Deeply Profound

16th October 202416th October 2024 By Simon

This post peers into the depths of some deeply profound words in the Celtic languages.

Proto-Celtic	dubnos (adj) = deep dubnos (noun) = world Dubnowalos = a male given name* – “world prince / chief” Dubnogenos = a male given name* – “world born / family”
Gaulish	dumnos = deep Dubnorīx = a male given name – “world king”
Primitive Irish	ᚇᚑᚋᚅᚌᚓᚅ (domngen), ᚇᚑᚋᚅᚌᚔᚅᚅ (domnginn) = male given names
Old Irish (Goídelc)	domain = deep, profound, depth(s), sea-floor fudumain = profound(ity), depth Domnall = a male given name Domaingen = a male given name
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	domain, doimin, domun, domuin = deep, profound, intense, thoughtful, depth(s) doimnigid = to deepen, lower domne, domnae = depth(s) domun = the world, the earth Domnall = a male given name
Irish (Gaeilge)	domhain [d̪ˠɑinʲ/d̪ˠoːnʲ] = depth, deep, abyss, inmost part, profound, sunken, hollow, low-pitched, far, late domhainiascaireacht = deep-sea fishing domhainmhachnamh = deep thought, deep reflection doimhneacht = depth, deep place doimhnigh = to deepen doimhniúchan = (act of) deepening domhan = earth, world Domhnall, Dónall = male given names
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	domhain [dõ.ɪn̪ʲ] = deep, profound domhaineachd [dõ.ɪn̪ʲəxg] = depth, deep, deepness, profundity domhainteachd [dõ.ɪn̪ʲdʲəxg] = abstruseness domhan [dõ.an] = universe, world Dòmhnall = a male given name
Manx (Gaelg)	dowin = deep(ly), deep-rooted, involved, low, profound, secretive, thorough, penetrating diunaghey = to deepen diunid = deep, depth, gulf, rootedness dowan = world, earth, universe, cosmos
Proto-Brythonic	duβn/dumno = deep Duβnowal = a male given name* Duβnoɣen = a male given name*
Old Welsh (Kembraec)	duuin, dofn = deep Dumnagual = a male given name
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	dowyn, duvin, dwvyn, dwfyn, dwuyn = deep, dense dyfnu, dyfnaf = to become accustomed (to), be familiar (with) dyfyn(n)der, dyuynder, dewfynder = depth(s), deepness dyfnddysc = erudite, profound, erudition, deep learning dyuynvor = deep sea, main, ocean dyfynhau = to deepen, dig, excavate, intensify Dyuynwal, Dyvynwal, Dyfynwal = male given names*
Welsh (Cymraeg)	dwfn, dyfn [dʊvn] = deep, dense, mysterious, intense, serious, profound; depth(s), deep waters, abyss, void; world, earth dyfnu = to become accustomed (to), be familiar (with), suck dyfnder = depth(s), deepness, bottom, thickness, abyss dyfnddysg = erudite, profound, erudition, deep learning dyfnfor = deep sea, main, ocean dyfnhau = to deepen, dig, excavate, intensify Dyfnaint = Devon Dyfnwal = a male given name Dyfnien = a male given name
Middle Cornish (Cernewec)	down = deep, profound, low downder = depth
Cornish (Kernewek)	down = deep downder = depth downfria = to deep-fry downhe = to deepen downrewi = to deep-freeze
Old Breton (Brethonoc)	dumn = deep
Middle Breton (Brezonec)	doun, don = deep dounhat = to deepen do(u)nder = depth
Breton (Brezhoneg)	don [dɔ̃ːn] = deep, hollow (plate, dish), serious (air) donaat = to deepen donañ [ˈdɔ̃ː.nã] = to deepen donded [ˈdɔ̃n.det] = depth donder [ˈdɔ̃n.dɛr] = depth Dunvel = a male given name

Etymology: from the Proto-Indo-European *dʰubʰnós (deep), from *dʰewbʰ- (hazy, unclear, dark, deep) [source]. Words from the same roots include deep and dip in English, tief (deep, low) in German, dopen (to dip, immerse, name) in Dutch, dùgnas (bottom, background) in Lithuanian, дно [dno] (floor, bed, bottom) in Russian, and words for black in Celtic languages

The names Donald and Dunaldur (used in Faroese) come from the Proto-Celtic name *Dubnowalos [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, Dictionnaires bilingues de Francis Favereau / Edition Skol Vreizh, TermOfis

Leader in Chief

16th September 2024 By Simon

Words for chief, leader, prince and related things in Celtic languages.

Words marked with a * are reconstructions.

Proto-Celtic	towissus, tuwestus tuwissus = act of leading, beginning, leadership towissākos = chief, primary, first
Primitive Irish	ᚈᚑᚃᚔᚄᚐᚉᚔ (tovisaci) = chief (?)
Old Irish (Goídelc)	tús, tuus [tuːs] = beginning, forefront toísech [ˈtoːi̯sʲəx] = leader, chief, first, initial, primary
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	tús, tuus = act of leading, forefront, precedence, pre-eminence, rank toísech, tósich, toissech = first, former, prior, first in importance, sooner, leader, chief toísechda = first toísecht, taiseachda, taiseachta = chieftainship, act of leading toísenach, taoisinach = leadership, chieftainship
Irish (Gaeilge)	tús [t̪ˠuːsˠ] = beginning, commencement, start, origin, forward, leading, position, precedence, pick, choice taoiseach [ˈt̪ˠiːʃəx] = chieftain, leader, man of substance, important person, decent/generous person ; first, former Taoiseach = (Irish) Prime Minister, Taoiseach taoiseacht = chieftainship, leadership
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	tùs [tuːs] = beginning, origin, inception tòiseach [tɔʃəx] = beginning, front, van, forefront, bow (of a ship); chief of a clan or tribe Tòiseach [tɔːʃɪç] = a Macintosh, any member of Clan MacKintosh tòiseachail [tɔʃəxal] = primitive, rudimentary tòiseachd [tɔʃəxg] = (act of) beginning, starting, precedence
Manx (Gaelg)	tosh = chieftain toshiagh = chief(tain), leader, premier, offset, toe, forepart toshiaght = beginning, fore(front), lead, opening, outset, bow (of a ship) Toshiaght Arree = February (“start of spring”) Toshiaght Fouyir = August (“start of autumn”) Toshiaght Gheuree = November (“start of winter”) toshiaghey = to begin, start, initiate
Proto-Brythonic	togwɨs = leadership towɨssọg = leader, chief, king, prince
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	tywys = forward position, front, fore, leader, lead, guidance towys, tywyssav = to lead, guide, show the way, escort, direct touyssoc, tywyssaỽc, tywyssavc, tywyssawc, tyỽyssaỽc = prince, lore, sovereign, leader, ruler, governor, captain, guide, leader tehuyokaet, tywyssogaeth = principality, kingdom, rule, reign, sovereignty tywysoges = princess, female sovereign, ruler or leader
Welsh (Cymraeg)	tywys [təu̯.ˈis] = forward position, front, fore, leader, lead, guidance tywysu, tywys(i)o = to lead, guide, show the way, escort, direct tywysiad = leading, leadership, guidance, direction, introduction, (water) conduit tywysog [təu̯.ˈəsɔɡ/ˈtwəsɔɡ] = prince, lord, sovereign, leader, ruler, governor, captain, guide, leader tywysog(i)aeth = principality, kingdom, rule, reign, sovereignty, supremacy, government tywysogaidd = princely, royal, noble, splendid tywysoges = princess, female sovereign, ruler or leader
Old Breton (Brethonoc)	toguisoc = ?

