Towns and Tribes

15th April 201910th March 2023 By Simon

Words for dwelling, settlement, town, tribe and related things in Celtic languages.

Proto-Celtic	*trebā = dwelling
Gaulish	Atrebates = name of a tribe
Old Irish (Goídelc)	treb = house, farm; household; tribe
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	treb = house, farm; household; tribe
Irish (Gaeilge)	treibh [ˈtʲɾʲɛv] = house, homestead, farmstead; household, family; tribe, race
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	treabh [tro] = farming village treubh [treːv] = tribe
Proto-Brythonic	*treβ [ˈtrɛːβ] = town, settlement
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	tref [ˈtrɛːβ] = town, settlement trefad, trevad, treuad, treuat = dwelling(-place), habitation trefan, treuan = small town or city, village, dwelling, abode, manor-house, fort
Welsh (Cymraeg)	tre(f) [treː(v)] = town; town centre; dwelling(-place), habitation, residence, home; house (and surrounding land), homestead, farm, estate, cluster of houses; township; tribe trefad = dwelling(-place), habitation, residence, home, region, domain trefaf, trefu= to dwell, live, settle trefan = small town or city, village, dwelling, abode, manor-house, fort
Middle Cornish (Cernewec)	tre, trev = dwelling place, homestead, home, town tregva, trigva = dwelling place, habitation trevedic = one from a country village, a country man, rustic
Cornish (Kernewek)	tre [trɛ:/tre:] = farmstead, home, town, village trigva = abode, address, dwelling, resdidence trigys = settled, to reside, live
Old Breton	treff, treb = town, settlement
Middle Breton (Brezonec)	tre, trev = town
Breton (Brezhoneg)	trev = town trevour = civil

Etymology: From the Proto-Indo-European *treb- (dwelling, settlement) [source].

Words from the same Proto-Celtic root (via Latin) possibly include trobo (beehive, skep) in Galician, and truébanu (beehive, barrel, basket) in Asturian [source].

This is also the root of the archaic English word thorp(e) (a group of houses standing together in the country; a hamlet; a village), which appears in place names such as Milnthorpe and Scunthorpe.

Related words in other languages include Dorf (hamlet, village, town) in German, torp (village) in Danish, torp (farm, cottage, croft) in Swedish, þorp (village, farm) in Icelandic, and trevë (country, region, village) in Albanian [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

Lord, Ruler

9th April 201920th January 2024 By Simon

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

Words marked with a * are reconstructions.

