Winnowing Wheat

4th September 2025 By Simon

Words for wheat, winnow and related things in Celtic languages.

Words marked with a * are reconstructions.

Proto-Celtic	nixtos = (something) winnowed, wheat uɸo-nixtos = (?)
Old Irish (Goídelc)	necht = (?) cruithnecht* = wheat
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	cruithnecht, cruithneachd = wheat cruithnechtach, cruithneachtach = abounding in wheat cruithnechtdae = relating to wheat
Irish (Gaeilge)	cruithneacht [ˈkɾˠɪ(h)nʲəxt̪ˠ] = wheat
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	cruithneachd [krɯn̪ʲəxg] = wheat, best of somethign cruithneachd-choitcheann = common / bread wheat (triticum aestivum) cruithneachd-Innseanach = maize, corn (zea mays) cruithneachd nan gaisgeach = the greatest of heroes
Manx (Gaelg)	curnagh(t) = wheat
Proto-Brythonic	niθ = (something) winnowed, wheat gwöniθ = wheat *niθjɨd = to winnow
Old Welsh (Kembraec)	gueinth = wheat
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	guenith, gwenith, gỽenith = wheat gwenithaidd = excellent, fine, of the purest, wheaten gwenythdyr, gwenithdir = land under wheat, land suitable for wheat-growing gwenithuein, gwenithfaen = granite gwenith gwrwf, gwenithgwrw = wheat-ale nithiau, nithiaw, nithio = to winnow, sift nithydd, nithiwr = winnower
Welsh (Cymraeg)	gwenith [ˈɡwɛnɪθ / ˈɡweːnɪθ] = wheat, good people, excellence, purity, fine man or woman, one of the best, a real good sort gwenithaidd = excellent, fine, of the purest, wheaten gwenithlyd, gwenithog = abounding in wheat gwenithol = wheaten, fine, of the highest quality, pure nithio = to winnow, sift nithiedig = winnowed, sifted nithiol = winnowing, sifting nithiwr, nithydd = winnower, winnowing machine
Middle Cornish (Cernewec)	gwaneth = wheat nothlen = a winnowing sheet
Cornish (Kernewek)	gwaneth [ˈɡwanɛθ] = wheat gwanethek = wheat field gwanethen = (ear of) wheat gwanettir = wheat land notha, nothya = to winnow
Middle Breton	guiniz = birch niza = to winnow
Breton (Brezhoneg)	gwinizh [ˈɡɥĩːnis] = wheat gwinizheg [ɡwĩ.ˈniː.zɛk] = wheat field gwinizhenn = stalk of wheat gwinizhus = abundant in wheat nizh, nizhadeg, nizherezh = winnowing nizhañ = to winnow nizher = winnower

Etymology: from Proto-Indo-European *nik-tó-s, from *neyk- (to winnow) & *-tós (creates verbal adjectives from verb stems) [source]. Words from the same PIE roots include λίκνο (líkno – cradle) and λιχνίζω (likhnízō – to thresh) in Greek, niekoti (trifle) in Latvian, and niekāt (nothing) in Lithuanian [source].

Old Irish (Goídelc)	tuirenn = wheat
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	tuirenn, tuirinn = wheat
Irish (Gaeilge)	tuireann = (lit.) wheat, faithful following, band, company
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	tuireann [tɯrʲən̪ˠ] = wheat (genus triticum)

Etymology: unknown, possibly related to tuireann (a spark of fire from an anvil) [source]

Sources: Wiktionary, Etymological Dictionary Of Proto Celtic, In Dúil Bélrai English – Old Irish glossary, eDIL – Electronic Dictionary of the Irish Language, Teanglann.ie, Am Faclair Beag, An etymological dictionary of the Gaelic language, Fockleyreen: Manx – English Dictionary, Online Manx Dictionary, Gaelg Corpus, Geiriadur Prifysgol Cymru, Lexicon cornu-britannicum : a dictionary of the ancient Celtic language of Cornwall, Gerlyver Kernewek, Devri : Le dictionaire diachronique du breton, Geriafurch, TermOfis

Shameful Disgrace

20th August 202527th August 2025 By Simon

Words for shame, disgrace and related things in Celtic languages.

Words marked with a * are reconstructions.