Etymology: from Proto-Celtic *towissus (leadership), *to- (to(wards)) and *wissus (knowledge), Proto-Indo-European *wéydtus, from *weyd- (to see) [source]. Words from the same roots include pavilion in English, papillon (butterfly, brilliant, versatile and inconstant person) in French, farfalla (butterfly, bow tie, butterly-shaped pasta) in Italian, papion (bowtie) in Romanian, paipala (quail) in Latvian [source].

Old Irish (Goídelc)	úachtarán = chief, leader
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	úachtarán, uachtarán = head, leader, chief, president, governor, ruler, overseer
Irish (Gaeilge)	uachtarán [uəxt̪ˠəɾˠɑːnˠ] = president, head, superior, headmaster, landowner (archaic) Uachtarán = President uachtaránacht = presidency, authority, power
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	uachdaran [uəxgəran] = laird, landowner, proprietor, superior uachdaranach [uəxgərənəx] = superior, paramount uachdaranachd [uəxgərənəxg] = dominion, supremacy uachdaranas [uəxgranəs] = jurisdiction
Manx (Gaelg)	eaghtyran(e) = president, superior, chief eaghtyraneagh = presidential eaghtyraneys = presidency

Etymology: from Old Irish *úachtar (surface, top, cream), from Proto-Celtic *ouxteros (upper), from *(o)uxs- (up) and *wissus (knowledge), Proto-Indo-European *h₃ewp- (up) [source]. Words for Up Above, etc in Celtic languages come from the same roots.

Proto-Brythonic	*penno-tam-īkos = chief, leader
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	pendewic, pen(n)deuic, pendefig = chief, leader, ruler, king, prince, lord, noble(man), gentleman pendevigiaeth, pendeuigaeth = kingship, principality, supremacy, pre-eminence, domination, government, power pendevigyeid = aristocratic, noble
Welsh (Cymraeg)	pendefig = chief, leader, ruler, king, prince, lord, noble(man), gentleman pendefigaeth = kingship, principality, supremacy, pre-eminence, domination, government, power pendefig(i)aidd = aristocratic, noble pendefiges = queen, lady, peeress, noblewoman
Old Cornish	pendeuig = prince, chief, noble(man)
Middle Cornish (Cernewec)	pendevig, pensevic, pednz(h)ivig = prince, chief, noble(man), principal pednzivigian = nobility, gentry
Cornish (Kernewek)	pennseviges, pednsyviges = princess pennsevigeth = principality pennsevik, pednsyvik = chief, noble, prince
Old Breton (Brethonoc)	*pendemic = rich (?)
Middle Breton (Brezonec)	pynuizyc, pinuisic, pinuizic = rich man pinuizigaez = wealth pinuizic, pinuzic = rich pinuizicat = to enrich, to get rich
Breton (Brezhoneg)	pinvidik [pĩnˈviːdik] = rich pinvidikaat = to enrich, to get rich pinvidikaerezh = enrichment, wealth

Etymology: from Proto-Brythonic *penno-tamos = the most in chief, from *penn (head), from Proto-Celtic *kʷennom (head), the origins of which are not known [source].

More words for prince, chief, ruler, etc can be found in the Celtiadur posts Lord, Ruler and Country and Land.

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

Honey Wine

4th June 202430th March 2025 By Simon

Words for mead, wine and related things in Celtic languages.

Words marked with a * are reconstructions.

Proto-Celtic	medu = mead, wine, alcoholic drink medwos = drunk
Celtiberian	Mezu-kenos = personal name “mead-born”
Gaulish	medu = mead Medu-genos = personal name “mead-born”
Primitive Irish	medu = mead
Primitive Irish	ᚋᚓᚇᚒ (medu) = mead ᚋᚓᚇᚇᚑᚌᚓᚅᚔ (meddogeni) = personal name “mead-born” ᚋᚓᚇᚃᚃᚔ (medvvi) = personal name “meady”
Old Irish (Goídelc)	mid [mʲið] = mead medb = strong, intoxicating (liquor) Medb = Maeve (personal name) Midgen = personal name “mead-born”
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	mid, midh = mead medb = strong, intoxicating (liquor) Medb [mʲeðβ / mʲɛɣβ] = Maeve (personal name)
Irish (Gaeilge)	meá [mʲæh / mʲa(h)] = mead Méabh [mʲeːvˠ / mʲeːw / mʲeːwə] = Maeve (personal name)
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	meadh [mjɤɣ] = mead meadhach = fuddled with mead, like mead, abounding in mead Meadhbh [mjɤːv] = Maeve (personal name)
Manx (Gaelg)	meddagh = mead-maker
Proto-Brythonic	*með [mɛːð] = mead
Old Welsh (Kembraec)	med = mead
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	met, med = mead meddawt, meddavt, meddwdod = drunkenness, inebriation, intoxication meddfaeth, metveith, meduaeth, medweith = nourished on mead, having feastedon mead, mead-feast medgell, meddgell = mead-cellar, drink-cellar met kirn, medgyrn, metgyrn, meddgyrn = mead-horn, drinking-horn metv, medw, meddw = drunk medwyt, medwi, meddwi [ˈmɛðwi] = to get drunk
Welsh (Cymraeg)	medd [meːð] = mead meddaidd = like mead, sweet medd-dod, meddwdod = drunkenness, inebriation, intoxication meddfaeth = luxurious, soft, gentle, delicate, pampered, effeminate meddw [ˈmɛðu] = drunk, intoxicated, fuddled, tipsy meddwi [ˈmɛðwi] = to be(come) drunk or tipsy, to be intoxicated or inebriated, to make drunky
Middle Cornish (Cernewec)	medh, medu, meddou = mead medhas = drunkenness, intoxication medho = drunken, intoxicated
Cornish (Kernewek)	medh = mead, hydromel medhow = drunk, intoxicated medhwenep = drunkenness, intoxication medhwi = to intoxicate, make drunk medhwynsi = drunkenness
Old Breton (Brethonoc)	medot = mead
Middle Breton (Brezonec)	mez = mead
Breton (Brezhoneg)	mez [meː(s)] = mead mezv [mɛ(z)w] = drunk, wobbly (furniture) mezventi = alcoholism mezvier = drunkard mezvierezh = drunkenness mezviñ [ˈmɛ(z)vĩ] = to get drunk mezvus [ˈmɛ(z)vys] = intoxicating, heady

Etymology: from PIE *médʰu (honey, honey wine, mead), possibly related to Proto-Semitic *mataḳ- (sweet) [source].

