Ears

20th November 201823rd September 2024 By Simon

Words for ears, hares and related things in Celtic languages.

Words marked with a * are reconstructions.

Proto-Celtic	*kloustā = ear, hearing
Old Irish (Goídelc)	clúas [kluːa̯s] = ear, hearing
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	clúas, cluas = (sense of) hearing, ear clúasach, clūasach = pleasing to the ear, having (big) ears or handles, big-eared
Irish (Gaeilge)	cluas [klˠuəsˠ] = ear; ear-shaped object; lug, handle; cleat; tab; corner, margin cluasach = having ears, long-eared cluasachán = long-eared person or animal cluasaí = listener, eavesdropper cluasaíocht = eavesdropping, whispering, listening, talking in a furtive manner cluasán = earphone, headphone cluasánach = listless, inattentive person cluasántacht = listlessness, inattention
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	cluas [kl̪ˠuəs] = ear, lug, handle cluasach [kl̪ˠuəsəx] = pertaining to ears, aural, having (a) handle(s) cluasachan [kl̪ˠuəsəxan] = pillow cluasag [kl̪ˠuəsag] = pillow, bolster cluasagach [kl̪ˠuəsagəx] = pertaining to or abounding in pillows cluasaire [kl̪ˠuəsɪrʲə] = (person with) bigs ears cluasan [kl̪ˠuəsan] = earphone, headset
Manx (Gaelg)	cleaysh [kleːʃ] = ear, cleat, handle, lug, top corner of net, corner of sail cleayshagh = aural, (large-)eared, lugged cleayshtynagh = audible, listener
Proto-Brythonic	*klʉst = ear
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	clust = ear, hearing, handle clustueinyd, clustfeinydd = attentive or eager listener, eavesdropper clustiog, klustioc = (large-/long-) eared, having a handle, pertaining to the ear clustot, clustog, clustoc = cushion, pillow, bolster
Welsh (Cymraeg)	clust [klɨːst / klɪst] = ear, sense of hearing, attention, willingness to listen; handle of a vessel, tag of a boot, top part of a bell; creek or inlet; auricle (of the heart) clustfeinio = to listen closely or attentively, prick up the ears, eavesdrop clustfeiniol = listening attentively or intently clustfeiniwr, clustfeinydd = attentive or eager listener, eavesdropper clustffon, clustffôn = earphone, headphone clustiog = (large-/long-) eared, having a handle, pertaining to the ear clustog = cushion, pillow, bolster clustogi = to cushion, pillow, bolster up, upholster

Etymology: from Proto-Indo-European *ḱlow-steh₂, from *ḱlew- (to hear) [source]. Words from the same roots include clement, client, listen and loud in English, quaj (to call, name, value, declare) in Albanian, luid (loud, sound, assertion) in Dutch, sláva (fame, glory) in Czech, and hljóður (quiet, silent) in Icelandic [source].

Words for Hearing, Fame and Renown in Celtic languages also come from the same PIE roots.

Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	sgiarnag, sgibearnag = hare
Proto-Brythonic	skuβarn = ear skuβarnọg = hare
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	esgyuarn, ysgyuarn, yscyfarn, yskyuarn = ear ysgyuarnauc, yscyfarnawc, y scyuarnaỽc, ysgyuarnawc, yscyfarnoc = hare
Welsh (Cymraeg)	ysgyfar(n) = ear (y)sgyfarnog, sgwarnog = hare ysgyfarnogaidd = harelike, leporine
Old Cornish	scouarn = ear scouarnoc = hare
Middle Cornish (Cernewec)	scovarn, scouarn, scovern, scovorn, scoforn = ear scovarnog, scowarnak, scowarnog = hare
Cornish (Kernewek)	skovarn [‘skɔvarn / ‘skɔvɐrn] = ear, handle skovarnek = hare
Old Breton	scobarn = ear
Middle Breton (Brezonec)	scouarn = ear scouarnec = having large or long ears, long-eared, having handles
Breton (Brezhoneg)	skouarn [skwarn] = ear, gills, handle skouarnad [ˈskwar.nat] = a slap (on the ear) skouarnañ = to garnish with an ear or handle skouarnata [skwarˈnatːa] = to slap, to rub or pull ears skouarneg [ˈskwar.nɛk] = hare skouarnek [ˈskwar.nɛk] = having large or long ears, long-eared, having handles

Etymology: possibly from Proto-Indo-European *(s)kewh₁- (to observe, perceive) [source]. Words from the same PIE root include cautious, caveat and show in English, schouwen (to inspect, examine) in Dutch, schauen (to look, watch, view) in German, and cauto (prudent, cautious, sly) in Italian [source].

Irish (Gaeilge)	giorria [ˈɟɪɾˠiə/ˈɟaɾˠiə] = hare
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	geàrr [gʲaːr̪ˠ] = hare gearrach [gʲar̪ˠəx] = hare giorrasach [gʲir̪ˠəsəx] = hare geàrr-fhiadh = hare gearrag [gʲar̪ˠag] = leveret, young hare

Etymology: from Old Irish gerr (short) and fíad (deer, wild animal(s)) [source].

Old Irish (Goídelc)	míl maige = hare
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	míl maige = hare
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	maigheach [mɤjəx] = hare
Manx (Gaelg)	mwaagh = hare cha follan as mwaagh = brimful of health (“as healthy as a hare”)

Etymology: from Old Irish míl (animal) and mag (plain, field) [source].

Proto-Celtic	*kasnī = hare
Old Irish (Goídelc)	Cainnech = personal name
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	ceinach = hare
Welsh (Cymraeg)	ceinach [ˈkei̯naχ] = hare (archaic – originally meant “(the) grey/white one”) ceinachgi = harrier, hare-hound

Etymology: from Proto-Indo-European *ḱeh₂s- (hare). Words from the same PIE root include hare in English, haas (hare) in Dutch, Hase (hare) in German, and hase (female rabbit, hare) in French [source].

Middle Cornish (Cernewec)	gad = hare
Middle Breton (Brezonec)	gat = hare
Breton (Brezhoneg)	gad [ɡɑːt] = hare

Etymology: unknown [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, Dictionaire Favereau, TermOfis

Heads & Brains

19th November 201826th September 2024 By Simon

Words for heads, brains, minds and related things in Celtic languages.

Words marked with a * are reconstructions.