Proto-Celtic	*meblā = shame, disgrace
Old Irish (Goídelc)	mebal, mebul [ˈmʲe.βal / ˈmʲe.βul] = shame, disgrace
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	mebal, mebul, meabhal = (a cause of) shame, a disgrace, deciet, guile, treachery
Irish (Gaeilge)	meabhal = shame, disgrace, deceit, treachery meabhlach = shameful, disgraceful, deceitful, treacherous, deceptive, illusory, seductive, beguiling meabhlaigh = to shame disgrace, deceive, betray, seduce meabhlaire = deceitful, guileful person, deceiver, betrayer, seducer meabhlaireacht = (act of) deceiving, deceptiong, treachery meabhlú = deception, betrayal, seduction
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	meabhal = perfidy, shame, reproach, fraud, deceit (archaic) meabhalach = deceitful, treacherous, fraudulent, shameful (archaic)
Proto-Brythonic	*meβl = shame, disgrace
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	mefyl, mewil, meuil, meuel, meuyl, mefl = shame, disgrace, dishonour, reproach, insult meuyluethyant = shameful failing or fault meuylhaet = reproach, abuse mefylwr = scoundrel, rascal meuyllwryayth, mefylwryaeth = (cause of) shame, disgrace, dishonour
Welsh (Cymraeg)	mefl = shame, disgrace, dishonour, reproach, insult, blemish, blot, fault, flaw meflu = to disgrace, put to shame, stain, spoil, soil, foul meflfethiant = shameful failing or fault meflhau = to disgrace, put to shame meflus = faulty, imperfect meflwriaeth = (cause of) shame, disgrace, dishonour
Middle Cornish (Cernewec)	meul, meaul = mischief, bad luck
Cornish (Kernewek)	mewl = bad luck, misfortune

Etymology: from the Proto-Indo-European *mebʰ- (to blame). Words from the same root include αξιόμεμπτος (axiómemptos – reprehensible, blameworthy) and άμεμπτος (ámemptos – spotless, unblemished) in Greek [source].

Proto-Celtic	*metom = blight, decay, shame, failure, error
Old Irish (Goídelc)	meth = blight, decay, decline, wasting
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	meth, meath = decay, blight, wasting, failure
Irish (Gaeilge)	meath = decline, decay, fail, deteriorate, to waste, fritter away meathán = weakling, sickly person, coward meathlaigh = to decline, decay, fail, deteriorate, degenerate meatacht = decline, decay, craveness, cowardice meathlaigh = to decline, decay, fail, deteriorate, degenerate meathlaíocht = decline, decay, failure
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	meath [mɛ] = fading (away), degenerating, degeneration, taunting, jeering, jibing meathach [mɛ.əx] = degenerate meathaichte [mɛ.ɪçdʲə] = degenerate, decayed
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	meth = failure , failing, deficiency, fault, defect, error, mistake methyant, methiant = failure, mistake, error, failing, defect methu, methy = to fail, be unsuccessful, be mistaken
Welsh (Cymraeg)	meth [meːθ] = failure , failing, deficiency, fault, defect, error, mistake methadwy = faillible, perishable methfodd = failing, fault methiad = failure, insolvency methiant = failure, mistake, error, failing, defect methu = to fail, be unsuccessful, be mistaken
Middle Cornish (Cernewec)	medh, mêdh = shame, bashfulness medha = to be ashamed
Cornish (Kernewek)	meth = shame perthi meth = to be ashamed (of) methardak = stalemate methek = ashamed, bashful, shy methus = embarrassing, shameful
Old Breton (Brethonoc)	meplaom = to be ashamed
Middle Breton	mezz, mez = shame mezeguez = confusion mezus = ashamed, shameful, disgraceful
Breton (Brezhoneg)	mezh [ˈmeːs] = shame mezhadenn = affront, insult, slight mezhañ = to intimidate, bully, cow mezhata = to confuse, confound, embarras mezhegezh = confusion mezhek [ˈmeː.zɛk] = ashamed, shameful, disgraceful mezhekadenn = humiliation mezhekaat = to humiliate mezhus [ˈmeː.zys] = ashamed, shameful, disgraceful

Etymology: uncertain – possibly from a non-Indo-European language, or related to maoth (tender, soft, weak) in Irish, which comes from Proto-Celtic *moytos (tender), from Proto-Indo-European *meyh₁- (mild, soft), from which we get mite (mild, moderate, meek) in Italian, and mitigation in English [source].

Proto-Celtic	*nāryā = modesty, magnanimity
Old Irish (Goídelc)	náire [ˈn̪aː.ɾʲe] = shame, shyness, reluctance
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	náire, náre, naire = shamefacedness, bashfulness, diffidence, backwardness, reluctance, modesty, generosity náirech = diffident, shy, modest náiríne = shame, affronted modesty innáire [ˈin͈aːrʲə] = modesty, generosity
Irish (Gaeilge)	náire [ˈn̪ˠɑːɾʲə / ˈn̪ˠaːɾʲə] = shame, sense of shame, decency, modesty náireach [ˈn̪ˠɑːɾʲəx] = shameful, bashful, modest, diffident náireachán = bashful, diffident, person náirigh = to shame náiriú = shame, disgrace
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	nàire [n̪ˠaːrʲə] = embarrassment, shame, disgrace, ignominy, bashfulness nàireach [n̪ˠaːrʲəx] = shameful, bashful, coy, modest nàireachadh [n̪ˠaːrʲəxəɣ] = (act of) shaming nàireil [n̪ˠaːrʲal] = disgraceful, shameful nàirich [n̪ˠaːrʲɪç] = shame, make ashamed!
Manx (Gaelg)	nearey = disgrace, shame nearaghey, naaraghey = to abash, disgrace, shame naareydagh = shameful, scandalous

Etymology: possibly related to Proto-Celtic *nāro- (noble, great-hearted), from Proto-Indo-European *h₂enr (manly strength) [source].