Words from the same roots include mead in English, mead in English, mjöður (mead) in Icelandic, медведь [mʲɪdˈvʲetʲ] (bear, large clumsy person, lit. “honey eater”) in Russian, mesi (nectar) in Finnish, and possibly 蜜 (mì / mitsu – honey) in Chinese and Japanese and 밀 (mil – beeswax, honey) in Korean [source].

Proto-Celtic	*wīnom = wine
Leptonic	𐌖𐌉𐌍𐌏𐌌 (uinom) = wine
Old Irish (Goídelc)	fín = wine fín acat = vinegar
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	fín = wine fínán = cheap wine fínda = pertaining to wine fínmar = having abundance of wine fíntan = vineyard
Irish (Gaeilge)	fíon [fʲiːn̪ˠ] = wine fíonchaor = grape fíoncheannaí = wine merchant, vintner fíonda = vinous, pertaining to wine fíondaite = wine-coloured fíonghort [ˈfʲiːnˠˌɣɔɾˠtˠ] = vineyard fíonmhar = rich in wine, vinous fíonsaothrú = viticulture
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	fìon [fiən] = wine fìon-chaor [fiən xɯːr] = grape fìon-chrann = grapevine fìon-fhoghar = wine harvest, vintage fìon-geur = vinegar fìon-lios = vineyard fìonadair = wine-maker
Manx (Gaelg)	feeyn = wine feeyney = of wine, vinous feeyneyder = wine-maker, vintner feeyneydys = viticulture berrish-feeyney = grape feeyn geayr = vinegar fouyr feeyney = vintage garey feeyney = vineyard
Proto-Brythonic	*gwin = wine
Old Welsh (Kembraec)	guin = wine
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	gvin, guin, gwin = wine gwinblas = mansion where wine is dispensed in abundance gwindeveirn = wine-tavern gwindy, gwin-dŷ = wine-house, wine-tavern, wine-cellar, banqueting house guinegyr, gwinegyr = vinegar guinlann, gwinllan(n) = vineyard, vine
Welsh (Cymraeg)	gwin [ɡwiːn] = wine, fermented liquor made from the juice of fruits (apples, elderberries, rhubarb, gooseberries, etc), like wine, pleasant, sweet, fine, excellent gwinbren = vine gwindy = wine-house, wine-tavern, wine-cellar, banqueting house gwinegr = vinegar gwinllan = vineyard, vine, copse, grove, wood, plantation gwinwr, gwinydd = vintner, vine-grower, vine-dresser, vineyard owner
Middle Cornish (Cernewec)	gwin, guin = wine gwinbren, guinbren = vine
Cornish (Kernewek)	gwin [ɡwiːn] = wine gwinbren = vine gwinlan = vineyard gwinyer = winemaker
Old Breton (Brethonoc)	guin = wine guiniin = vines
Middle Breton (Brezonec)	guin, guyn = wine guiny, guyni = vines guynieyer = vineyard
Breton (Brezhoneg)	gwin [ɡwĩːn / ɡɥĩːn] = wine gwinegr [ɡwĩnˈɛk(r)] = vinegar gwini [ˈɡɥĩːni] = vines gwinieg [ɡɥĩ.ˈniː.ɛk] = vineyard gwinier [ɡwĩ.ˈniː.ɛr / ɡɥĩ.ˈniː.ɛr] = winemaker gwinioniezh [ɡɥĩ.nɔ̃ˈniː.ɛs] = oenology

Etymology: from Latin vīnum (wine, grapes, grapevine), from Proto-Italic *wīnom (wine), from Proto-Indo-European *wóyh₁nom (wine, vine). The Welsh and Cornish words come from Latin via Proto-Celtic, the Breton and Goidelic words were borrowed direct from Latin, and the Leptonic word comes direct from Proto-Italic [source].

Words from the same roots include wine, vine, vinegar and oenology (the scientific study of wines and winemaking) in English, wijn (wine) in Dutch, vino (wine) in Italian, wino (wine) in Polish, and possibly ወይን (wäyn – grape) in Amharic [source].

Meaty Flesh

30th April 202424th October 2024 By Simon

Today we’re looking at the words for meat, flesh, breast and related things in Celtic languages.

Words marked with a * are reconstructions.

Proto-Celtic	*kīkos = breast
Primitive Irish	ᚉᚉᚔᚉᚐ (ccica-) = breast ᚉᚉᚔᚉᚐᚋᚔᚅᚔ (ccicamini) = male given name
Old Irish (Goídelc)	cích [kʲiːx] = breast Cíchmuine [ˈkʲiːxmunʲe] = male given name
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	cích [kʲiːx] = pap, breast, nipple, teat cíchech, cīgech [ˈkʲiːxʲəx] = big-chested Cichmuine, Cichmhuine, Cíchmaine = male given name
Irish (Gaeilge)	cíoch [ciəx] = breast, pap, papilla, protuberance cíochach = mammary cíochbheart = bra(ssiere) cíoch-chruthach = mammiform
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	cìoch [kʲiəx] = breast, pap cìochach [kʲiəxəx] = mammary, pertainning to breasts, ample-bosomed cìochag cìoch [kʲiəxag] = valve, small breast cìocharan [kʲiəxan] = suckling infant
Manx (Gaelg)	keeagh [kiːx] = breast, bud, nipple, pap, teat keeaghagh = mammary
Proto-Brythonic	*kig = meat
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	cic, kic = meat cigva meat market, butcher’s shop, shambles, slaughter-house, carnage cicbran, cicuran, kigvrain, kicfran = raven kicawc, kigawc = meaty, fleshy kiccyd, kygyd, kigydd = butcher
Welsh (Cymraeg)	cig [kiːɡ] = meat, flesh cigaf, cigo = to fatten, become fleshy cigaidd = meaty, fleshy, bloody, cruel, carnivorous, cigfa meat market, butcher’s shop, shambles, slaughter-house, carnage cigfran = raven cigog = meaty, fleshy cigydd = butcher
Old Cornish	cic, chic = meat, flesh
Middle Cornish (Cernewec)	cig, kig = meat, flesh cigliu = flesh-coloured cigver, kiguer = flesh-fork
Cornish (Kernewek)	kig = meat, flesh kiger, kigores = butcher kigereth = butchery, slaughterhouse kigliw = flesh (colour), pink kigti, kigva = butcher’s, butchery, slaughterhouse
Old Breton	cic = meat, flesh
Middle Breton (Brezonec)	quic = meat, flesh quicguec = fleshy, muscled
Breton (Brezhoneg)	kig [kiːk] = meat, flesh kigder = overweight kigek = fleshy, muscular, plump kigenn [ˈkiːɡɛn] = complexion, muscule kigennan, kigennañ = to build muscule, to heal kigennek [kiˈɡɛnːek] = muscule kiger [ˈkiːɡɛr] = butcher kigerezh [ki.ˈɡɛː.rɛs] = butcher’s shop