Proto-Celtic	kʷennom = head en-kʷennio- = brain
Gaulish	pennon, πεννο, πεννοου = head
Primitive Irish	ᚉᚒᚅᚐ-ᚉᚓᚅᚅᚔ (cuna-cenni) = dog’s head
Old Irish (Goídelc)	cenn [kʲen͈] = head, end, leader inchinn = brain
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	cenn, cend = head, roof, end, chief, leader cenna (adj.) = chief, principal cennacht, ceannacht = headship, supremacy, leadership cennas, cendus = headship, leadership, superiority, precedence cennide = headgear, headdress, helmet cennmar, cennmhar = big-headed cennphort = capital, chief, leader cenntromm, ceanntrom = heavy-handed inchinn, inchind = brain(s), mind, intelligence, intention
Irish (Gaeilge)	ceann [caun̪ˠ / cɑːn̪ˠ / can̪ˠ] = head; end, extremity; one; chief, main ceannas = headship, sovereignty, authority, command, forwardnewss, self-assertiveness ceannasach = ruling, sovereign, commanding, masterful, forward, self-assertive, bold, assured, dominant (chord) ceannasaí = commander, controller ceanntrom = bullying, oppression, top-heavy, sluggish, drowsy inchinn [ˈɪɲçən̠ʲ] = brain
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	ceann [kʲaun̪ˠ] = head, end, close, finish, lid, roof, subject, topic, leader ceann-suidhe = president ceannadair [kʲan̪ˠədɪrʲ] = leader ceannara [kʲan̪ˠər̪ˠə] = resolute, strong-headed ceannard [kʲãũn̪ˠər̪ˠd] = chief, leader, head, boss, president, headland ceannardach [kʲãũn̪ˠər̪ˠdəx] = chiefly, commanding, imperious ceannas [kʲan̪ˠəs] = presidency, rule, superiority, dominance eachainn [ɛnɛxɪn̪ʲ] = brain, brains
Manx (Gaelg)	kione [caun / coːn / coᵈn] = head, headland, chief, ringleader, bottom, poll, end, extreme, close, finish, top-end, top, point of argument, termination, closing, extremity, point, dyke, tribune kionard = chief kionnoort = chief(tain), captain, governor, ruler, prince, deputy, constable kioneys = dominance, domination, command, hegemony
Proto-Brythonic	*penn [ˈpenː] = head
Cumbric	pen = head
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	penn, pen = head, chief pennadur = ruler, chief(tain), lord, nobleman, aristocrat, prince, king, sovereign pennaethu = to act as a chief, to rule pennaytheid = chieflike, princely penryn, penrin, pennrynn = cape, promontory, headland, point, peninsula talcen, talken = forehead, brow
Welsh (Cymraeg)	pen [pɛn] = head, obverse (of coin); top, summit, roof, highest point; extremity, end, beginning; headland, promontory, projecting point of rock; pole penadur = ruler, chief(tain), lord, nobleman, aristocrat, prince, king, sovereign penaethu = to act as a chief, to rule penr(h)yn = cape, promontory, headland, point, peninsula talcen = forehead, brow ymennydd [əˈmɛnɨ̞ð / əˈmɛnɪð] = brain, brains, intellectual capacity, mind
Old Cornish	penn = head
Middle Cornish (Cernewec)	pen = an extremity, end, conclusion, head, chief, beginning, the upper part, summit pencanguer = centurion (“head of 100 men”) pendevig, pensevic, pedhzhivig = prince, chief, nobleman pendruppia = to nod, shake the head penryn = promontory, cape, head-land
Cornish (Kernewek)	penn, pedn [pɛn:] = end, head, summit, top, main, premier, top pennek = big-headed pennen = buddle-head pennseviges = princess pennsevik = chief, noble, prince pennskol = university ympynnyon brain
Old Breton	penn = head, chief
Middle Breton (Brezonec)	penn, pen = head, chief pennec = big-headed, stubborn, obstinate
Breton (Brezhoneg)	penn [pɛnː] = head, chief, leader pennad [ˈpɛ.nːat] = piece, end, moment, chapter, article pennadur = authority pennan = main, dominant pennañ = to form a head, to stand up to pennek [ˈpɛnːɛk] = big-headed, stubborn, obstinate penntir [ˈpɛntiʁ] = promontory empenn = brain

Etymology: unknown. The words for brain all mean “in (the) head” [source]. The tal in Welsh talcen comes from tâl (end, extremity, top, side, edge, front), from Proto-Celtic *talu (front, forehead) – see the post about Foreheads, while the cen retains the c [k] from Proto-Celtic.

Old Irish (Goídelc)	in(n)tinn [ˈin͈ʲtʲin͈ʲ] = head, end
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	in(n)tinn = mind, view, disposition, attention, intention, will, purpose, high spirits, courage dall-inntinn = dullness, stupidity, dull, stupid, heavy
Irish (Gaeilge)	intinn [ˈiːn̠ʲtʲən̠ʲ] = mind, mental state, disposition, attention, spirits, intention, accord intinneach = willing, intent(ional), strong-willed, spirited, in high spirits
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	inntinn [ĩːn̪ʲdʲɪn̪ʲ] = (human) mind; intellect, intelligence; intention, purpose inntinneach [ĩːn̪ʲdʲɪn̪ʲəx] = interesting, high-minded, high-spirited, jolly, merry inntinneachd [ĩːn̪ʲdʲɪn̪ʲəxg] = high-mindedness inntinneil = mental
Manx (Gaelg)	inchyn, inçhyn = brain, grey matter, intellect, spirit inchynagh = brainy, cerebral, intelligent, mental, witted inchynaght = intellect, intelligence ard-inchynys = brilliance co-inchynys = telepathy far-inchynaght = artificial intelligence

Etymology: from the Latin intentiō (strain, tension, increase, exertion, charge, purpose, intention), from intendō (to stretch out, strain, turn one’s attention to, focus (on), aim, direct), ultimately from Proto-Indo-European *ten- (to stretch, extend) [source]. Words from the same roots include tend, tent, tense, tenure and intention in English, entendre (to hear, mean) in French, tener (to have, possess, hold) in Spanish [source].

Legs & Feet

17th November 20181st October 2024 By Simon

Words for legs, feet and related things in Celtic languages.

Words marked with a * are reconstructions.