Proto-Celtic	tigerno(s) = lord, master tigernākos = lordly, ruler
Gaulish	Tigernum = placename
Primitive Irish	ᚈᚔᚌᚔᚏᚅ (tigirn) = lord
Old Irish (Goídelc)	tigerna = lord tigernas = lordship
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	tigerna = sovereignty, lord, superior, chief tigernach, tigernaide, tigernamail = lordly tigernaid = rules tigernaigid = to rule, dominate tigernas = lordship, dominion, possession, power, dominance tigernatas = lordship, dominion
Irish (Gaeilge)	tiarna [ˈtʲiəɾˠn̪ˠə] = lord, master, ruler tiarnaigh = to rule, dominate tiarnas = lordship, rule, dominion, domain tiarnúil = lordly, masterful, overbearing, domineering, cheeky tiarnúlacht = lordliness, overbearingness, domination, cheekiness aintiarna = despotic lord, tyrant aintiarnas = tyranny bantiarna = lady
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	tighearna [tʲi.əɾˠn̪ˠə] = lord, The Lord, laird, chief, ruler, baronet, master, superior tighearnach, tighearnail = lordly, magisterial tighearnas = lordship, dominion, peerage aintighearna = despot, oppressor, tyrant aintighearnas = oppression, tyranny baintighearna = lady
Manx (Gaelg)	çhiarn [ˈtʃaːrn] = laird, lord, peer çhiarnaght = dominion, lordship çhiarnys = domain, domination, dominion, lordship, manor, peerage ben çhiarn = lady
Proto-Brythonic	tɨɣern = lord, ruler tɨɣernọg = lordly, noble
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	teyrn, tegyrn = lord, master teyrneit, teyrneidd, têyrnaidd = monarchical, royal, kinglike, princely, majestic, dignified tyrnas, ternas, teyrnas, teernas, teÿnas = monarchy, kingdom, realm, dominion tyrnasa, tëyrnasa, teyrnasa = to reign (over), rule, govern tëyrnasaidd = monarchical, royal, dignified
Welsh (Cymraeg)	teyrn [teɨ̯rn / tei̯rn] = monarch, sovereign, king, prince, lord, ruler, leader, dictator, tyrant, royal teyrnach, teyrnachaeth = royal line, dynasty teyrnaidd = monarchical, royal, kinglike, princely, majestic, dignified teyrnas = monarchy, kingdom, realm, dominion teyrnasaf, teyrnasu = to reign (over), rule, govern teyrnasaidd = monarchical, royal, dignified
Middle Cornish (Cerenwec)	mychtern = king
Cornish (Kernewek)	machdeyrn = king
Old Breton (Brethonoc)	tiarn, tiern = lord, master *tiarnoc = lordly, noble
Middle Breton (Brezonec)	tyèrn, tiern = prince, sovereign
Breton (Brezhoneg)	tiern [ˈtiː.ɛrn] = prince, sovereign

Etymology: possibly from Proto-Celtic *tiger (raid, raiding party) and *-inos (of, pertaining to). *Tigerno(s) may originally have meant something like “the chief of the raiding party” [source].

The name Vortigern from the same roots, as do versions in Welsh, Gwrtheyrn and Breton, Gourziern [source].

More about words for Kings and Queens.

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

Doctor

8th April 20195th July 2025 By Simon

Words for doctor and related things in Celtic languages.

Words marked with a * are reconstructions.

Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	dochtúir, doctúir = learned ma, teacher, professor, physician
Irish (Gaeilge)	dochtúir [d̪ˠɔxˈt̪ˠuːɾʲ / ˈd̪ˠʌxt̪ˠuɾʲ] = doctor dochtúireacht = doctorate, medical practice, doctoring
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	dotair [dɔhdɛrʲ] = doctor, surgeon, physician dotaireachd [dɔhdɪrʲəxg] = doctorate, knowledge of medicine, (act of) curing, healing dotaireas [dɔhdɪrʲəs] = doctorate, knowledge of medicine
Manx (Gaelg)	doghtoor = doctor doghtoorahgt = doctorate
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	doethur = doctor, teacher, sage, learned man
Welsh (Cymraeg)	doethur, doethor = doctor, teacher, sage, learned man
Cornish (Kernewek)	doktour = doctor

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

Proto-Celtic	*lī(φ)agi- = doctor
Old Irish (Goídelc)	líaig = leech, doctor, physician fáithlíaig = doctor, physician leiges = healing, medicine, curing
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	líaig, liag, leaga, lega, lieig = leech, doctor, physician, adviser, healer leiges. leges, leighis = healing, medical treatment, cure, remedey, medicine, medicament, curing, healing leigesamail = medicinal, healing leigisid, leigiste = medicinal, healing, to cure, to heal
Irish (Gaeilge)	lia [l̠ʲiə] = healer, physician lia ban = gynaecologist lia súl = oculist leigheas = art of healing, medicine, medical treatment leigheasach = healing, curative, medicinal leigheasóir = healer, curer leigheasra = cures, medicines
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	lèigh [l̪ʲeː] = physician, surgeon lèighadair = pharmacist lèigheadairachd = pharmacy lèigheadh = (act of) healing leigheas [l̪ʲe.əs] = curing, healing, medicine lèigheil = medical lighiche [l̪ʲi.ɪçə] = healer, physician, surgeon
Manx (Gaelg)	(fer/ben) lhee = (male/female) doctor, physician lheihys = cure, curing, heal(ing), remedy lheihyssagh = curable, curative, healing