Old Irish (Goídelc)	méla = disgrace, shame
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	méla, meala, mela = shame, disgrace, discomfiture, mortification mélach = ashamed, disappointed
Irish (Gaeilge)	méala [ˈmʲeːlˠə] = humiliation, ignominy, grief, sorrow méalach [ˈmʲeːlˠəx] = lamentable, lamenting, sorrowful, humiliating, fault-finding méalacht = (state of) sorrow, lamentation méalaigh = to humble, humiliate, bring to grief
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	mèala = reproach, grief

Etymology: unknown

Memorable Memories

27th June 202527th June 2025 By Simon

Today we’re looking at the words for memory, to remember and related things in Celtic languages.

Words marked with an * are reconstructions.

Proto-Celtic	*kom-men- = memory
Old Irish (Goídelc)	cuimne = memory cuimnigidir = to remember, recall cuman = remembered, memorable
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	cuimne, cumhna, coimne = memory, remembrance, memorial cuimmech, cuimhneach, cuimneach = mindful, remembering, aware, remembered, memorable, famous cuman, cumhuin = remembered, memorable
Irish (Gaeilge)	cuimhne [ˈkiːnʲə / ˈkɨ̃vʲnʲə] = memory cuimhneach = recollective, reflective, thoughtful cuimhneachán = commemoration, memento, souvenir cuimhneamh [ˈkiːnʲəvˠ] = remembrance, recollection, thought, conception, plan cuimhnigh [ˈkivʲnʲə / ˈkiːnʲɪɟ] = to remember, consider, think, remind, conceive cuimhnitheach = memorial díchuimhne = forgetfulness díchuimhneach = forgetful
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	cuimhin [ku.in̪ʲ] = memory cuimhine [kɯ̃ĩn̪ʲə] = memory, recollection, remembrance cuimhneach [kɯ̃ĩn̪ʲəx] = mindful cuimhneachadh [kɯ̃ĩn̪ʲəxəɣ] = (act of) remembering, minding, remembrance, commemorating cuimhneachan [kɯ̃ĩn̪ʲəxan] = memorial, keepsake, memento, souvenir, commemoration, reminder cuimhneachd [kɯ̃ĩn̪ʲəxg] = mindfulness cuimhnich [kɯ̃ĩn̪ʲɪç] = (to) remember, mind, commemorate dìochuimhnich [dʲĩə̃xənɪç] = (to) forget
Manx (Gaelg)	cooinaght = memory, mind, memorial, remembrance, reminiscence, commemoration cooinaghtyn = to remember, commemorate cooinaghan = memorandum cooinaghtane = keepsake, memento, reminder, souvenir
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	cob, cov, cow, cof = memory, mind, sense, remembrance, record, recollection, memorial, regards, mindful cofiad remembrance, memory, record, memorial, mind, thought
Welsh (Cymraeg)	cof [koːv] = memory, mind, sense, remembrance, record, recollection, memorial, regards, mindful cofair = record, memorial, motto, mnemonic cofeb = memorial, petition, memorandum, souvenir, memoir cofgar = mindful, having a retentive memory cofiad remembrance, memory, record, memorial, mind, thought cofio = to remember, remind, mention anghofio = to forget
Middle Cornish (Cernewec)	cof, côf = remembrance, recollection, memory
Cornish (Kernewek)	kov [koːv] = memory, recollection kova = to remember kovadh = chronicle, record kovadha = to record kovnotya = to minute (a meeting) kovro = keepsake, memento, souvenir kovskrif = archive kovskrifa = to register
Old Breton (Brethonoc)	com, cam = memory
Middle Breton (Brezonec)	coff, couff, coun, coûn = memory, remembrance, recollection, mind couffhat, confat, coufat = to remember, recall, recollect
Breton (Brezhoneg)	koun [ˈkɛm.bɛr] = memory kounaat = to remember, recall, recollect kounadur = mention, reference, commemoration kounaer = memoirist kounerezh = = memory, the ability to remember

Etymology: from Proto-Celtic *kom- (with) and *men- (to think), from Proto-Indo-European *kom- (with) and *men- (to think, mind) [source]. Words from the same roots include monitor, money, mint, minion, monster and admonish in English, moneda (coin, currency) in Spanish, and μνήμη (mními – memory) in Greek [source].