Proto-Celtic	*koxsā = foot, leg
Old Irish (Goídelc)	cos(s) [kos] = foot, leg
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	cos, cas = foot, leg, stem, support, handle, shaft, infantry cosach = pertaining to feet or legs, long-legged
Irish (Gaeilge)	cos [kɔsˠ] = leg, foot; handle, shaft, stem; lower end cosán = path, footway, track, way, passage, direction cosarálaí = trampler, clumsyfooted person coiscéim = footstep coisí = pedestrian
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	cas [kas] = foot, trotter; leg; handle, shaft shank (of a fishing hook casach [kasəx] = (many-)footed, legged, abounding in feet casachan [kasəxan] = pedal, treadle cos [kɔs] = foot, leg, handle, shaft
Manx (Gaelg)	cass [kaːs] = leg, barrel, foot, shaft, peg, bottom, outlet, mouth of river, stalk, hilt, stem of a pipe, crop of a whip cassagh = footed, pedal, spiral, objective kass = foot
Proto-Brythonic	*koɨs = leg, shank, stem
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	coes = leg, shank koescyn = leg, shank, stalk, stem
Welsh (Cymraeg)	coes [koːɨ̯s / kɔi̯s / koːs] = leg, shank; handle, haft, stem, stalk coes = little leg coesgyn = leg, shank, stalk, stem coesi(o) = to run away, leg it, walk, stride
Cornish (Kernewek)	koos = leg

Etymology: from Proto-Indo-European *koḱs- (joint) [source]. Words from the same PIE root include cushion in English, Hachse (hock, shank, knuckle, leg) in German, coxa (thigh, drumstick) in Portuguese, and cuisse (thigh) in French [source].

Proto-Celtic	*tregess = foot
Gaulish	treide = foot
Old Irish (Goídelc)	traig [traɣʲ] = foot (part of body / measurement), step
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	traig = foot, step
Irish (Gaeilge)	troigh [t̪ˠɾˠɪɟ / t̪ˠɾˠɔ / t̪ˠɾˠiː] = foot (part of body / measurement), step troitheach = foot-soldier, pedestrian troitheán = pedal, treadle troithíocht = sound of footsteps
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	troigh [trɔç] = foot (part of body / measurement), sole of foot troighean = pedal
Manx (Gaelg)	trie [strɛin] = foot, sole, twelve inches
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	troed, troet = foot troeduet, troetued, troydvedd = foot (measurement) troedaỽc, troedauc, troediog, troedyavc, troydawc = having a foot, footed, walking, ambulant, nimble-footed, sure-footed
Welsh (Cymraeg)	troed [troːɨ̯d / trɔi̯d] = foot, shaft, handle, bottom, base, pedestal, foundation, extremity, end, stalk, foot-joint troed-droed, troetroed = step by step, in step (with) troedfa = pavement, foundation, base troedfedd = foot (measurement) troedfys = toe troedffordd = footpath, footway troediad = step, pace, walk, gait, kick troed(i)o = to tread, step, walk, tample (on), plod, trudge troed(i)og = having a foot, footed, walking, ambulant, nimble-footed, sure-footed
Old Cornish	truit = foot
Middle Cornish	trois, tros, trôs = foot troishys = foot (length)
Cornish (Kernewek)	troos [tro:z / tru:z] = foot, on foot troos-hys, troos-hes = foot (length)
Old Breton	treit, treyt = foot
Middle Breton	troat = foot troatet = foot (length)
Breton (Brezhoneg)	troad [trwɑːt] = foot, handle troadeg = with big feet, infantryman, pedestrian troadek [ˈtrwɑː.dɛk] = having big feet, having a foot troadikell [trwa.ˈdikː.ɛl] = pedal troadikellañ [trwa.di.ˈkɛlː.ã] = to pedal troadikeller [trwa.di.ˈkɛlː.ɛr] = pedalboard. pedaler troatad [ˈtrwatː.at] = foot (length)

Etymology: from Proto-Indo-European *tregʰ- (to run, walk), apparently a variant of *dʰregʰ- (to run, drag, pull) [source]. Words from the same roots include drag, draw, train and treaty, and droichead (bridge) in Irish [source].

Proto-Celtic	*garros = shank, leg, calf
Gaulish	*garra = leg
Old Irish (Goídelc)	gairr = calf of the leg
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	gairr, gair = calf of the leg
Proto-Brythonic	*garr = shank, calf of the leg
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	garr, gar = leg, shank, thigh, ham, hough
Welsh (Cymraeg)	gar [ɡar] = leg, shank, thigh, ham, hough gar(r)an = leg, shank, shaft, axle garanu = to fix a shank or handle, to fit with a shaft or axle, to crane
Middle Cornish (Cernewec)	gar = shank, leg
Cornish (Kernewek)	garr [ɡarː/ɡɒr] = leg, stem garren = calf, stalk
Middle Breton (Brezonec)	gar, garr = leg, paw
Breton (Brezhoneg)	gar [ɡɑːr] = leg, paw garegenn = leg (of trousers) gargen = leg warmer gallek [ˈɡa.rːɛk] = (having) long legs

Etymology: possibly from Proto-Indo-European *ǵʰs-r- (hand), from *ǵʰes- (hand, to take, give in exchange) [source]. Words from the same Proto-Celtic root include garra (shank, claw, talon) in Catalan, jarret (hough, hock) in French, garter (a band worn around the leg to hold up a sock or stocking) in English, and garra (claw, talon, paw, hook, passion, dedication) in Spanish [source].

Words from the same Proto-Info-European roots include dorë (hand) in Albanian, paže (arm) in Czech, and host (the consecrated bread of the Eucharist) in English [source].

Green & Verdant

21st October 201810th February 2024 By Simon

Words for green, verdant and related things in Celtic languages.

Words marked with a * are reconstructions.

Proto-Brythonic	*gwɨrð = green, verdant
Old Welsh (Kembraec)	guird = green, verdant, bluish green, grey guirdglas = sea-green, dark green, verdant, greenish
Middle Welsh (Kymraec )	guirt, gwyrd, gwyrt =green, verdant, bluish green, pale (blue), grey; fresh, lively; grassy gwyrddv = to become green, sprout, make verdent gwyrd(d) velyn, gwyrddvelyn = greenish-yellow, olive, light green gwyrddlas, gwyrdlas, gwyrdd-las = sea-green, dark green, verdant, greenish gwyrdloewet = bright green
Welsh (Cymraeg)	gwyrdd [ɡwɨ̞rð / ɡwɪrð] = green, verdant, bluish green, pale (blue), grey; fresh, lively; grassy gwyrdd gwyrdd(i)af, gwrddu, gwyrddio = to become green, sprout, make verdent gwyrddaidd = greenish, leek-green gwyrddfelyn = greenish-yellow, olive, light green gwyrddlas = sea-green, dark green, verdant, greenish gwyrddloyw = bright green
Old Cornish	guirt = green
Middle Cornish (Cernewec)	guirt, gwirdh, gwêr = green, flourishing
Cornish (Kernewek)	gwyrdh [gwɪrð] = green (not of plants or the sea) gwer [gwɛ:r / gwe:r] = green gwerdhu = dark green gwerem = emerald gwerik = greenish gwerlas = blueish-green, teal
Middle Breton (Brezonec)	guerz, guezr = green
Breton (Brezhoneg)	gwer [ɡweːr/ɡɥeːr] = green (artificial) gwerin, gweriñ = to green

Etymology: from Latin viridis (green, young, fresh, lively, youthful), from vireō (to be verdant, to sprout), from Proto-Italic *wizēō, from Proto-Indo-European *weys- (to increase) [source]. Words from the same roots include verdant, verdigris and verdure in English, vert (green) in French, verde (green) in Spanish, and verdhë (yellow, pale) in Albanian [source].