Etymology: possibly from Proto-Germaic *lēkiz (healing, medicine, healer), or directly from the Proto-Indo-European *h₂leg- (to care for) [source]. Words from the same Proto-Celtic / PIE root possibly include leech in English, læknir (medical practitioner, doctor) in Icelandic, läkare (doctor, physician) and läka (to heal) in Swedish, lääkäri (phyisican, doctor) in Finnish, and læge (doctor, physician, surgeon) in Danish [source].

Old Irish (Goídelc)	midach = physician
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	midach, midech, midaig = physician
Proto-Brythonic	*meðïg = doctor
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	metic, medyc, med(d)ic, meddig = doctor, medical practitioner, physician, surgeon, healer methygaeth = (science of) medicine, surgery, drug medyges, meddyges female doctor or healer, female herbalist medegynyaeth, medeginyaeth, medegynyaeth = medicine, remedy, medical treatment, surgery, cure, healing
Welsh (Cymraeg)	meddyg [ˈmɛðɪɡ / ˈmeːðɪɡ] = doctor, medical practitioner, physician, surgeon, healer meddyg(i)adwy = curable, treatable meddyg(i)aeth = (science of) medicine, surgery, drug meddygu = to practise medicine, to treat medically, to prescribe, to heal, to cure meddyges female doctor or healer, female herbalist meddygfa = surgery, clinic, pharmacy, hospital meddygin(i)aeth = medicine, remedy, medical treatment, surgery, cure, healing meddygol = medical, medicinal, healing, curative
Old Cornish	medhec = physician
Middle Cornish (Cernewec)	methic, medhic = physician
Cornish (Kernewek)	medhek [mɛðɛk / ‘mɛðɐk] = doctor, physician medhegel = medical medhegieth = medical science, medicine medhegiethel = medicinal medhegneth = medication, medicine medhegva = clinic, (doctor’s) surgery medhegvael = clinical
Middle Breton (Brezonec)	mezec = doctor mezeyaff = to treat, to care for mezeyet, mezeguet = medicine mezegioez = medicine
Breton (Brezhoneg)	mezeg [ˈmeː(z)ek] = doctor mezegañ [meˈ(z)eː.ɡã] = to care for (medically), to treat mezegiezh [me(z)eˈɡiːɛs] = medicine

Etymology: from the Latin medicus (doctor), from medeor (I heal, cure, remedy), from the Proto-Italic *medēōr (to heal), from Proto-Indo-European *med- (to measure, give advice, heal). Words from the same roots include medico (doctor, physician, medical) in Italian, medicus (doctor, physician) in Dutch, medic, medical, medicine, meditate and remedy in English, and médico (doctor, physician) in Spanish [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

Kings and Queens

2nd April 201927th September 2025 By Simon

Words for king and related things in Celtic languages.

Brian Boru, High King of Ireland (1002-1014) / Brian Bóruma mac Cennétig, Ard-Rí ar Éirinn

Words marked with a * are reconstructions.