Etymology: assumed to be of expressive/imitative origin [source].

Old Irish (Goídelc)	brollach = breast, bosom, chest
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	brollach, brothlach = breast, bosom, chest
Irish (Gaeilge)	brollach [bˠəɾˠˈl̪ˠax/ˈbˠɾˠɔl̪ˠəx] = breast, bosom, front, beginning, preface, prologue brollaiocht = close wrestling
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	brollach [brɔl̪ˠəx] = bosom, breast, bust, chest, brisket
Manx (Gaelg)	brollagh = bosom, breast

Etymology: related to the Old Irish bruinne (breast) and brú (belly) [source]. See also the post about Hills

Proto-Celtic	*weɸolis = flesh, meat (?)
Old Irish (Goídelc)	feóil, féuil [fʲeːu̯lʲ] = flesh, meat
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	feóil, feól = flesh, meat feólaigid = to make or form flesh feólairecht = butchery, slaughter feólamail = the flesh, worldly feólmar = fleshy
Irish (Gaeilge)	feoil [fʲoːlʲ/fʲɔːlʲ] = flesh, meat feoilteach = carnivorous feoilteoir = carnivore feoilséantóir = vegetarian feoilaire = butcher feoilmhar = fleshy, fat, flabby
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	feòil [fjɔːl̪ˠ] = flesh, meat feòil-itheach [fjɔːl̪ˠ içəx] = carnivorous feòil-itheadair [fjɔːl̪ˠ içədɪrʲ] = carnivore feòil-sheachnair = vegetarian
Manx (Gaelg)	feill [feːlʲ] = flesh, meat feillagh = fleshy, meaty feill-eeagh = carnivorous feilleyder = butcher feill-haghnagh = vegetarian (adj) feill-haghneyder = vegetartian (person)

Etymology: uncertain [source].

Old Irish (Goídelc)	cnes = skin
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	cnes, cnis, cneis, cneas = skin, surface, body, flesh, bosom, breast
Irish (Gaeilge)	cneas [cnʲasˠ/cɾʲasˠ] = skin, good appearance cneasach = covered with skin, cutaneous cneasaí = close companion, spouse, healer cneasaigh = to cicatrize, heal cneasluiteach = skintight
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	cneas [krʲẽs] = skin, bosom cneasachadh [krʲesəxəɣ] = (act of) squeezing, tightening, pressing, making slender, curing, healing
Proto-Brythonic	*knōto- = flesh (?)
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	knaud, cnaut, knaỽt, knawt = flesh knowdio = to incarnate, gather flesh, be conceived knaỽtaỽl, knaỽdaỽl, knoawdol = bodily, carnal, physical, sensual, fleshy, plump
Welsh (Cymraeg)	cnawd [knau̯d] = flesh cnawdaidd = pertaining to the flesh, carnal cnawd(i)edig = fleshy, carnal cnawdiad = incarnation, putting on of flesh cnawdiaf, cnawdio = to incarnate, gather flesh, be conceived cnawdig = fleshy, carnal, fat, plump cnawdol = bodily, carnal, physical, sensual, fleshy, plump
Cornish (Kernewek)	kneus = skin
Breton (Brezhoneg)	kneud = carnality, fleshliness (?)

Etymology: possibly from PIE *kneu-t- [source].

More Celtic words for breast and meat can be found on the posts about Hills, Central Hearts, Baskets, Wings, Bones, Fatty Lard and Food

Ceilidh Companions

17th August 202310th May 2025 By Simon

Words for companion, friend, ceilidh and related things in Celtic languages.

Ceilidh at Sabhal Mòr Ostaig in the Isle of Skye / Cèilidh aig Sabhal Mòr Ostaig san Eilean Sgitheanach

Words marked with a * are reconstructions.

Proto-Celtic	*kēlyos = companion, servant
Primitive Irish	ᚉᚓᚂᚔ (celi) = follower, devotee (genitive)
Old Irish (Goídelc)	céile [ˈkʲeːlʲe] = client, companion, husband, liege, servant, spouse, subject, vassal céilide [ˈkʲeːlʲiðʲe] = visit, visiting coicéile = companion, comrade, friend, friendship
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	céile, ceile, céli = servant, bondsman, vassal, subject, fellow, companion, husband céileachas = adultery céilide = visit, act of visiting coicéile, cocéle, coceli = vassal, bondsman, companion, fellow, friend coicéilsine, cocéilsine, cocélsine = fellowship, clientship
Irish (Gaeilge)	céile [ˈceːlʲə] = companion, spouse céileachas = companionship, cohabitation, copulation céilí = friend call, visit, social evening, Irish dancing session céilíoch = person fond of social visits, sociable person céilíocht = sociableness, companionableness céiliúil = companionable coigéile = mate, companion coigéilsine = fellowship, companionship
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	cèile [kʲeːlə] = fellow, partner, significant other, spouse, counterpart cèile-còmhraige = opponent, antagonist cèile-pòsta = married partner (husband or wife) cèileach [kʲeːləx] = entertaining cèileachadh [kʲeːləxəɣ] = participating/sharing in, twinning, partnering (of a city) cèiliche [kʲeːlɪçə] = visitor cèilidh [kʲeːlɪ] = ceilidh, visit, (act of) visiting cèilidheach [kʲeːlɪjəx] = companionable, fond of company, sociable
Manx (Gaelg)	keilley = match dy cheilley = joined, together e cheilley = fellow ry-cheilley = en masse, together, with each other kaylee = ceilidh
Proto-Brythonic	*kuɨlð = servant, companion
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	cilit, cilid, kilid, kilyd = servant, companion
Welsh (Cymraeg)	cilydd [ˈkɪlɨ̞ð/ˈkiːlɪð] = fellow, companion, neighbour, enemy, other cilyddol = reciprocal, mutual at ei gilydd = together gyda’i gilydd = together ei gilydd = each other o bryd i’w gilydd = from time to time
Middle Cornish (Cernewec)	cele = companion, fellow, one of two
Cornish (Kernewek)	kila = companion
Old Breton	kiled = friend
Middle Breton (Brezonec)	kile = the other (one), friend
Breton (Brezhoneg)	kile = associate, stooge, colleague, sidekick

Etymology: possibly the Proto-Celtic word originally meant ‘wayfarer’, from Proto-Indo-European *ḱey- (to settle, to be lying down) [source].