Proto-Celtic	udnios/utnio- = green (?)
Old Irish (Goídelc)	úaine = green, greenness
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	úaine = green, verdant, greenness
Irish (Gaeilge)	uaine [ˈuənʲə/ˈwɛnʲə] = (vivid) green, greenness, verdue uaine éadrom = pale green
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	uaine [uən̪ʲə] = green, greenness uaineach [uən̪ʲəx] = tedious Uaineach [uən̪ʲəx] = Green Party supporter, a Green uaineachadh [uən̪ʲəxəɣ] = turning green, being humbled uainead [uən̪ʲəd] = greenness uainealach [uən̪ʲəlˠ̪əx] = greenish sìor-uaine = evergreen
Manx (Gaelg)	eayney/geayney = green, greenness, verdure geaynaght = verdure geaynid = bile, greenness, verdure

Etymology: from Proto-Indo-European *wed- (green) [source]. Words from the same roots include [source].

Middle Welsh (Kymraec )	ehoec = heather-colour(ed), purple, green
Welsh (Cymraeg)	ehöeg = heather-colour(ed), purple, green, green colour hoeg = green

Etymology: possibly from *oec (heather) [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

Red

21st October 201813th February 2024 By Simon

Words for red in Celtic languages.

Words marked with a * are reconstructions.

Proto-Celtic	*dergos = red, crimson
Old Irish (Goídelc)	derg [dʲerɡ] = red dergaid = to redden
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	derg, derc = red, ruddy, bloody, sanguinary, red-hot, incandescent dergadas = to redden dergaid = to redden, make red, kindle, burn dergaide = reddish derge = redness, ruddiness, flushing dergthach = red, ruddy, hot, reddish
Irish (Gaeilge)	dearg [ˈdʲaɾˠəɡ / ˈdʲæɾˠəɡ] = red, rouge, red ink, glowing, raw, bloody deargadh = reddening, blushing, glow(ing), light(ing), bloodying, wounding, chafing, soil-turning, digging deargán = red matter or object, chafed, patch, glow dearglasta = blazing, red-hot
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	dearg [dʲɛrɛg] = red, ruddy, flamming, red-hot dearg-amadan = bloody fool, complete idiot dearg-bhuidhe = orange dearg-lasrach [dʲɛrɛg l̪ˠasrəx] = flaming red, red hot deargachadh [dʲɛrɛgəxəɣ] = reddening, making an impression, blushing, drawing blood dearg-ruadh = bright red (hair, wool, etc)
Manx (Gaelg)	jiarg = red, sanguine, ruddy, bloodshot, rouge, gules, glowing, stark, florid, live, burning, abandoned, fair (intensive), turned (land) jiargey = chafe, sore, red jiargaghey = to blush, flush, glow, redden, blushing, glowing jiargid = grossness, reddishness, redness jiarg-bwee = orange jiarg-cheh = red hot jirgid = blush, glow, reddness, ruddiness

Etymology from Proto-Indo-European *dʰerg- (to dim, darken) [source]. The English word dark comes from the same root [source].

Proto-Celtic	*roudos = red
Gaulish	*roudos = red
Old Irish (Goídelc)	rúad [r͈uːa̯ð] = red, reddish rúadnaid = to redden forrúad = red, russet
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	rúad = red, brownish, dark red, strong, mighty rúadnaid = to make red, redden
Irish (Gaeilge)	rua [ɾˠuə] = red, reddish-browm, russet, copper-brown; wild, fierce; rough, strong ruachan = reddening, rusting (vegetation ruachorcra = puce ruacht = redness (of hair) ruafholtach = red-haired
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	ruadh [r̪ˠuəɣ] = (browny) red, rust-coloured, ginger, russet, red colour, redness; strength; red deer ruadhachadh [r̪ˠuə.əxəɣ] = reddening, making red ruadhan [r̪ˠuəɣan] = reddishness, overcooked good, tea which has been boiling all day ruadh-bhuidhe = auburn
Manx (Gaelg)	ruy [rɛi/riː] = red, ginger, tan, copper-complexioned, red-haired, foxy, sandy ruyagh = reddish ruyghey = bronze, brown, redden, tan(ned) ruyid = brownness, reddishness, redness, tan ruissagh = florid, reddish, rose-coloured, rosy, ruddy ruissaght = reddishness, rosiness, ruddiness
Proto-Brythonic	*rʉð = red
Old Welsh (Kembraec)	rud = red
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	rud, rut, rhudd = red, ruddy rudit, rutaỽ, rudaỽ, rhuddo = to make or become red, crimson or violet rudell, ruddell = red, reddish rutem, rud em, rudem = ruby, garnet, ruby-coloured rudcoch, rruddgoch, rudgoch = red, crimson, purple, blood-red, bloody ruddlas, ryddlas = reddish-blue, purple, violet
Welsh (Cymraeg)	rhudd = red, ruddy, purplish, bay, tawny, brown, bloody, covered with blood, scorched, crimson, violet, purple rhuddaf, rhuddo = to make or become red, crimson or violet rhuddel(l) = red, reddish, brown, bay, red ochre, red colour rhuddem = ruby, garnet, ruby-coloured rhuddgoch = red, crimson, purple, blood-red, bloody rhuddiad = becoming red or pink, blushing, redness rhuddlas = reddish-blue, purple, violet
Old Cornish	rud = red
Middle Cornish (Cernewec / Kernuak)	rudh, rud, rûdh ruydh = red, crimson
Cornish (Kernewek)	rudh [ry:ð / ri:ð] = ginger, red rudh min = lipstick rudhek = robin rudhel = auburn, russet red rudhem = ruby rudhgogh = blood-red rudhik = reddish rudhlas = purple, reddish purple rudhlasdu = crimson rudhlos = greyish red, russet rudhvelyn = orange, reddish orange rudhwyn = gay, pink, reddish pink rudhya = to blush, redden
Old Breton (Brethonoc)	rud = red
Middle Breton (Brezonec)	ruz, ru, rus = red
Breton (Brezhoneg)	ruz = red ruzded = redness ruzdu = brown ruzellat = to glow ruzian, ruziañ = to blush

Etymology: from Proto-Indo-European *h₁rewdʰ- (red). Words from the same root include red, robust, ruby, ruddy, russet and rust in English [source].