Old Irish (Goídelc)	mebair = memory
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	mebair, mebar, memur, memor, mebur = recollection, memory, remembered mebrach, meabhrach = remembering, mindful, intelligent, quick-witted mebraigid, memraigh, meabhraigh = to commit to memory, to learn, rehearse, recite, record devise ainmebair = forgetfulness coimmebair = commemoration
Irish (Gaeilge)	meabhair [mʲauɾʲ / mʲoːɾʲ] = mind, memory, consciousness, awareness, reason, sensation, feeling, sense, meaning meabhrach = mindful, reflective, thoughtful, intelligent, conscious, aware meabhrachán = memorial, record meabhraigh = to commit to memory, remember, meditate, reflect, perceive, sense meabhraíocht = consciousness, awareness, thought, intelligence meabhrán = memorandum meabhránaí = day-dreamer, registrar meabhrú = memorization, meditation, reflection, perception, feeling
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	meomhair [mjo.ɪrʲ] = memory, memorandum, (act of) thinking meòmhraich [mjɔːrɪç] = (to) ponder, think of something, consider, contemplate, deliberate meòmhrachadh [mjɔːrəxəɣ] = pondering, thinking, considering, contemplating, deliberating meòmhrachan [mjɔ̃ːrəxan] = memo(randum), note meòmhrachail [mjɔ̃ːrəxal] = comtemplative

Etymology: from Latin memoria (memory, remembrance), from memor (mindful, remembering), either from Proto-Indo-European *(s)mer- (to think, remember), or from Proto-Italic *memnos, from Proto-Indo-European *me-mn-os-, from *men- (to think, mind, spiritual activity) [source].

Nights

20th March 2025 By Simon

A post about words for night, evening and related things in Celtic languages, and related words in other languages.

Words marked with a * are reconstructions.

Old Irish (Goídelc)	adaig [ˈaðəɣʲ] = night
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	adaig, aidche, oidche, adhaigh = night
Irish (Gaeilge)	oíche [ˈiːhɪ/ˈĩːçə/ˈɪhə] = night, period of darkness, night-time, nightfall, eve anoíche = late hour of night meánoíche = midnight oíchí = nocturnal, nightly Oíche Shamhna = Halloween Oíche Nollag = Christmas Eve oíche chinn bliana = New Year’s eve
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	oidhche [ɤ̃ĩçə] = night oidhcheach [ɤ̃ĩçəx] = nightly, nocturnal oidhcheil [ɤ̃ĩçal] = nightly Oidhche Shamhna = Halloween Oidhche Nollaige = Christmas Eve oidhche Challainn [ɤ̃çəˈxal̪ɪn̪ʲ] = New Year’s eve adhaigh†, adhuigh† = night
Manx (Gaelg)	oie [ɛi/iː] = night, eve, night time, nocturnal, evening oieagh = nocturnal oieoil = nightly Oie Houney = Halloween, Hop tu Naa Oie Nollick = Christmas Eve Oie Nollick Veg = New Year’s eve
Proto-Brythonic	*exuɨð = night (?)
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	hecuuyt, echwyd, echwyt = the third hour of the day (9am), interval between 9am and 12 noon, noon, time of the day when cattle etc. shelter from the heat
Welsh (Cymraeg)	echwydd [ˈhɨ̞ðɨ̞ɡl / ˈhɪðɪɡl] = the third hour of the day (9am), interval between 9am and 12 noon, noon, time of the day when cattle etc. shelter from the heat, afternoon, evening, close of day, autumn
Middle Cornish (Cernewec)	ewhe = evening
Middle Breton (Brezonec)	ehoaz, ehoa = cattle rest at midday, resting place, shade for animals, rest ehoazaff = to day a midday rest
Breton (Brezhoneg)	ec’hoaz [ˈhyː(z)il] = midday rest, siesta ec’hoazañ = to take a midday rest ec’hoaziad = siesta ec’hoaziata = to take a siesta

Etymology: uncertain. The Goidelic words, and maybe the Brythonic words, are possibly related to āter (dull black, dark, gloomy, sad) in Latin [source], which comes from Proto-Italic *ātros (black), from Proto-Indo-European *h₂eh₁ter- (fire) [source].

Words from the same roots may include atrocious and atrocity in English, âtre (hearth, matte black) in French, atro (dark, black, bleak, brooding) in Italian, and atro (jet-black, bad, evil, sinister) in Portuguese [source].