The English word ceilidh [ˈkeɪli] (an informal social gathering where traditional Irish or Scottish folk music is played, with dancing and storytelling; a ceilidh dance; to dance a ceilidh) was borrowed from Scottish Gaelic and/or from Irish [source]. Someone who attends a ceilidh is apparently a ceilidher [source].

The Welsh equivalent of a ceilidh is a twmpath, which also meanings hillock, knoll, mound, pile, gathering or assembly. It’s also a known as a twmpath dawns (folk-dance, barn dance, public dance) or noson lawen (“merry/joyful evening”). In Cornish a ceilidh is a troyll, which also means spiral or swirl, and in Breton they are known as fest-noz (“night party / ”) [source].

Proto-Celtic	karants = friend karantodyos = friendly
Gaulish	Caranto-, Carantōna = personal names Carantodios = personal name*
Old Irish (Goídelc)	cara [ˈkarɘ] = friend, relation, relative, kinsman cairdes = friendship, alliance, pact cairdine = friendship, alliance caratad = friendship, alliance caraid = to love
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	cara, carae [ˈkarə] = friend cairdide = friendly caratrad = friendship, alliance cairdech, cairdeac, cairdeach = friendly, having many friends cairdes, cardes, cairdius = friendship, alliance, covenant, pact, relationship, kinship cairdemail [ˈkɑːɾˠdʲuːlʲ] = friendly caraid, carad = to love caratrad, caratrid = friendship, alliane
Irish (Gaeilge)	cara [ˈkɑɾˠə / ˈkaɾˠə] = friend, relative anamchara = spiritual adviser, confidant, kindred spirit, soulmate cairdeach [ˈkɑːrdʲəx] = generous, friendly cairdeas = friendship cairdine = friendship, pact, truce cairdiúil [ˈkɑːɾˠdʲuːlʲ] = friendly cairdiúlacht = friendliness
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	caraid [karɪdʲ] = friend, relation, kinsman, Quaker càirde [kaːr̪dʲə] = friendship, entente càirdeas [kaːr̪dʲəs] = kinship, friendship, friendliness càirdeach [kaːr̪dʲəx] = kin, related, friendly
Manx (Gaelg)	carrey = friend, well-wisher caardys, caarjys = friendship, kin(ship), pedigree, blood relationship, allied to caarjoil = amiable, friendly, friendliness caarjysagh = friendly caarjysaght = friendliness
Proto-Brythonic	*kar [kar] = friend, relative
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	kar, kereint, kerenhit, car, karant = kinsman, relative, cousin, friend, companion, dear one keredic, keradwy, karatwy = loveable, amiable, dear, beloved caru, karu, kary = to love, woo, court carannawc = dear, beloved kerenhit, kerennyd, carennydd = kindred, kinship, relationship, descent, affinity, friendship, love
Welsh (Cymraeg)	câr [kaːr] = kinsman, relative, cousin, friend, companion, dear one carad = loved caradwy, ceradwy = loveable, amiable, dear, beloved caru = to love, woo, court carennydd = kindred, kinship, relationship, descent, affinity, friendship, love
Old Cornish	car = friend, ally, a dear neighbour, kinsman, cousin
Middle Cornish (Cernewec)	car, câr, = friend, ally, a dear neighbour, kinsman, cousin, father caradow = beloved, loving, dear care = to love carense, cerense = love, friendship
Cornish (Kernewek)	kar = parent, relation, relative kara = to care for, like, love kardewder = loving-kindness karadow = beloved, fond, loveable, loving karder = loveliness, splender karer = boyfriend, lover kares = girlfriend, relation, relative, mistress (lover)
Old Breton (Brethonoc)	car = agreeable, dear
Middle Breton (Brezonec)	car = friend, relative carantez = love caret = to love, cherish, desire
Breton (Brezhoneg)	kar [ˈkɑːr] = relative, friend karadegezh = kindness karadek [kaˈrɑːdek] = kind, nice, amiable karantegezh = affection, love karantek [kaˈrãntek] = affectionate, pleasant karantez [kaˈrãn.tɛs] = love karedig [kaˈreːdik] = lover, loving karout [ ˈkɑː.rut] = to love, cherish, desire karet [ˈkɑː.ret] = favourite, beloved

Etymology: from Proto-Celtic *karāti (to love, desire), from *karos (dear, beloved), from Proto-Indo-European *kh₂-ró-s, from *keh₂- (to desire) &‎ *-rós (adjectival suffix) [source]. Words from the same PIE roots include charity, cheer, and cherish in English, caro (dear, precious, expensive) in Italian, cher (dear(ly), expensive) in French, caro (dear, expensive) in Spanish, kär (in love, enamored, dear, beloved) in Swedish, and kær (dear, adorable, cute) in Danish [source].

Irish (Gaeilge)	comhar [kõːɾˠ] = combined work, mutual assistance, co-operation, partnership
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	coimheart [kɔ̃jəRʃd] = companion
Manx (Gaelg)	commeeys = communion, connection, league, mess, participation, partnership, relations (between people)
Proto-Brythonic	*kumpar = peer, fellow, spouse, partner, companion
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	kymar = peer, fellow, spouse, partner, companion
Welsh (Cymraeg)	cymar [ˈkəmar] = equal, peer, companion, mate, fellow, spouse, consort cymar bywyd = life partner cymhares = female partner, wife, mate, companion, equal cymharus = well matched, well paired, corresponding, matching, appropriate, fitting cymheiriaeth = a coupling together, partnership
Middle Cornish (Cernewec)	cespar = spouse, married person, mate
Cornish (Kernewek)	kespar / kespares = partner kesplegadow = compatible

Etymology (Brythonic words): from Latin compār (fellow, partner, equal [person], spouse), from con- (used to indicate being or bringing together), from cum (with), and pār (even, equal, like; companion, comrade, mate, spouse) [source]. The Goidelic words may come from different roots.