Proto-Celtic	rīxs/rig- = king
Celtiberian	reikis = king
Gaulish	rīx = king – appears in names like Katurīx, Suādurīx, *Werkingetorīx (Vercingetorix) and Asterix
Primitive Irish	ᚏᚔᚌᚐᚄ (rigas) = (of the) king
Old Irish (Goídelc)	rí [r͈ʲiː] = king rígdae = regal, kingly rígdún = palace
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	rí, ríg, rig = king, head, chief rígán = a sub-king, chief rígamail, rioghamhail = royal rígdacht = kingliness, kingly qualities, a kingdom rígda(e) = a royal dwelling place, palace rígrach = = royal, kingly
Irish (Gaeilge)	rí [ɾˠiː] = king, sovereign, monarch ríoga = regal, royal ríora = kings, royal persons, royalty, dynasty
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	rìgh [r̪ʲiː] = king banrìgh = queen àrd-rìgh = high king mòr-rìgh = emperor rìoghachadh = reigning, reign rìoghachd = kingdom, realm
Manx (Gaelg)	ree = king reejerey = cavalier, chevalier, king, knight, lord, paladin, prince reeoil = kinglike, monarchy, regal, royal reeaght, reeriaght, riaght, ream = kingdom
Proto-Brythonic	*riɣ [ˈriːɣ] = king
Old Welsh	rig = king
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	ri, rhi = king rhiaidd, rhïaidd = regal, royal, noble, generous rieu, riav = king, lord, ruler, chieftain rriawdr, riawdr = lord, ruler, chieftain, God
Welsh (Cymraeg)	rhi [r̥iː] = king, prince, lord, ruler, chieftain rhiaidd = regal, noble, aristocratic, dignified rhiau = king, lord, ruler, chieftain rhiawdr = lord, ruler, chieftain, God
Middle Cornish (Cernewec)	ruy, ruif = king, sovereign, ruler ryal, real = royal, kingly
Cornish (Kernewek)	riel = regal, royal
Old Breton	ri = king
Middle Breton (Brezonec)	ri, rí = king
Breton (Brezhoneg)	ri [ˈʁiː] = king

Etymology: from Proto-Indo-European *h₃rḗǵs (king, ruler) [source]. Words from the same Proto-Celtic root include rich in English, ryk (rich, wealthy) in Afrikaans, ricco (rich, wealthy, affluent) in Italian, riche (rich) in French, Reich (empire, realm) in German, and rikas (rich, wealthy, opulent, plentiful) in Finnish [source].

English words with the suffix -ric, such as bishopric (a diocese or region of a church which a bishop governs), and comes from the same Proto-Celtic root [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].

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

Cowherd, boy, child

25th March 201925th February 2026 By Simon

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Troop, host, throng

19th February 20194th November 2022 By Simon

Today we’re looking at troop, host, throng and related word in Celtic languages.

Proto-Celtic	*slougos = troop, army
Gaulish	*slugi = troop, army
Old Irish (Goídelc)	slóg, slúag = army, host; throng, crowd, company, assembly
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	slúagh = army, host; throng, crowd, company, assembly
Irish (Gaeilge)	slua [sˠl̪ˠuə] = host, force, army; crowd, multitude, throng sluaghán = slogan sluamhar = having large forces, multitudinous slógadh = mobilization, hosting
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	sluagh [sl̪ˠuəɣ] = folk, people, populace; the fairy host; crowd sluaghmhor = populous, densely, inhabited sluagh-ghairm = slogan an sluagh cumanta = the common folk sluagh na sìthe = the fairies (poetic) sluagh Innse Fàil = the people of Ireland (poetic)
Manx (Gaelg)	sleih = commonalty, crowd, family, inhabitants, people, populace, public, relations sleih gerrym = slogan
Proto-Brythonic	*lʉɣ [ˈlʉːɣ] = troop
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	llu, llv = host, throng, multitude
Welsh (Cymraeg)	llu [ɬɨː / ɬiː] = host, a large number (of people), a great many, multitude, throng, crowd, flock (of birds); army, body of armed men, regiment lluaf, lluo = to throng, crowd, flock together, gather, bring together lluarth = military camp lluarthaf, lluarthu = to pitch camp, encamp, camp heddlu = police
Old Cornish	lu = army
Middle Cornish (Cernewec)	lu = a great multitude, host, army
Cornish (Kernewek)	lu [ly: / liˑʊ] = army, military, troop morlu, lu lestri = navy
Old Breton	lu = army
Middle Breton (Brezonec)	lu = army morlu = navy
Breton (Brezhoneg)	lu = army aerlu = airforce morlu = navy

Etymology: from the Proto-Indo-European *slowgʰos / *slowgos (entourage), which is also the root of the English word slew [source].