Proto-Celtic	noxt-stu- = night (?) sindai noxtē = tonight
Gaulish	nox = night (?)
Old Irish (Goídelc)	nocht = night innocht = tonight
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	nocht = night innocht = tonight
Irish (Gaeilge)	anocht [əˈn̪ˠɔxt̪ˠ] = tonight
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	a-nochd [əˈn̪ˠɔ̃xg] = tonight
Manx (Gaelg)	noght = tonight
Proto-Brythonic	*hanoɨθ = tonight
Old Welsh (Kembraec)	nos = night henoid = tonight
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	nos = night nosa, nossi, nosi = to become night, fall (of night) nossavl, nossol, nosawl = nightlike, nocturnal, nightly nos hon, noshon, nosson = evening, night nosweith, nossweith, noswaith = evening, night heno = tonight
Welsh (Cymraeg)	nos [noːs] = night, evening, darkness (of night), vigil nosi, nosáu = to become night, fall (of night) nosaidd = nightlike nosol = nightlike, nocturnal, nightly noson = evening, night noswaith = evening, night heno = tonight
Old Cornish	nos = night
Middle Cornish (Cernewec)	nos, nôs = night haneth = tonight
Cornish (Kernewek)	nos = night nosweyth = night-time, at night noswiker = smuggler haneth = tonight
Old Breton (Brethonoc)	nos = night
Middle Breton (Brezonec)	nos = night fenozh, fennos, fenoz, fin-noz = tonight antronoz all = the day after tomorrow
Breton (Brezhoneg)	noz [ˈnoːs] = night noziñ [ˈnoːzĩ] = to get dark nozvezh [ˈnoz.vɛs] = overnight stay, duration of one night nozik = a little dark henoazh = tonight eil tronoz = the day after tomorrow

Etymology: either from Latin nox, from Proto-Italic *nokts (night), from Proto-Indo-European *nókʷts (night). Or via Proto-Celtic *noxs (night), from the same PIE root [source].

Words from the same roots include night in English, Nacht (night) in German, ochtend (morning) in Dutch, otta (dawn, early morning) in Swedish, ακτίνα (aktína – light ray, sunbeam) in Greek [source]

Teary Drops

30th October 2024 By Simon

Words for tear, drop and related things in Celtic languages.

Words marked with a * are reconstructions.

Proto-Celtic	dakrū / dakrom = tear, drop (of liquid)
Old Irish (Goídelc)	dér, dǽr = tear, teardrop, drop
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	dér, déor, deór = tear, drop dérach, derach = tearful, sad, lugubrious derchoínuid, derchoiniud (verbnoun) = despair, dejection, lamentation derchoíntech, dérchaintech (adjective) = despairing, tearful, sorrowful dérfadach = shedding of tears, weeping
Irish (Gaeilge)	deoir [dʲoːɾʲ/dʲɔːɾʲ] = tear(-drop), drop deoirfhliuch = tear-stained deoirghás = tear-gas deoirghinteach = lachrymatory deoircín = little drop, anecdote deoiríneacht = shedding tears, being tearfully sentimental, tearfulness, maudliness deorach = tearful, lachrymal deordradh = (act of) dripping deoraíl = (act of) weeping
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	deòr [dʲɔːr] = drop (of liquid), tear deur [dʲiər] = drop (of liquid), tear, small amount of liquid deurach [dʲiərəx] = tearful, weeping deuran [dʲiəran] = little drop, wee drop, wee tincture
Manx (Gaelg)	jeir/jëir = tear, teardrop, spot, lachrymal, lachrymatory jeir-phianaghey = to agonize jeiragh = tearful, lachrymal, mournful jeirnys = lamentation, weeping
Proto-Brythonic	*dėgr = tear (?)
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	deigir, deigyr, deigrev = tear, teardrop, drop
Welsh (Cymraeg)	deigryn, deigr [ˈdei̯ɡrɨ̞n / ˈdei̯ɡrɪn] = tear, teardrop, drop, raindrop deigryniad = a distilling, dripping, trickling deigrynnu = to drip, trickle, distil, exude, ooze, shed tears, drizzle deigrynnol = apt to shed tears, lachrymose, tearful
Old Cornish	dacr-(lon) = tear
Middle Cornish (Cernewec)	dagren = a small drop, a tear
Cornish (Kernewek)	dagren [daːr / dæːr] = drop, tear dagrewi = to shed tears, weep derw = oak trees
Old Breton	dacrlon = tear, teardrop
Middle Breton (Brezonec)	dar(rou) = tear(s), teardrop(s)
Breton (Brezhoneg)	daer [dɛːr] = tear, teardrop daeraouus = tearful daeraouiñ, daerin = to cry, be tearful daererezh = tearing

Etymology: from the Proto-Indo-European dáḱru (tear). Words from the same root include δάκρυ (dákry – tear) in Greek, tear and lacrimal/lachrymal (relating to tears, tearful) in English, tår (tear, drop) in Swedish, traan (tear, fish oil) in Dutch, Träne (tear) in German, lágrima (tear, teardrop) in Spanish, and zacchera (mud splash) in Italian [source].

Old Irish (Goídelc)	bráen = rain, moisture, drop, precipitation
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	bráen, bróin, bróen = rain, moisture, drop(s) bráenach, braonach = shedding drops, wet, moist, well-watered bráenaid = to wet, sprinkle, rain bráenán = drops, shower bráenfadach = foaming (of a waterfall) bráengal = shower, sprinkling
Irish (Gaeilge)	braon [bˠɾˠeːn̪ˠ / bˠɾˠiːnˠ] = (single) drop, gathering, pus braonach = dripping, misty, wet, tearful braonaíl = dripping, drops braonán = droplet
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	braon [brɯːn] = drop, drizzle braonach [brɯːnəx] = drizzly, dewy braonadh [brɯːnəɣ] = (act of) drizzling braonan [brɯːnan] = small drop (of liquid), dram
Manx (Gaelg)	brey = drop

Etymology: unknown. Possibly related to Ancient Greek βρέχω (brékhō – I send rain), Latin rigo (I water, moisten), and English rain [source].