Proto-Celtic	kokko-/kokki = red
Proto-Brythonic	*kox = red
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	coch = red cochi, kochi = to make or become red, redden, brown, scorch, blush cochder, cochter, kochder = redness, ruddiness, flush kochdduy, coch-ddu, cochddû = reddish-black, russet, brown cochliw = red-coloured, bloody, redness, ruddiness kochwen = reddish-white, pink coghyn, kochyn, cochen = red-haired person, hare
Welsh (Cymraeg)	coch [koːχ] = red, redness, ruddy, scarlet, bloody; ginger (hair); brown; poor, feeble, unskilful cochaf, cochi = to make or become red, redden, brown, scorch, blush cochaidd = reddish, ruddy, bloody cochder = redness, ruddiness, flush cochddu = reddish-black, russet, brown cochfelyn = copper-coloured, reddish yellow cochlas = purple, violet, reddish blue cochliw = red-coloured, bloody, redness, ruddiness cochliwaf, cochliwio = to paint red cochrudd = crimson, ruddy cochwyn = reddish-white, pink cochyn = red-haired person, hare
Middle Cornish (Cernewec / Kernuak)	coch, couch = red, bloody
Cornish (Kernewek)	kogh = blood-red, crimson, scarlet

Etymology: from the Latin coccum (a scarlet berry), from the Ancient Greek κόκκος (kókkos – berry). This is also the root of coccinus (scarlet, scarlet-dyed), from which comes the English word cochineal, and related words in other languages [source].

Proto-Celtic	*wlannos = blood red
Old Irish (Goídelc)	flann = red, blood-red
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	flann, fland [flan͈] = red, blood-red, blood
Irish (Gaeilge)	flann = (blood-)red, bloody, sanguinary, blood (poetic) flannbhuí = orange (colour) flanndearg = vermilion flannrua = blood-red
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	flann [fl̪ˠaun̪ˠ] = blood (archaic) flann-dhearg = blood-red (archaic)

Etymology from Proto-Indo-European *welh₃- (to strike, hit, wound). Words from the same roots include vulnerable, valkyrie and Valhalla in English [source] and words for blood in Celtic languages.

Yellow & Gold

18th October 20184th March 2024 By Simon

Words for yellow and gold and related things in Celtic languages.

Words marked with a * are reconstructions.

Proto-Celtic	*bodyos = yellow
Gaulish	Bayos = proper name* Bodyokasses = Baiocasses (a Celtic tribe of Gallia Lugdunensis*)
Old Irish (Goídelc)	buide [ˈbuðʲe] = yellow, yellowness, buttercup, honey, pollen
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	buide = yellow, yellowness, yellow hue buidecán, buigheacan = (egg) yolk buidecht = yellowness buidid = to become yellow buidigid = to make yellow
Irish (Gaeilge)	buí [bˠiː] = yellow, sallow, tan buíbhallach = spotted with yellow buíbhán = light yellow, cream-coloured buíbreac = speckled with yellow buígh = yellow, tan buíochan = yellowing buíochán = jaundice buíochánach = jaundiced buíocht = yellowness, sallowness
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	buidhe [bujə] = yellow, golden buidhe-dhonn, buidhe-ruadh = auburn buidhe-shoilleir = amber buidheagan [bujagan] = (egg) yolk buidhich [bujɪç] = ripen (of cereals)
Manx (Gaelg)	buigh, bwee = yellow, jaundiced, tan, sallow, fair headed buighaghey = to yellow, jaundice buighaghey = yellowing, jaundice

Etymology: from Proto-Indo-European *bodyos (yellow) [source]. Related to the English word bay (tree, leaf) ( [source].

Proto-Celtic	*melinos = yellow
Proto-Brythonic	*melino- = yellow
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	melen, melin, melyn = yellow, golden, gold; yellow-haired, blond melynu = to be or become yellow or golden melynoc, mylynog = yellowhammer, yellow bunting, goldfinch, linnet melyn wy, melyn wi = yolk
Welsh (Cymraeg)	melyn [ˈmɛlɨ̞n / ˈmɛlɪn] = yellow, golden, (made of) gold; yellow-haired, blond; light-bay (horse); yellow, sallow, livid, or brown (skin); brown (sugar); deadly, implacable, unpleasant melynaf, melynu = to be or become yellow or golden melynaidd = yellowish, golden, sallow melynddu = yellowish-brown, dark yellow, tawny, russet, roan, swarthy, dusky melynog = yellowhammer, yellow bunting, goldfinch, linnet, canary melynwy = yolk
Old Cornish	milin = yellow
Middle Cornish (Cernewec)	melyn, melen, milin = yellow, the colour of honey melynoy = egg yolk
Cornish (Kernewek)	melyn [‘mɛlɪn / ‘mɛlən ] = yellow, fair, blonde melyn oy = egg yolk melynrudh = orange, yellowish orange
Middle Breton (Brezonec)	melen = yellow, blonde melen vy = egg yolk
Breton (Brezhoneg)	melen = yellow, blonde melen-vi = egg yolk melenaat = to become / make yellow, to turn blond melenadur = yellowing melenard = a person with a yellow complexion melenin, meleniñ = to yellow

Etymology: from Proto-Indo-European *mélit (honey) [source], words from the same PIE root include mulch and melleous (pertaining to honey) in English, and words for honey in Celtic and other European languages [source].