The English word slogan comes from the Scottish Gaelic sluagh-ghairm [ˈsɫ̪uəɣɤɾʲəm] (battle cry) from the Old Irish slóg/slúag (army, host, throng, crowd), and gairm (call, cry, crow, proclamation) [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

Person, people, human

18th February 201922nd July 2022 By Simon

Words for person, people and related words in Celtic languages.

Proto-Celtic	*gdonyos = person
Old Irish (Goídelc)	duine [ˈdunʲe] = person duineta = human dóenacht [ˈdoːi̯naxt] = humanity
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	duine = human, human being, man, mankind, person
Irish (Gaeilge)	duine [ˈd̪ˠɪnʲə] = human being, man, mankind, person, people, one duineata = human, kindly duineatacht = humaneness, kindliness duiniúil = human, natural, kindly duiniúlacht = humanity, kindliness
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	duine [dɯn̪ʲə] = fellow, person, man, husband, (any)one daonnachd [dɯːn̪ˠəxg] = humanity, charity, benevolence, liberality, hospitality duine-uasal = gentleman
Manx (Gaelg)	dooinney [ˈd̪uːnʲə] = human, man, fellow, husband deiney = human, man, menfolk dooinnalys = humanity, human nature dooinnidaght = humaneness
Proto-Brythonic	*dün [ˈdyːn] = human, person
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	din, dyn = man, human being
Welsh (Cymraeg)	dyn [dɨːn / diːn] = man, human being; person, one, anyone; mankind, the human race; manservant, vassal; manly or competent person dynes [ˈdənɛs] = woman dynegwr, dynegydd = anthropologist dynfarch [ˈdənvarχ] = centaur dyneidd(i)o = to render man-like or human, personify, humanize, civilize, tame, refine dyneiddiol = humanistic, humanitarian, humanizing, civilizing
Old Cornish	den = man, person
Cornish (Kernewek)	den [dɛ:n / de:n] = man, guy, human, person dengerenjedhek, dengerensedhek = humanitarian denladh = homicide, manslaughter denladhyas = assassin, killer, murderer denses = humanity
Old Breton	den / don = man, person
Middle Breton	den = man, person
Breton (Brezhoneg)	den [ˈdẽːn] = human being, person, man, husband

Etymology: from the Proto-Indo-European *dʰéǵʰom-yo- (earthling, human), from *dʰéǵʰōm (earth), which is also the root of the English words human, humus and (bride)groom [source].

Old Irish (Goídelc)	popul [ˈpobul] = people; tribe, nation, inhabitants; folk; populace, crowd
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	popul = people
Irish (Gaeilge)	pobal [ˈpˠɔbˠəlˠ / ˈpˠʌbˠəlˠ] = people, community; parish, congregation; population pobalscoil = community school poblacht = republic poblachtach = republican teach pobail = church, chapel teange an phobail = vernacular
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	poball [pobəl̪ˠ] = folk, people; community; laity, lay people poballach [pobəl̪ˠəx] = popular, populous poblachd [pɔbl̪ˠəxg] = republic
Manx (Gaelg)	pobble = people, population, community, folk, congregation, masses pobbylagh = public, populous pobblaght = republic
Proto-Brythonic	*pobl = people
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	pobyl = people
Welsh (Cymraeg)	pobl [ˈpʰɔbl̩ˠ / ˈpʰɔbl̩] = people, public, nation, tribe, crowd, inhabitants pybl = people, the common person, folk poblog = populous, peopled, populated; popular, acceptable; common poblogaeth = population, populousness poblogedig = populated, inhabited poblogeiddio = to popularize poblogi = to populate, people, inhabit; to popularize
Old Cornish	popel = people
Cornish (Kernewek)	pobel = people pobla = to populate poblans = population poblansorieth = demographics poblansoriethek = demographic
Breton (Brezhoneg)	pobl = people, multitude

Etymology: from the Latin populus (people, nation, community), from the Proto-Italic *poplos (army) [source].