Proto-Celtic	*bandyo- = drop
Old Irish (Goídelc)	banne = drop, pustule bannán = small drop, droplet
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	bannae, bainne, banne = drop, pustule, milk
Irish (Gaeilge)	bainne [ˈbˠaɲə / ˈbˠan̠ʲə] = milk bainniúil = milky, milk-yielding bainniúilacht = milkiness
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	bainne = milk boinne [bɔn̪ʲə] = drop, small quantity, liquid measure boinneag [bɔn̪ʲag] = droplet, little/small drop, (alcoholic) drink boinnean [bɔn̪ʲan] = droplet, wee drop
Manx (Gaelg)	bainney [banʲə] = milk
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	ban = drop (?)
Middle Cornish (Cernewec)	ban, banna, banné = drop, a jot, the smallest portion of anything
Cornish (Kernewek)	banna = bit, drop
Middle Breton (Brezonec)	banne, bannhe, bannech = drop, droplet
Breton (Brezhoneg)	banne [ˈbã.nːe] = drop, droplet, glass banneata = to drink shots

Etymology: uncertain. Possibly related to French bain (bath) in French, baño (bath, bathroom, toilet), bagno (bath, to swin, bathe, bathroom) in Italian, and bania (jug, can, container, churn) in Polish [source].

Roots

14th April 202314th April 2023 By Simon

Words for roots and related things in Celtic languages.

Proto-Celtic	wridmā, wridā = root
Old Irish (Goídelc)	frém [fʲrʲeːṽ] = root
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	frém, prém = root, source, origin, rootstock, race frémach, prémach = roots, genealogical stock, abounding roots frémaigid = intransitive, takes root frémamail = radical, primary
Irish (Gaeilge)	fréamh [fʲɾʲeːvˠ] = root, source, origin, rootstock, race, radical (in linguistics and chemistry) fréamhach = roots, having roots, rooted, established fréamhaí = derivative, radical fréamhaigh = to root, spring, descend (from), derive (from)
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	freumh [frʲɪəv] = root, source, derivation freumhagach = pertaining to or abounding in small roots, fibrous freumhag = small root, rootlet, fibre freumhach = rooted, abounding in roots, steady, fundamental freumhaichte = rooted, derived freumhachadh = rooting, taking root, deriving, derivation, etymology
Manx (Gaelg)	fraue [freːw] = bulb, derivation, radical, root frauaghey = to root frauee = derivative, primitive fraueit = grafted, rooted
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	gureid, gwreid = root
Welsh (Cymraeg)	gwraidd [ɡwrai̯ð] = root, bottom, base, foundation, source, origin, ancestry gwreiddiadur = etymological dictionary gwreiddiaf, gwreiddio = to root, grow roots, take root, become ingrained or established, be rooted, be derived, ground, found, secure, establish gwreiddiog = having roots, rooted, ingrained gwreiddiol = original, primitive, innate, initial, established, hereditary gwreiddyn = root, beginning, origin, source, nucleus, essence, foundation, reason, stock, pedigree
Old Cornish	grueiten = root
Middle Cornish (Cernewec)	gwredh, gwreydh, gwreidhen = root gwredhan = a single root gwrydhye = to take root, to be rooted
Cornish (Kernewek)	gwrydhen = root gwreydhek = original gwreydhyel = radical gwreydhyoleth = radicalism
Old Breton	uraed = root
Middle Breton (Brezonec)	gwrizienn, gruyzyenn, gruyzienn, grizyen = root gwriziaouiñ gwriziañ, gwriziennañ = to take root, put down roots
Breton (Brezhoneg)	gwrizienn = root, origin, base gwriziañ = to take root, put down roots, ingrained

Words marked with a * are reconstructions.

Etymology: from Proto-Indo-European *wr̥h₂d-/*wréh₂ds (root). Words from the same roots include root, radish and wort (a liquid extracted from mash when making beer or malt liquor) in English, rot (root, source) in Swedish, rod (root) in Danish, wortel (carrot) in Dutch, Wurzel (root) in German, raíz (root, origin) in Spanish, raíz (root, origin) in Spanish [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

Halves and Sides

7th January 20237th January 2023 By Simon

Words for half, side and related things in Celtic languages.