Old Irish (Goídelc)	ór = gold ordae = golden
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	ór = gold órda, órdae = made of gold, golden, resembling gold
Irish (Gaeilge)	òr [oːɾˠ] = gold óraigh = to gild órbhuí = golden (colour) órbhuille = gold leaf órghréas = (gold) filigree órphlátáilte = gold-plated
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	òr [ɔːr] = gold òir-cheàrd = goldsmith òr-bhuidhe = gold-coloured, auburn òr-ubhal = orange (fruit) òradh [ɔːrəɣ] = gilding, gilt, gold digging òrail / òra [ɔːral/ɔːrə] = gold(en), gilded
Manx (Gaelg)	airh = gold, bullion, gilt oar = gold airhey = to gild; gilt, gilt-edged, golden airh ghlen = pure gold airhoil = auriferous, aurous, looking like gold
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	eur, aur = gold(en) eurir, eurha, euraw = to gild, adorn with gold, make golden eureyt, eureit, euraid = golden, brilliant, splendid, glorious, precious
Welsh (Cymraeg)	aur [aɨ̯r/ai̯r] = gold, gold money or coin(s), wealth; gold (colour); gold(en) euraf, euro = to gild, adorn with gold, make golden euraid = golden, brilliant, splendid, glorious, precious euraidd = golden, precious, illustrious, refined, virtuous
Middle Cornish (Cernewec)	our = gold ourlyn = silk
Cornish (Kernewek)	owr [ɔʊr] = gold, red-gold owraval = orange owrbesk, owrbysk = goldfish owrek = golden owrlin = silk
Middle Breton (Brezonec)	aour = gold aourek = (deposit of) gold aourfebrer = goldsmith aourin, aouriñ = to brown aourra = to look for gold aourraer = gold panning
Breton (Brezhoneg)	aour = gold aourek = (deposit of) gold aourfebrer = goldsmith aourin, aouriñ = to brown aourra = to look for gold aourraer = gold panning

Etymology: from Latin aureus (gold, golden, gilded), from aurum (gold), from Proto-Italic *auzom (gold), from PIE *h₂é-h₂us-óm (gold), from *h₂ews- (to dawn, become light, become red). Words from the same PIE roots include air, aura, auriferous (gold-bearing), aurora, Australia, and east in English [source].

Silver & Money

18th October 201827th February 2024 By Simon

Words for silver, money and related things in Celtic languages.

Words marked with a * are reconstructions.

Proto-Celtic	*argantom = silver
Gaulish	*arangto- / argantom** = silver
Celtiberian	arkanta / arkato- = silver
Old Irish (Goídelc)	argat [ˈarɡad] = silver, money airgdide = silver
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	argat = silver, currency, money airgdide = (made of ) silver airgetlach = mine
Irish (Gaeilge)	airgead [ˈaɾʲɪɟəd̪ˠ / ˈæɾʲɪɟəd̪ˠ] = silver, money, sum of money airgeadaí = financier airgeadaigh = to silver, electroplate airgeadaíocht = monetary policy, management airgeadas = finance airgeadóir = cashier, (bank) teller airgeadra = currency airgeadúil = silvery, financial, moneyed, profitable
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	airgead [ɛrʲɛgʲəd] = money, silver, cash, currency airgead-beò = mercury (Me), quicksilver airgead-làimhe = cash airgead-urrais = insurance airgeadach [ɛrʲɛgʲədəx] = silver(y), well-off, moneyed, lucrative airgeadachadh = silvering, silverplating, monetizing airgeadaichte [ɛrʲɛgədɪçdʲə] = silvered airgeadas [ɛrʲɛgʲədəs] = finance airgeadra [ɛrʲɛgʲədrə] = currency
Manx (Gaelg)	argid = money, silver, coinage, wages, finance, exchequer argidagh = fiscal, moneyed, financier, (the) rich, silver(ed) argidaghey = silver, silver plate argid-roie, argid cadjin = currency argideyr = cashier, financier, teller argidoil = financial, monetary argidys = finance
Proto-Brythonic	*arɣant [arˈɣant] = silver, money
Old Welsh (Kembraec)	argant = silver
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	aryant, ariant, arian = silver arandûy, ariandy = bank arianllais = (having) a clear or melodious voice or sound arianna, aryanna = to collect or accumulate money, beg for (money) ariannu = to give money to, fund, finance aryanheyt, areanneit, aryaneit = silvered, silver-plated, make of silver, silvery, wealthy, rich, moneyed ariannog = wealthy, rich, moneyed, silver(y)
Welsh (Cymraeg)	arian [ˈarjan] = silver, silvery; silver vessel; money, coin(s), coinage, currency, wealth arianllais = (having) a clear or melodious voice or sound arianna = to collect or accumulate money, beg for (money) ariannaf, ariannu = to give money to, fund, finance, silver, inlay, plate ariannaid = silvered, silver-plated, make of silver, silvery, wealthy, rich, moneyed arianneg = financial management, finance Ariannin = Argentinia, Argentinian ariannog = wealthy, rich, moneyed, silver(y) ariannwr, ariannydd = cashier, financier, banker, sponsor
Old Cornish	argan, arʒant, argans = silver
Middle Cornish (Cernewec)	archans, arhans, arrans = silver
Cornish (Kernewek)	arghans [‘arhans / ‘ærhɐnz] = money, silver arghans bew/byw = quicksilver arghansek = financial, silvery arghanser, arghansores = banker arghans-gweres = subsidy arghanti = bank Arghantina = Argentina
Old Breton (Brethonoc)	argant = silver
Middle Breton (Brezonec)	archant = silver
Breton (Brezhoneg)	arc’hant [ˈar.ɣãnt] = silver, money arc’hantadur = silvering arc’hantaj = silverware arc’hantan, arc’hantañ = to silver, realize (in money), capitalize, sponsor, convert arc’hantek = silver (adj) arc’hanter = silverer arc’hantiri = silverware arc’hantus = money-producing, lucrative, capitalizable

Etymology: from Proto-Indo-European *h₂erǵn̥tom (silver), from *h₂erǵ- (white, glittering) [source]. Words from the same PIE root include Argentina and argentous (of, pertaining to or containing silver) in English, արծաթ (arcatʿ – silver) in Armenian, argento (silver) in Italian, argent (silver, money, cash) in French [source].

White

9th October 20184th May 2024 By Simon

Words for white in Celtic languages.

Words marked with a * are reconstructions.