Words marked with a * are reconstructions.

To Carry / Flow

11th February 201924th January 2025 By Simon

Words for to carry, to flow and related things in Celtic languages.

Words marked with a * are reconstructions.

Proto-Celtic	bereti = to carry ɸarebereti = to use
Old Irish (Gaídelc)	beirid [ˈbʲerʲiðʲ] = to carry, bear, bring forth, judge ar·beir [arˈbʲerʲ] = to live, use, employ, eat, reproach, subdue, express
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	beirid, berid = to carry, infer, bear, bring forth, be born, yield, produce, judge, pass judgement ar-beir, airbir = to live, eat, use, employ, plead, subdue, express
Irish (Gaeilge)	beir [bʲɛɾʲ] = to bear, give birth to; lay (eggs); bear away, win; bring, take; catch, overtake; proceed, advance
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	beir [berʲ] = to take hold; bring forth, bear, produce; carry beirachd [berʲəxg] = bearing (children), giving birth, birthing, bringing forth, birth, nativity, taking hold, holding, catching up with
Manx (Gaelg)	behr = to bear (give birth to) ruggyr = birth, nativity laa ruggyr, laa ruggyree = birthday
Proto-Brythonic	bėrɨd [be̝ˈrɨːd] = to flow, carry ėrβėrɨd [be̝ˈrɨːd] = to make use of, employ, take
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	beru = to flow
Welsh (Cymraeg)	beru = to flow, drip; drizzle arfer [ˈarvɛr] = to use, be used to, be accustomed to; custom, practice, procedure, habit
Middle Cornish (Cernewec)	berthy = to bear, carry, sustain, entertain, take perthy = to bear, carry, sustain, entertain, take porthy = to bear (with), carry, endure, sustain, suffer
Cornish (Kernewek)	perthi = to bear, endure, put up with, stand, suffer, tolerate perthyans = endurance, patience, tolerance
Middle Breton	beraff = to flow
Breton (Brezhoneg)	berañ [ˈbeːrã] = to drip, flow

Etymology: from the Proto-Indo-European *bʰéreti (to be carrying), from *bʰer- (to bear, carry) [source]. Words from the same roots include: barn, barrow, (to) bear, birth, broad and (to) thole (to endure) in English, bie (to bring, deliver) Albanian, բերել (berel – to bring, fetch) Armenian, and berti (to throw, strew, scatter, shed) Lithuanian [source].

To Choke

28th January 201927th August 2025 By Simon

Words for to choke and related things in Celtic languages.

Words marked with a * are reconstructions.

Proto-Celtic	taketi/tageti = to choke, strangle
Old Irish (Goídelc)	tachtad = choking, strangulation
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	tachtad, teachtadh = choking, strangulation tachtaid = to choke, stifle, strangle, hang, oppress, vex, seize, arrest
Irish (Gaeilge)	tacht [t̪ˠɑxt̪ˠ] = to choke, strangle,suffocate tachtadh = choking, stangulation tachtaire = choker, strangler tachtarnach = (act of) choking, choking sound
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	tachd [taxg] = choke, smother, strangle, throttle, clog tachdach = choking, strangulation tachdadair [taxgədɪrʲ] = choker, throttler, strangler, choke, throttle
Manx (Gaelg)	toght = to strangulate toaghtey = to choke, strangle, throttle, clog; choking, strangulation, clogging toaghteyr = choke
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	tag = choke, choking, suffocation, strangulation tagedic, tagedig choked, strangled tagell = jowl, wattle tacua, tagfa = choking, throttling tagu, tagy = to choke, stifle, strangle, throttle, suffocate
Welsh (Cymraeg)	tag = choke, choking, suffocation, strangulation tagedig choked, strangled tagell = jowl, wattle, double chin, throat, windpipe, barb, snare tagfa = choking, throttling, bottleneck tagiad = choking, strangulation, obstruction tagu = to choke, stifle, strangle, throttle, suffocate; to cough (in North Wales) tagwr, tagydd = choker, strangler, choke (in an engine)
Middle Cornish (Cernewec)	tag, tâg = choking, strangling taga = to stifle, strangle, choke, throttle
Cornish (Kernewek)	tag = choking taga = to choke, clog, strangle, suffocate
Middle Breton (Brezonec)	tag = acrid, strangulation tagaff = to attack, devour, suffocate, smother, strangle
Breton (Brezhoneg)	tag [tɑːk] = acrid, strangulation tagañ [ˈtɑː.ɡã] = to attack, devour, suffocate, smother, strangle tagus [ˈtɑːɡys] = offensive, suffocation, acrid, acidic