Proto-Celtic	letos = side ɸletos = breadth, side
Primitive Irish	ᚂᚓᚈᚐᚄ / letas = half, direction, side
Old Irish (Goídelc)	leth [l͈ʲeθ] = half, direction, side
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	leth = half, side
Irish (Gaeilge)	leath [lʲah/lʲæx/l̠ʲæ] = side, part, direction; half, part, portion leathach = divided in two, two-part leithead = breadth, width leathadh = spreading, spread, diffusion, scattering, broadcasting
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	leth [l̪ʲeh] = half, side, share leth-ghlic = half-witted leth-leanabh = twin leth-oireachas = separation, partiality, isolationism, favouritism leisgeul = excuse, apology, pretext (from leth and sgeul [story])
Manx (Gaelg)	lieh = part, half, behalf, makeshift lieh fuinnit = half-baked lieh henn = middle aged
Proto-Brythonic	*lled = breadth, side
Middle Welsh (Kymreac)	let, llet, led = year (of age)
Welsh (Cymraeg)	lled [ɬeːd] = breadth, width, beam (of boat), latitude, amplitude, extent, diameter, thickness; half, part(ly), fairly, moderately lleda(e)naf, lleda(e)nu = to spread out, scatter abroad, disseminate lladaf, lledu = to became broad(er) / wide(r), broaden, open out, expand, become widespread lleden = flat-fish, flat or sprawling (person/thing), flattish mass, blade, fluke
Middle Cornish (Cernewec)	les = breadth, width, latitude
Cornish (Kernewek)	les = breadth, width lesa = to expand, spread lesans = expansion, spread
Middle Breton (Brezonec)	led = width, wideness, breadth; horizontally ledan = wide, large, broad, vast, big ledañ, lediñ, ledek = to stretch out, extend, spread (out) ledanaat = to widen, broaden, stretch
Breton (Brezhoneg)	led = wide, large, broad, spreading a-led = horizontal ledan = vast, wide ledañ = to spread, generalize ledanded = width, breadth

Etymology: from the Proto-Indo-European *pléth₂-os (breadth), from *pleth₂- (broad, flat) [source]. Words from the same PIE roots include field, flan, flat and fold (a pen for animals) in English, flat in English, and πλατεία (plateía – town square) in Greek [source].

Proto-Celtic	*santeros = middle, half
Proto-Brythonic	*hanter = half
Old Welsh	hanther = half
Middle Welsh (Kymreac)	hanner, hanher = half, middle
Welsh (Cymraeg)	hanner [ˈhanɛr/ˈhanar] = half, middle, midday, midnight, side, part hanner-cylchynol = semicircular hanner dydd = midday, noon hanner nos = midnight
Middle Cornish (Cernewec)	hanter = half, a moiety hanter dŷdh = midday hanter nôs = midnight
Cornish (Kernewek)	hanter = half hantera = to halve hanterdydh = midday, noon hantergylgh = hemisphere hanterkans = fifty hanter-mis = fortnight, two weeks hanter-nos = midnight hanter-our = half-hour hanter-pennwari = semi-final hanter termyn = half time
Middle Breton (Brezonec)	hanter = half hanterañ, hanteriñ = to halve, cut in half hanter-kant = fifty hanter-war-hanter = neck and neck, tied
Breton (Brezhoneg)	hanter [ˈhɑ̃n.tɛʁ] = half hanter dro = u-turn hanterad = mediator hanterenn = half time hanternoz = midnight

Etymology: from the Proto-Indo-European *sm̥teros (one of the two), from *sem- (one) and *-teros (contrastive suffix) [source]. Other words from the PIE root *sem- (one) include: same, seem, semi, similar and single in English [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, Dictionaire Favereau, TermOfis, English – ProtoCeltic WordList (PDF), Etymological Dictionary Of Proto Celtic

Rawness

21st July 202221st July 2022 By Simon

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

Raw

Proto-Celtic	*omos = raw
Old Irish (Goídelc)	om [oṽ] = raw, uncooked
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	om = raw, uncooked; crude, undigested, immature; rude, unrefined, barbarous
Irish (Gaeilge)	amh [ˈavˠ / ˈaw] = raw, uncooked amhábhar = raw material, staple aimhe = rawness, crudeness amhainse = sharpness, astuteness amhainseach = sharp, astute amhchaoin = rough, uncouth amhola = crude oil
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	amh [af] = raw, uncooked; extra rare, blue (meat); uncouth, crude amhachd [avəxg] = rawness
Manx (Gaelg)	aw = crude, raw, uncooked, undressed awid = crudeness, rawness, rareness awaneagh = moron, oaf; oafish, raw, rude, uncivilsed, vain feill aw = raw meat ooill aw = crude oil
Proto-Brythonic	*oβ̃ = raw
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	of = crude, uncooked, raw
Welsh (Cymraeg)	of [braːɨ̯n / brai̯n] = crude, untreated, uncooked, raw, bitter, sharp, nauseating, sickly ofaf, ofi = to decompose, crumble, analyse

Etymology: from the Proto-Indo-European *h₂eh₃mós (raw, uncooked, bitter, sour), probably from *h₂eh₃- (to be hot, burn) [source].