Words from the same roots include compare, pair, par (equal value) and peer in English, paar (pair, couple, some) in Dutch, and péire (pair) in Irish [source].

Proto-Brythonic	ko-u̯ekt- = companion, comrade, friend (?) ko-u̯ektii̯ŏ- = company, band or gathering of companions, troop, host, retinue
Old Welsh (Kembraec)	coueidid = company, band or gathering of companions, troop, host, retinue
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	kyueith, kyweith = companion, comrade, friend kiueithad = society, company, partnership kyweithaed = gathering, company kyweythas, kyweithas, keuey[th]as = soceity, company, fellowship, companionship kweithasgar = sociable, gentle, kind(ly), gracious kyweithit, ky()eithyd, kyweithyd = company, band or gathering of companions, troop, host, retinue
Welsh (Cymraeg)	cywaith = companion, comrade, friend; association, harmony cyweithad = society, company, partnership cyweithäed = gathering, company cyweithas = soceity, company, fellowship, companionship, alliance, commerce; sociable, gentle, kindly cyweithasu = to associate, civilze, treat with courtesy cyweithasgar = sociable, gentle, kind(ly), gracious cyweith(i)asol = social, kind, gentle courteous cyweithydd = company, band or gathering of companions, troop, host, retinue
Middle Cornish (Cernewec)	coweth, cowyth = companion, fellow, mate, comrade cowethas = company, society cowethe = company, sociery cowethes = female companion, help-mate cowetheyans = communion, fellowship cowethys = acquainted
Cornish (Kernewek)	koweth / kowethes = companion, comrade, friend, mate, peer kowethas = association, society kowethasek = social kowethegeth = friendship kowethek = friendly kowethus = gregarious kowethyades, kowethyas = colleague kowethyadow = socialable kowethyans = company, organisation

Etymology: from Proto-Brythonic *ko- (together, equal, similar) u̯ekt- (to move, go) [source].

Nephews

29th April 202229th April 2022 By Simon

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

My nephew. Mo nia. Mac my shayrey. Fy nai. Ma noy. Ma niz.

Proto-Celtic	*neɸūss = nephew
Primitive Irish	ᚅᚔᚑᚈᚈᚐ (niotta) = nephew (sister’s son)
Old Irish (Goídelc)	nia [ˈn͈ʲi.a] = nephew, sister’s son
Irish (Gaeilge)	nia [n̪ʲiə] = nephew garneacht = great-nephew
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	nia [n̪ʲiə] = nephew (sister’s son)
Manx (Gaelg)	neear = nephew
Proto-Brythonic	*nei = nephew
Old Welsh	nei = nephew
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	ney, nei = nephew
Welsh (Cymraeg)	nai [nai̯] = nephew, first cousin’s son nai fab brawd = nephew (brother’s son) nai fab chwaer = nephew (sister’s son) mab nai = great-nephew naigarwch = nepotism
Middle Cornish	noi = nephew
Cornish (Kernwek)	noy = nephew
Old Breton	ny = nephew
Middle Breton	ni = nephew
Breton (Brezhoneg)	niz = nephew gourniz = great-nephew

Etymology from the Proto-Indo-European *népōts (grandson, descendent, nephew), possibly from *ne (not) and *pótis (master, lord, husband) [source].

Other words for nephew:

Irish: mac deirféar (sister’s son), mac dearthár (brother’s son)
Scottish Gaelic: mac-peathar (sister’s son), mac-bràthar (brother’s son)
Manx: mac shayrey (sister’s son), mac braarey (brother’s son)

Battle

15th September 202112th June 2024 By Simon

Words for battle and related things in Celtic languages.

Words marked with a * are reconstructions.

Proto-Celtic	katus = battle Katutigernos = “battle lord/master” (male name) Katuwelnāmnos = “battle ruler” (male name*)
Gaulish	catu, katu = battle Katutigernos (male name)
Primitive Irish	ᚉᚐᚈᚈᚒ (cattu) = battle
Old Irish (Goídelc)	cath [kaθ] = battle, fight, troop, battalion cathach = bellicose, warlike cathaigecht = warfare cathaige = warrior cathaigid = to fight, give battle cocad = war, conflict (from com (with) and cath)
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	cath, = battle, fight, troop, battalion cathach = bellicose, vehement cathaigecht = warfare cathaige = fighter, warrior cathaigid = to fight, give battle cocad = war, conflict, act of waging war
Irish (Gaeilge)	cath [kah] = battle, conflict, trial, battalion cathach = battling, warlike cathaí = battler, fighter cathaigh to battle, fight, tempt cogadh [ˈkɔɡə/ˈkʌɡu] = war, warfare
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	cath [kah] = battle, fight, contest, struggle, battalion, warfare cathach = warlike cath nan con = dogfight cath-thuagh = battle axe blàr-catha = battlefield gairm-chatha = warcry cogadh [kogəɣ] = war, fighting, warfare
Manx (Gaelg)	cah = military action battle crooseyr cah = battle-cruiser caggey [ˈkaːɣə] = war, fight, scrap, combat, campaign, clash, battle
Proto-Brythonic	kad = battle Kadüdɨɣern (male name) Kaduwallọn (male name*)
Old Welsh	Categern, Catigern (male name) Cadwallawn (male name) Categern, Catigern (male name)
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	kad, kat = battle Cattegirn (male name) Catgollaun, Catguallaun, Katwallaun (male name)
Welsh (Cymraeg)	cad [kaːd] = battle, conflict, war, strife, struggle, trouble, army, host, throng, multitude, band cad ar faes = at loggerheads cadfan = battlefield Cadfan (male name) = 6th century Breton missionary to Wales [more details] Cadeyrn (male name) Cadwallon (male name)
Middle Cornish (Cernewec)	cad, câs = battle, war cadlys = camp, intrenchment cadwur = warrior, soldier, champion
Cornish (Kernewek)	kas = armed conflict, battle, war kasor, kasores = fighter kasorek = militant Kaswallawn (male name)
Old Breton	Kaduuallon, Catuuallon (male name)
Middle Breton (Brezonec)	kad = combat
Breton (Brezhoneg)	kad = battle Kadwallawn (male name)

Etymology: possibly from the Proto-Indo-European *kéh₃tus (fight), which is also the root of the German words Hader (dispute, quarrel) and hadern (to bicker, quarrel, struggle) [source].