Etymology: possibly from Proto-Indo-European *tak-, which is also the root of tacit (implied) in English, taire (to be/keep quiet, shut up) in French, and tiga (to keep silent, deliberately ignore) in Swedish [source].

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

To search

20th January 20192nd August 2025 By Simon

Words for to search, track and related things in Celtic languages.

Words marked with a * are reconstructions.

Proto-Celtic	lorgom, lergo- = track, trace
Old Irish (Goídelc)	lorg = path, track, trace
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	lorg = trace, vestige, mark, impression, track, trail, path, course
Irish (Gaeilge)	lorg [ˈl̪ˠɔɾˠəɡ / ˈl̪ˠʌɾˠəɡ] = to track, trace; seek, search for; trace, vestige, mark, impresssion, track, trail, path, course lorgaire = tracker, pursuer, detective, seeker, searcher, follower, adherent lorgaireacht = (act of) tracking, tracing, pursuing, seeking, searching, detection
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	lorg [ˈl̪ˠɔrɔg] = to trace, track, search, pursue, follow by scent or footprints air lorg = on the track of, in search of, found, located lorgadh [l̪ˠɔrɔgɪç] = (act of) discovering, finding lorgaich = track! trace! pry! ferret out! lorgadh [l̪ˠɔrɔgɛrʲə] = detective, detector, finder, tracker lorganach [l̪ˠɔrɔganəx] = sluggard, slowcoach, trail, track meur-lorg = fingerprint
Manx (Gaelg)	lorg = trace, track, trail, vestige, spoor lorgey = to trace, to track, to pursue, pursuit, tracing, trailing, urging lorgaghey = to drive (on/along), to urge on, urging
Proto-Brythonic	*llurɣ, ˈɬuːru = track, trail (?)
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	llwrw, llwry = track, trail, path, way, direction
Welsh (Cymraeg)	llwrw, llwry [ˈɬʊru / ˈɬuːru] = track, trail, path, way, direction, course, career, manner, mode, form, semblance; tax, fee, fine, penalty; opportunity, convenince
Middle Cornish (Cernewec)	lerch, lyrch, ler = trace, vestige, footstep war lerch = after
Cornish (Kernewek)	lergh = track, trail, trace a-lergh = lately, recently war-lergh = according to, after, behind
Old Breton (Brethonoc)	lerg = trace, sequel
Middle Breton (Brezonec)	lerch = trace, sequel
Breton (Brezhoneg)	lerc’h [ˈlɛrx] = trace, sequel, continued lerc’h-ouzh-lerc’h = next, right away, successively lerc’henn = postposition dilercʼh = remainder, consequence, delay war-lercʼh = after, behind, because of

Etymology: uncertain [source] or from Proto-Indo-European *lerg- (slippery, even) [source]