Words for copper and bronze in Celtic languages possibly come from the same Proto-Celtic root, via the word *omiyom [source].

The Greek word ὠμός [oˈmos] (raw, uncooked, crude, brutal) comes from the same PIE root [source].

Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	cri = crude, uncooked, raw
Welsh (Cymraeg)	cri [kriː] = raw, fresh, new, crude, coarse, unfulled (cloth), unleavened bara cri = unleavened bread defnyddiau cri = raw materials teisen gri = griddle cake, Welsh cake
Middle Cornish (Cernewec)	criv = rude, raw, green, newly made, unripe
Cornish (Kernewek)	kriv = crude, fresh, raw, uncooked, unripe krivder = rawness gossen griv = raw umber
Middle Breton	criz, cry = raw, crude, cruel, rough
Breton (Brezhoneg)	kriz = raw, crude, cruel, rough gopr kriz = gross salary hollad kriz = gross total obar kriz = act of barbarism

Etymology: possibly from the Latin crūdus (raw, bloody), from the Proto-Italic *krūros (bloody), from the Proto-Indo-European *kruh₂rós (bloody), from *krewh₂- (raw meat, fresh blood). The English words crude and cruel come from the same Latin root, and raw comes from the same PIE root [source].

Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	amrwt = raw, uncooked
Welsh (Cymraeg)	amrwd [ˈamrʊd] = raw, uncooked, unprocessed, undigested, crude, untreated, unrefined, rough, approximate

Etymology: from the Proto-Celtic *an (un-) and *brutus (boiling heat), from the Proto-Indo-European *bʰrewh₁- (to boil, brew) [source].

Other words from the Proto-Celtic root *brutus include brwd (eager, keen, passionate, zealous) and brwdfrydedd (enthusiasm) in Welsh, and bruth (heat, rash, eruption, nap, pile, surf) in Irish [source].

Words marked with a * are reconstructions.

Strength

9th October 201913th May 2024 By Simon

Words for strength and related things in Celtic languages.

Strength

Words marked with a * are reconstructions.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Etymology: unknown [Source].

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Birch (trees)

9th September 201929th August 2025 By Simon

Words for birch (genus Betula) in Celtic languages.

Words marked with a * are reconstructions.

Proto-Celtic	betwiyos / betuyā = birch (tree)
Gaulish	*betulla, bitu, betua* = birch
Old Irish (Goídelc)	beithe = birch (tree)
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	beithe. beith = birch tree, birch wood, the letter b in Ogham (ᚁ) beithech = birch land, grove of birch beithe-luis(-nin) = Ogham alphabet (ᚁᚂᚅ) – named after the first few letters
Irish (Gaeilge)	beith = birch (tree), letter B in Ogham (ᚁ) beith gheal = silver birch (Betula pendula) beitheach = covered or planted with birches
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	beithe [behə] birch, the letter B in Ogham, birch wood/forest beith-gheal = silver birch beith luis nuin = ABC
Manx (Gaelg)	beih = birch (tree) beih argid = silver birch beihagh = birch, birchen
Proto-Brythonic	*bedu = birch (tree)
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	bedw, bedỽ = birch bedwen = birch tree bedwaỽt = song of the birch, song of good omen betuerỽ = birch grove, place abounding with birch trees betguos, bedwes = birch grove
Welsh (Cymraeg)	bedw [ˈbɛdʊ / ˈbeːdu] = birch, birch grove, maypole, birch-rod bedwen = birch tree bedw arian = silver birch bedwerw = birch grove, place abounding with birch trees bedwos, bedwes = birch grove
Old Cornish	bedewen = birch
Middle Cornish (Cernewec)	bedewen = birch tree, poplar tree, aspen tree
Cornish (Kernewek)	besow = birches besowen = birch (tree) besow arghas = silver birch
Old Breton (Brethonoc)	bedu = birches beduan = birch
Middle Breton	bezu = birches bezuenn = birch
Breton (Brezhoneg)	bezv [ˈbɛ(z)w] = birches bezvenn [ˈbe(z).vɛn] = birch bezveg [ˈbe(z).vɛk] = birch grove bezvenneg = birch grove bezvennek = abounding in birches

Etymology: from Proto-Indo-European *gʷetu-yo-s, from *gʷet- (resin, gum) [source]. Words from the same Proto-Celtic roots, via Gaulish *bitu/betua and Latin *betius, include betulla (birch) in Italian, bouleau (birch) in French, bedoll (birch) in Catalan, bétula (birch) in Portuguese, βετούλη (vetoúli – birch) in Greek, and abedul (birch) in Spanish. The botanical Latin name for the genus Betula (birch) also comes from the same roots [source].

Celtiadur

Exploring connections between Celtic languages

Category: Greek (ελληνικά)

Winnowing Wheat

Shameful Disgrace

Memorable Memories

Nights

Teary Drops

Roots

Halves and Sides

Rawness

Strength

Birch (trees)