = truth, reality, simplicity, veracity, authenticity feer ushtey = fresh water firrinagh = authentic, candid, devout, faithful, honest, real
Proto-Brythonic	*gwir [ˈɡwiːr] = true
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	gwir, guir, gvir = true
Welsh (Cymraeg)	gwir [ɡwiːr] = true, certain, genuine, real, very, right, sure gwiriad = confirmation, verification, proof, check, assertion gwir(i)af, gwir(i)o = to prove right or correct, confirm, verify gwiriant = confirmation, verification gwirion = pure, sinless, blameless, chaste, true, faithful; weak-minded, silly, daft, foolish, unwise; simpleton, fool, idiot gwir(i)edig = verified, checked, proved, attested, confirmed gwiriedigol = positive, certain gwir golau = Right Honourable Gwir Anrhydeddus = the plain/naked/honest truth yn wir = in truth, indeed, verily cael y gwir = to get justice, get one’s due
Old Cornish	guir = true
Middle Cornish	gwyr, guyr = true
Cornish (Kernewek)	gwir = true, genuine, real, right, actual; authentic gwiryonedh, gwrionedh = truth gwiryon = truthful gwirvos = reality gwirya, gwirhe = to verify gwir-pryntya = copyright y’n gwir = really yn hwir, dhe wir = truly, really
Old Breton	gwuir = true
Breton (Brezhoneg)	gwir [ɡwiʁ] = right, true, correct; truth gwiriañ = to verify gwirionez = truth gwirvoud = reality e(n) gwir = really

Etmology: possibly from the Proto-Indo-European *weh₁ros (true) from *weh₁- (true). English words such as verdict, verity, very and warlock come from the same root [source].

Words marked with a * are reconstructions.

Apples

9th June 20219th June 2021 By Simon

Words for apples and related words, in Celtic languages.

Proto-Celtic	abalom = apple abalnā = apple tree
Gaulish	abalon, aballon = apple, apple tree
Old Irish (Goídelc)	ubull, uball [ˈu.vul͈/ˈu.val͈] = apple aball = apple tree
Irish (Gaeilge)	úll [uːl̪ˠ] = apple; ball-and-socket joint; globular object, ball úllach = bearing apples, abounding in apples úllachán = little apple, little ball (of thread, etc) úlllgharraí, úllghort, úllord = orchard úllghlas = apple-green úll óir = golden apple, precious thing abhaill = apple tree fia-úll = crab-apple
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	ubhal [u.əl̪ˠ] = apple ubhal-chrann, abhaill = apple tree ubhal-cridhe = tomato ubhal-fiadhain, fiadh-ubhal, searbh-ubhal = crab/wild apple (malus sylvestris) ubhal-ghort = apple orchard dearc-ubhal = oak apple lionn-ubhal = (apple) cider òr-ubhal = orange
Manx (Gaelg)	ooyl = apple, pommel ooylagh = orchard billey ooyl = apple tree ooyl feie = crab-apple ooyl ghraih = tomato ooyl ghraney, ooyl ghrineagh = pomegranate
Proto-Brythonic	aβal = apple aβaln = apple tree
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	aual, aval, afal = apple auallen, avallen, yfallen = apple tree
Welsh (Cymraeg)	afal [ˈaval/ˈaːval] = apple afallen = apple tree afal cariad = tomato, love-apple afal cwins = quince afal drain = haw, hawthorn berry afal gwlanog = peach afal sur (bach) = crab apple
Cornish (Kernewek)	aval [ˈaval/ˈævɐl] = apple avalen = apple tree aval briansen = larynx aval dor = potato aval gwlanek = peach aval kerenja/kerensa = tomato aval lagas = eyeball aval paradhis = grapefruit aval saben = pine cone
Old Breton	abal = apple
Middle Breton	aval [ˈɑː.val] = apple
Breton (Brezhoneg)	aval = apple avalwez = apple tree aouraval = orange greunaval = pomegranate aval-douar = potato

Etmology: possibly from the Proto-Indo-European *h₂ébōl (apple), which is also the root of words for apple in Baltic, Slavic, Celtic, Germanic and Italic languages [source].

Avalon, the legendary island in the west to which King Arthur was taken after the Battle of Camlann, probably comes from the same root, via the Latin Insula Avallonis – the name used by Geoffrey of Monmonth in his Historia Regum Britanniae (c. 1136). Avalon may have been the Isle of Man, or the Isle of Arran, which were known as Emain Ablach in Old Irish poems [source.

Words marked with a * are reconstructions.

Strawberries

2nd June 20212nd June 2021 By Simon

Words for strawberries and related words, in Celtic languages.

Proto-Celtic	*subhī = strawberries
Old Irish (Goídelc)	sub = strawberry sub craéb = raspberry
Irish (Gaeilge)	sú [sˠuː] = (red) berry sú craobh = raspberry sú talún = strawberry
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	sùbh [suː] = berry, soft fruit sùbh-craobh = raspberry sùbh-craobh ruiteach = salmonberry (Rubus spectabilis) sùbh-làir fiadhain = wild / Alpine strawberry (Fragaria vesca) sùbh nam ban-sìthe = stone bramble (Rubus saxatilis) sùbh-thalmhainn = strawberry
Manx (Gaelg)	soo [suː] = berry soo crouw = raspberry soo thallooin = strawberry
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	yssyui / syui / syvi = strawberries
Welsh (Cymraeg)	syfi(en) [ˈsəvi] = (wild) strawberries syfi coch/gwyllt/bach = wild strawberries syfi gardd = cultivated strawberries) syfïa = to gather (wild) strawberries
Old Cornish	syvyen = strawberry
Cornish (Kernewek)	sevi(en) = strawberries
Old Breton	s(u)iuy = strawberries
Middle Breton	siuy = strawberries
Breton (Brezhoneg)	sivi(enn) = strawberries sivia = to pick strawberries sivi-garzh = wild strawberries

Etmology: possibly from a non-Indo-European substrate [source]

Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	ymevvs / mefys / mefvs / mevys = strawberries
Welsh (Cymraeg)	mefus(en) [ˈmɛvɨ̞s / ˈmeːvɪs] = strawberries mefus y goedwig / mefus y coed = wild strawberries

Etmology: from the Vulgar Latin majusa (“mayberry”), or from the Basque mart (blackberry, bramble), or from the Gaulish *majoþa [source]

Words marked with a * are reconstructions.

Celtiadur

Exploring connections between Celtic languages

Category: Welsh (Cymraeg)

Country and Land

Grass

Stony Rocks

River Mouths

Weaving Words

Wild Ones of the Woods

Wild

Really True

Apples

Strawberries