Proto-Celtic	*swelos = to turn
Old Irish (Goídelc)	sel = a turn, a while, a spell dessel = sunwise, clockwise túaithbel = anticlockwise, widdershins, lefthandwise
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	sel, seal = a turn, a time, a while dessel, deisell, dessiul = direction of the sun, right-hand course, sunwise, clockwise túaithbel, tuaithbil, tuaithbiul = against the sun, withershins, lefthandwise
Irish (Gaeilge)	seal [ˈʃal̪ˠ] = turn, while, spell, span sealad = turn, while, space of time sealadach = temporary, provisional sealaíocht = (act of) alternating, taking turns, alternation deiseal [ˈdʲeʃəlˠ] = righthand direction, direction of the sun, clockwise, sunwise tuathal [ˈt̪ˠuəhəl̪ˠ] = anticlockwise, counterclockwise
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	seal [ʃal̪ˠ] = while, space of time sealach [ʃal̪ˠəx] = temporary, transient, transitory sealad [ʃal̪ˠəd] = while, period of time sealadach [ʃal̪ˠədəx] = transitional, transitory, caretaker, provisional sealaidheachd [ʃal̪ʲɪjəxg] = course of time, transitoriness, relay sealan [ʃal̪ˠan] = a little/short while deiseal [dʲeʃal] = clockwise, facing south, finished, ready, poised, prepared, handy, dexterous tuathal [tuəhəl̪ˠ] = anticlockwise, counterclockwise, unlucky, ill-omened, confused, agitated, disorien(ta)ted
Manx (Gaelg)	shalee = design, intention, project, purpose, pursuit, quest shayll = piece of work, spell, turn shallidagh = provisional, provisory, temporary, transient, interim jeshal = clockwise
Proto-Brythonic	*hwel = (?)
Old Welsh (Kembraec)	chwel, cheil = turn, course, period
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	chwyl = turn of events, course, destiny whel = turn, course, period chwilyaw, chwiliaw, chwilio = to search, seek, trace, investigate, examine, rummage, ransack, try
Welsh (Cymraeg)	chwŷl [χwɨːl / χwiːl] = turn of events, course, destiny chwyl(i)ad = a turning round, roation, revolution chwyl(i)o = to revolve, rotate, turn around chwêl = turn, course, period, while, commotion, disturbance chwilio [ˈχwɪljɔ / ˈχwɪljɔ] = to search, seek, trace, investigate, examine, rummage, ransack, try chwiliadur = search engine chwiliedydd = searcher, examiner, investigator chwiliwr = searcher, investigator, examiner, trier, inquirer, spy, inquisitor chwilys = inquisition chwilyswr = inquisitor chwiliota(f) = to rummage, pry, grope for, grabble, pilfer
Middle Cornish (Cernewec)	chwila, whela(s), hwila(s), hwillaz = to seek, to seach for hwiliog a searcher, seeker, conjuror
Cornish (Kernewek)	hwilas [‘ʍilas / ‘ʍilɐz] = to seek, look for, attempt, try, search hwilerbownder, hwiler hyns = pathfinder hwilreseger = orienteer hwilresek = orienteering hwilva = laboratory
Middle Breton (Brezonec)	chouilia = to search, look for
Breton (Brezhoneg)	hoal = age, ascendancy, attractiveness hoal-vat = happiness, prosperity hoalad = career, era, epoc, period hoaladur = delectation hoalat = to seduce, to delight holc’hiñ = to search

Etymology: possibly from Proto-Indo-European *welH- (to turn, revolve). Words from the same roots in English include helicopter, helix, valve, wallow, whelk, and deiseal (clockwise, sunwise – borrowed from Irish) [source]

Celtiadur

Exploring connections between Celtic languages

Category: Middle Cornish (Cernewec / Kernuak)

Towns and Tribes

Lord, Ruler

Doctor

Kings and Queens

Cowherd, boy, child

Troop, host, throng

Person, people, human

To Carry / Flow

To Choke

To search