Proto-Celtic	*agrom = slaughter, battle
Old Irish (Goídelc)	ár = slaugter
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	ár = slaugter, carnage, defeat, destruction
Irish (Gaeilge)	ár [ɑːɾˠ] = slaughter, havoc ármhá = battlefied, scene of slaughter ármhach = slaughter ármhar = slaugterous, destructive
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	àr [aːr] = battle, battlefield, slaughter, death àr-fhaich, àr-mhagh = battlefield àrmhach = destructive
Manx (Gaelg)	haar [ˈhɛːr] = slaughter, slaughtering
Proto-Brythonic	*aɨr [aɨ̯r] = battle, carnage
Old Welsh	hair = battle, fight, war
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	aer = battle, fight, war aerbeir, aerbair = battle-lord, battle-leader aerbais = coat of mail aerbar = battle-spear, spear of slaughter aerbybyr = bright, fine, valiant, zealous, strong in battle aerdawelỽch, aerdawelwch = silence after battle
Welsh (Cymraeg)	aer [aːɨ̯r / ai̯r] = battle, fight, war, skirmish, carnage, slaughter, army
Old Cornish	hair = slaughter, battle
Middle Cornish (Cernewec)	ar, hâr, har = slaughter, battle
Old Breton (Brethonoc)	air = battle, combat, carnage, massacre airma = battlefield
Middle Breton (Brezonec)	hair, aer, ár = battle, combat, carnage, massacre aerva, aerfa, ármag = battlefield
Breton (Brezhoneg)	aer [ɛːr] = battle, combat, carnage (archaic) aergi [ˈɛrɡi] = fighting dog, war dog, warrior (archaic) aerva [ˈɛr.va] = battlefield (archaic)

Etymology: from the Proto-Indo-European *h₂eǵros (field, pasturage), possibly from *h₂eǵ- (to drive). Words from the same roots include act, action, agent and agile in English [source].

Posted in Adjectives, Breton (Brezhoneg), Cornish (Kernewek), English, Etymology, Gaulish, German (Deutsch), Irish (Gaeilge), Language, Manx (Gaelg), Middle Breton (Brezonec), Middle Cornish (Cernewec / Kernuak), Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg), Middle Welsh (Kymraec), Nouns, Old Breton (Brethonoc), Old Cornish, Old Irish (Goídelc), Old Welsh (Kembraec), Primitive Irish, Proto-Brythonic, Proto-Celtic, Proto-Indo-European, Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig), Verbs, Welsh (Cymraeg), WordsLeave a comment

Seasons

29th January 20211st February 2021 By Simon

Words for seasons in Celtic languages.

Spring

Proto-Celtic *wesrakos / *wesantos = spring

Old Irish (Goídelc) errach [ˈer͈ax] = spring

Irish (Gaeilge) earrach [əˈɾˠax / ˈaɾˠəx / ˈaɾˠa(h)] = spring

Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig) earrach [jar̪ˠəx] = spring

Manx (Gaelg) arragh [ˈarax] = spring

Proto-Brythonic *wesantēnos = spring

Old Welsh guiannuin = spring

Middle Welsh (Kymraec) gwaeanhwyn / gwaeannwyn / gwannwyn = spring

Welsh (Cymraeg) gwanwyn [ˈɡwanwɨ̞n / ˈɡwanwɪn] = spring, springtime

Old Cornish guaintoin = spring

Cornish (Kernewek) gwaynten = spring

Breton (Brezhoneg) nevez-amzer = spring

Etymology, from the Proto-Indo-European *wósr̥ (spring) [source].

Summer

Proto-Celtic *samos = summer

Gaulish samo- = summer

Old Irish (Goídelc) sam [saṽ] / samrad [ˈsaṽrað] = summer

Irish (Gaeilge) samhradh [ˈsˠəuɾˠə / ˈsˠəuɾˠuː / ˈsˠəuɾˠu] = summer, summer garland

Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig) samhradh [sãũrəɣ] = summer

Manx (Gaelg) sourey [ˈsaurə] = summer

Proto-Brythonic *haβ̃ = summer

Old Welsh ham = summer

Middle Welsh (Kymraec) haf = summer

Welsh (Cymraeg) haf [haːv / haː] = summer

Old Cornish haf = summer

Cornish (Kernewek) hav = summer

Old Breton ham = summer

Middle Breton haff = summer

Breton (Brezhoneg) hañv = summer

Etymology, from the Proto-Indo-European *sm̥-h₂-ó- (summer) [source].

Autumn

Old Irish (Goídelc) fogamar / fogomur [ˈɡʲaṽʲrʲəð] = autumn

Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg) fogamur = harvest

Irish (Gaeilge) fómhar [ˈfˠoːɾˠ / ˈfˠoːvˠəɾˠ / ˈfˠɔːwəɾˠ] = autumn, harvest season, harvest

Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig) foghar [fo.ər] = autumn, harvest, (act of) harvesting

Manx (Gaelg) fouyr = harvets, autumn

Middle Welsh (Kymraec) heduref / heduueref = autumn
possibly from hydd (stag) &‎ bref (bellow)

Welsh (Cymraeg) hydref [ˈhədrɛ(v) / ˈhədra] = autumn, period of full maturity, rutting season, mating time

Cornish (Kernewek) hedra / kynnyay / kydnyadh = autumn

Breton (Brezhoneg) here / kozhamzer / diskar-amzer = autumn

Etymology (Goidelic languages), from the Proto-Celtic *wo-gamur (under winter) from *gamur (winter) [source].

Winter

Proto-Celtic *gyemos / *gamur = winter

Gaulish giamos = winter (personal name)

Primitive Irish ᚌᚐᚋᚔ- (gami/gen) = winter

Old Irish (Goídelc) gam / gaim = winter, winter storm
gaimred [ˈɡʲaṽʲrʲəð] = winter

Irish (Gaeilge) geimhreadh [ˈɟiːɾʲə / ˈɟiːvʲɾʲə / ˈɟɛvʲɾʲu] = winter

Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig) geamhradh [gʲãũrəɣ] = winter

Manx (Gaelg) geurey [ˈɡʲeurə / ˈɡʲuːrə] = winter

Old Welsh gaem = winter

Middle Welsh (Kymraec) gayaf = winter

Welsh (Cymraeg) gaeaf [ˈɡeɨ̯av / ˈɡei̯av] = winter

Old Cornish goyf = winter

Cornish (Kernewek) gwav / gwâv = winter

Old Breton guoiam = winter

Middle Breton gouaff = winter

Breton (Brezhoneg) goañv [ˈɡwãw / ˈɡwã] = winter

Etymology, from the Proto-Indo-European *ǵʰyem- (winter, year, frost, snow) [source].

Words marked with a * are reconstructions.