Proto-Celtic	*windos [ˈwin.dos] = white
Gaulish	*windos/uindos = white
Old Irish (Goídelc)	finn [fʲin͈] = white, bright, blessed
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	finn = white, bright, lustrous, fair, light-hued (complexion, hair, etc), handsome, blessed, fair, just, true finnaid = make white, becomes white finne = fairness, brightness finnemail = whitish
Irish (Gaeilge)	fionn [fʲũːn̪ˠ/fʲɨ̞n̪ˠ] = white, fair-haired, blond, bright, clear; to whiten, make white, clear, brighten, scorch, singe, set alight finne = whiteness, fairness
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	fionn [fjũːn̪ˠ] = white, fair, pale; sincere, true, certain; small; fine, pleasant; wan; lilac; resplendent, bright; prudent finne [fin̪ʲə] = whiteness, fairness, fair maiden
Manx (Gaelg)	fynn = blond(e), fair (hair, skin), pure white, sprite; cataract fynnid = whiteness
Proto-Brythonic	gwinn [ˈɡwɨnː] = white (m) gwenn = white (f)
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	guin(n), gỽynn, gwyn(n) = white (m) guenn, gwenn = white (f) gwyn(n)der, gỽynnder = whiteness, pallor gwyndawd, gwyndawt = felicity, bliss, happiness, success, gain, good gwynhaa, gwynhau = to whiten, bleach, blanch
Welsh (Cymraeg)	gwyn [ɡwɨ̞n / ɡwɪn] = white (m), greyish-white, pale; light, shining, bright; brilliant, white-hot; silver; amber-coloured; fair-haired, fair-faced, of fair complexion; holy, blessed, beatific, good, happy; splendid, excellent, beautiful, fair, pleasant; favourite, darling, white-headed gwen = white (f) gwynder = whiteness, pallor, brilliance, brightness, radiance gwyndod = felicity, bliss, happiness, success, gain, good gwynhaf, gwynhau = to whiten, bleach, blanch
Old Cornish	guyn = white
Middle Cornish (Cernewec)	gwyn (m)= white, fair, pleasant, glorious, blessed gwen = white (f) gwynna = to make white, whiten
Cornish (Kernewek)	gwynn/gwydn [gwɪn:] = white, fair, pale, blessed gwynnik = whitish gwynnrudh = pink, whiteish pink gwynnvys = blessed, fortunate, lucky
Old Breton (Brethonoc)	guinn = white, pale
Middle Breton (Brezonec)	guen(n) = white, blond guenna, gwenna = to whiten guender = whiteness
Breton (Brezhoneg)	gwenn [ɡwɛnː] = white, pale, pure, bright, sacred, useless, vain gwennañ [ˈɡɥɛnː.ã] = to whiten, planing (wood), exonerate gwennder [ˈɡwɛn.dɛr/ˈɡɥɛn.dɛr] = whiteness gwennerezh = laundry

Etymology: from Proto-Indo-Etymology *weyd- (to see) [source]. English words from the same roots include advice, clairvoyant, druid, guide, history, idea, wit, wise and wisdom [source].

Proto-Celtic	*banos = white
Old Irish (Goídelc)	bán [baːn] = white, pure
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	bán = white, fair, bright, pure, holy, blessed, blank bánad = act of turning pale, the paleness of death bánaid, bánaigid = turns pale, whitens
Irish (Gaeilge)	bán [bˠɑːn̪ˠ / bˠæːn̪ˠ] = white, white-headed, fair, pale, blank, empty, idle, wild crazy bánach = fair-haired person, white person bánaí = albino (person) bánaigh = to whiten, bleach, blanch, dawn, clear out, empty bánú = whitening, dawning, clearance, dispersal
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	bàn [baːn] = fair(-haired), white (haired); blank, empty, unoccupied, vacant; pallid, pale; fallow bànachadh [baːnəxəɣ] = (act of) whitening, making pale bànachd [baːnəxg] = whiteness, paleness bànaich [baːnɪç] = whiten, make pale, vacate
Manx (Gaelg)	bane = white, blank, fair, blond(e), pallid; fallow, unbroken (ground) banee = albino, pale, white baneid = whiteness, blankness, paleness, lightness baneaghey = whiten, whitening
Welsh (Cymraeg)	bân [baːn] = white, whitish, grey, pale (borrowed from Irish)

Etymology: from Proto-Indo-European *bʰeh₂- (to shine) [source]. Words from the same PIE root include beacon, buoy and phantasm in English [source].

Proto-Celtic	*gelos = shining, white
Gaulish	*gelā
Old Irish (Goídelc)	gel = bright, clear, white gile = brightness, whiteness
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	gel = fair, white, bright, shining gelach = moon gelaid = to make white, bleach, make fair gelaigid = to brighten, give light to gelán = brightness, a flash, whiteness gelcaid = to whiten geldae = fair, bright
Irish (Gaeilge)	geal [ɟalˠ] = white, bright, pure, glad, happy, beloved, fond gealach [ɟəˈl̪ˠɑx] = moon gealacht = brightening gealán = gleam, flash, bright, spell gealánach = gleaming, flashing, bright gealas = gleam of light, brightness
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	geal [gʲal̪ˠ] = white, fine gealach [gʲal̪ˠəx] = moon gealachd [gʲal̪ˠəxg] = whiteness gealadh [gʲal̪ˠag] = blight, whitening, fade-in gealaich [gʲal̪ɪç] = blanch, bleach, whiten gealaichte [gʲal̪ɪçdʲə] = blanched, bleached, whitened
Manx (Gaelg)	gial = bright, clear, white, shining, snowy, light-coloured, fulgent giallagh = moon gialan = egg white giallaghey = to blanch, bleach, brighten, whiten gillid = brightness, clearness, light, lustre
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	gell = bay, brown, auburn
Welsh (Cymraeg)	gell = bay, brown, auburn, orange, yellow, tawny-coloured
Cornish (Kernewek)	gell [gɛl:] = fawn, light brown, tan gellburpur = puce gellrudh = auburn, russet brown gellvelyn = tawny brown
Middle Breton (Brezonec)	guel(l) = bay, fawn, red
Breton (Brezhoneg)	gell [ˈɡɛlː] = bay, brown, ripe, exhausted gellaat [ɡɛˈlɑːt] = to make or become brown gellan, gellañ = = to brown, ripen gelleg = bay colour

Etymology: from Proto-Indo-European *ǵʰelh₂os, from *ǵʰelh₂- (to shine) [source]. English words from the same PIE roots include arsenic, gall, gild, gild, gold and yellow [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, 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

Young

7th October 201818th November 2023 By Simon

Words for young in Celtic languages.

Words marked with a * are reconstructions.

Proto-Celtic	*yowankos = young
Gaulish	Iouinca = name (?)
Old Irish (Goídelc)	óc [oːɡ] = young, young man, warrior ócbad = young people, youths óclach = young man, warrior, servant
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	óc = young, young man, warrior, poet ócbad, ócbud = young folk, youths, youth óclach, ócleach = young man, warrior, attendant, servant, vassal
Irish (Gaeilge)	óg [oːɡ/ɔːɡ] = young (person, animal, bird), youth, junior, minor, new, fresh, early ógánach = young man, youth, crafty person, boyo, trickster óigeanta = youthful, youthful-looking óigeantacht = youthfulness óglach = young man, (young) warrior), attendant, servant, vassal, volunteer óglachas = manhood, warriorship, armed service, vassalage ógra = young people, youths
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	òg [ɔːg] = young, youthful ògail [ɔːgal] = adolescent, youthful ògalachd [ɔːgəl̪ˠəxg] = youthfulness, youth, youthful conduct ògan [ɔːgan] = tendril, twig, seedling, lambkin òganach [ɔːganəx] = youth, young man, bough òganta [ɔːgən̪ˠdə] = juvenile
Manx (Gaelg)	aeg [ɛːɡ] = young, adolescent, immature, juvenile aegey = young, juvenile aegid = adolescence, immaturity, young people, youth aeglagh = adolescent, juvenile, young ones, youth aegoil = youngish, youthful
Proto-Brythonic	*jowank = young
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	ieuangc, yeueing, yeuejg, yefeink, ieuanc, ieueinc = young, juvenille, unmarried ieu, iau = younger yeuhaf, yeuaw, ieuhaf, ieuaf = (the) youngest euectyt, euenctit, ieuegtit, ieuengtit = youth, adolescence
Welsh (Cymraeg)	ifanc [ˈɪvaŋk / ˈiːvaŋk] = young, youthful, adolescent; inexperienced, immature; recent; unmarried, newly wed iau, ieuach, ifach = younger, not as old ieuaf, i(e)faf = (the) youngest, the younger (of two), junior ieuant = young person, youth, adolescence ieuenctid = youth, adolescence
Old Cornish	iouenc, youonc = young
Middle Cornish	yowync, iouenc, youonc = young, youthful yonc = young, youthful, juvenile yowyncneth = youth, youthfulness
Cornish (Kernewek)	yowynk, yonk [‘jɔwɪŋk/jɔˑŋk] = juvenille, young, youthful yowynka, yonka = younger yonker, yonkores = youngster, youth yowynkneth, yonkneth = youth
Middle Breton	youanc, ioanc, iouanc = young yaouancquat, youancat, youanchat = to rejuvenate yaouanctet, iaouanctet = youth(fulness)
Breton (Brezhoneg)	yaouank = young yaouankaat = to rejunvenate yaouankadur = rejunvenation yaouank(t)iz = youth yaouankted = youth(fulness)

Etymology: from the Proto-Indo-European *h₂yuh₁n̥ḱós (young), from *h₂yéwHō (young), from *h₂óyu (long time, lifetime) [source].

Words from the same roots include young and youth in English, jeudg (youth) in Dutch, Jugend (youth) in German, jeune (young) in French and joven (young(ster), youth(ful), young person) 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, 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

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7th October 201812th January 2024 By Simon

Words for free and related things in Celtic languages.

Words marked with a * are reconstructions.

Proto-Celtic	*su-wiros = free (“good man”)
Old Irish (Goídelc)	saer [soːi̯r] = free, freeman, noble, craftsman saeraid [ˈsoːi̯rɨðʲ] = to free, liberate, deliver, save, exempt saire [ˈsai̯.rʲe] = freedom, liberty
Middle Irish	saer, soer, sóer = free, freeman, noble, ready, skilled, sáeraid = to free, liberate, save, rescue, deliver saíre, sóire = freedom, liberty, nobility,
Irish (Gaeilge)	saor [sˠeːɾˠ/sˠiːɾˠ] = free, enfranchised; noble; independent saoradh = liberation, deliverance, release, acquittal, assurance, confirmation saoráid = ease, facility, ease, freedom from constraint saoráideach = easy, facile saoráidí = easiness, facileness saoráil = freedom, bargin saorálach = voluntary, free, unconstrained saorálaí = volunteer saoirse = freedom, immunity, exemption
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	saor [sɯːr] = free (not captive); cheap; frank saora [sɯːr̪ˠsə] = freedom, liberty, redemption saorachd [sɯːrəxg] = freedom, cheapness saoradair [sɯːrədɪrʲ] = liberator saoradh [sɯːrəɣ] = freeing, libterating, liberation saorsach = [sɯːr̪ˠsəx] = free, unrestrained saorsachd = [sɯːr̪ˠsəxg] = freedom, exemption saorsainn [sɯːr̪ˠsɪn̪ʲ] = liberty
Manx (Gaelg)	seyr [seːr] = free, gratuitous, gratis, complimentary, immune, floating, independent, unforced seyrsnys = autonomy, exemption, freedom, immunity, independence seyrey = absolution, exemption, liberation; to absolve, acquite, exempt, free, libterate

Etymology: from Proto-Celtic *su- (good, well), from PIE *h₁su- (good, well), and Proto-Celtic *wiros (man, husband), from PIE *wiHrós (man, husband) [source]

The Irish name Fearghal (Fergal, Feargal), and the English name Farrell come from the Proto-Celtic name *Wirogalos, from *wiros (man) and‎ *galā (valour, ability) [source], and the Irish name Fearghas and the English version, Fergus, come from the Proto-Celtic name *Wirogustus, from *wiros (man) and‎ *gustus (excellence, force) [source]

Proto-Celtic	*ɸriyos = free
Proto-Brythonic	*rɨð [ˈrɨːð] = free
Middle Welsh (Cymraeg)	ryd, rit = free, nonconformist; unrestricted, unrestrained; open; liberal ryddd-dab, rydd-deb = freedom, liberation, deliverance, immunity ryddhâd, rhyddhaad = release, libteration, freedom rydhaw, rydhaa, rytha = to free, release, liberate
Welsh (Cymraeg)	rhydd [r̥ɨːð / r̥iːð] = free, nonconformist; unrestricted, unrestrained; open; liberal rhyddd-deb = freedom, liberation, deliverance, immunity rhyddhad = release, libteration, freedom rhyddhaf, rhyddhau = to free, release, liberate
Old Cornish	rid = free
Middle Cornish (Cernewec)	rid, ruid = free, unconstrained
Cornish (Kernewek)	rydh [rɪ:ð / ri:ð] = free rydhses = freedom, liberty
Old Breton (Brethonoc	rid = free

Etymology: possibly from Proto-Indo-European *priHós (dear, beloved, happy, free), from *preyH- (like, love) [source]. English words from the same PIE roots include free(dom), friend and proper [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, 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

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