The names of the seasons, days and seasons in Celtic languages

Sources: Wiktionary, Am Faclair Beag, Online Manx Dictionary, Teanglann.ie, Geiriadur Prifysgol Cymru, Gerlyver Kernewek

Posted in Breton (Brezhoneg), Cornish (Kernewek), English, Etymology, Gaulish, Irish (Gaeilge), Language, Manx (Gaelg), Middle Breton (Brezonec), Middle Cornish (Cernewec / Kernuak), Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg), Middle Welsh (Kymraec), Nouns, Old Breton (Brethonoc), Old Cornish, Old Irish (Goídelc), Old Welsh (Kembraec), Primitive Irish, Proto-Brythonic, Proto-Celtic, Proto-Indo-European, Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig), Time, Welsh (Cymraeg), Words2 Comments

Crows and Ravens

9th June 202016th June 2020 By Simon

Words for crow and raven in Celtic languages.

Proto-Celtic *branos = crow, raven

Gaulish Branodūnon = place name

Primitive Irish ᚁᚏᚐᚅᚐ brana = crow, raven

Old Irish (Goídelc) bran [bran] = crow, raven

Irish (Gaeilge) bran = raven

Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig) bran [bran] = raven (corvus corax)

Proto-Brythonic *bran = crow, raven

Welsh (Cymraeg) brân [braːn] = crow, rook, raven; warrior; crowbar
branos = little crows, young crows; warriors
cigfran = raven

Cornish (Kernewek) bran [bɹæːn] = crow
branvras = raven

Breton (Brezhoneg) bran = raven, crow

Etymology: from the Proto-Indo-European *werneh₂- (crow), from *wer- (to burn) [source].

Old Irish (Goídelc) fennóc = a scald; royston crow (hooded crow)

Irish (Gaeilge) feannóg = (hooded) crow (corvus cornix)

Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig) feannag [fjan̪ˠag] = crow, rook

Manx (Gaelg) fannag = crow, crake

Etymology: unknown [source].

Proto-Celtic *wesākos = raven, grebe

Old Irish (Goídelc) fiach, fíach [fʲi.əx] = raven

Irish (Gaeilge) fiach [ˈfʲiəx] = raven

Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig) fitheach [fi.əx] = raven

Manx (Gaelg) feeagh = crake, raven

Welsh (Cymraeg) gwyach [ɡʊɨ̯.aχ /ɡʊi̯.aχ] = grebe

Etymology: possibly from the Proto-Celtic *wes- (to feed, feast) [source].

Words marked with a * are reconstructions.

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

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Hound Dogs

28th May 202022nd May 2022 By Simon

Words for dog in Celtic languages.

Proto-Celtic *kū = dog, wolf

Gaulish cuna = dog

Primitive Irish ᚉᚒᚅᚐ (cuna) = hound, wolf

Old Irish (Goídelc) cú [kuː] = dog

Irish (Gaeilge) cú [kuː] = dog, hound, greyhound; wolf; hero, champion

Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig) cù [kuː] = dog, canine

Manx (Gaelg) coo [kuː] = dog, cur, hound, wolf-dog

Proto-Brythonic ki [kiː] = dog

Middle Welsh (Kymraec) ci / ki = dog

Welsh (Cymraeg) ci [kiː] = dog, hound, cur

Old Cornish ci = dog

Cornish (Kernewek) ki [kiː] = dog

Middle Breton ci / qui = dog

Breton (Brezhoneg) ki [kiː] = dog

Etymology: from the Proto-Indo-European *ḱwṓ (dog), which is also the root of the English words hound and canine [source].

Old Irish (Goídelc) madrad, matrad = dog

Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg) matad = common dog, cur

Irish (Gaeilge) madra [ˈmˠad̪ˠɾˠə] / madadh [ˈmˠad̪ˠə / ˈmˠad̪ˠu] = dog, cur

Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig) madadh [madəɣ] = dog, mastiff

Manx (Gaelg) moddey [ˈmɔːðə] = dog, tyke

Welsh (Cymraeg) madyn / madog = fox

Etymology: unknown

Old Irish (Goídelc) gagar [ɡaɣər] = beagle, hunting dog

Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg) gadar = beagle, hunting dog

Irish (Gaeilge) gadhar [ɡəiɾˠ] = (hunting) dog, harrier, beagle, cur

Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig) gadhar [gɤ.ər] = lurcher, mastiff, greyhound

Etymology: from the Old Norse gagarr [source].

Proto-Celtic *kulēnos = whelp

Old Irish (Goídelc) cuilén [ˈkulʲeːn] = puppy, cub, kitten

Irish (Gaeilge) coiléan [kɪˈlʲaːn̪ˠ] = pup, cub, whelp; youth, scion; trickster

Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig) cuilean [kulan] = puppy, whelp; cub; seal pup; darling, dear; short/small bone

Manx (Gaelg) quallian = puppy

Welsh (Cymraeg) colwyn [kiː] = whelp, puppy, cub; lap-dog; spaniel

Old Cornish coloin = puppy

Cornish (Kernewek) kolen [ˈkɔlɪn] = puppy, cub

Breton (Brezhoneg) kolen = puppy, fawn, rabbit

Etymology: unknown

Old Irish (Goídelc) cana [ˈkana] = cub, puppy

Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg) cana [ˈkana] = cub, puppy

Irish (Gaeilge) cana [ˈkanˠə] = cub, whelp; bardic poet of fourth order

Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig) cana [kanə] = puppy, whelp

Welsh (Cymraeg) cenau / cenaw = cub, whelp, puppy, kitten; son, descendant, scion, young warrior; knave, imp, rascal; catkin, cat’s tail

Etymology: possibly from the Latin canis (dog), from the Proto-Indo-European *ḱwṓ (dog) [source], or from the Proto-Celtic *kanawo (young animal).

Words marked with a * are reconstructions.

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

Posted in Animals, Breton (Brezhoneg), Cornish (Kernewek), English, Etymology, Irish (Gaeilge), Language, Latin (lingua latīna), Manx (Gaelg), Middle Breton (Brezonec), Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg), Middle Welsh (Kymraec), Nouns, Old Cornish, Old Irish (Goídelc), Old Norse (Dǫnsk tunga), Primitive Irish, Proto-Brythonic, Proto-Celtic, Proto-Indo-European, Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig), Welsh (Cymraeg), Words1 Comment

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Celtiadur

Exploring connections between Celtic languages

Category: Primitive Irish

Deeply Profound

Leader in Chief

Honey Wine

Meaty Flesh

Ceilidh Companions

Nephews

Battle

Seasons

Crows and Ravens

Hound Dogs

Proto-Celtic	wesrakos / wesantos = spring
Old Irish (Goídelc)	errach [ˈer͈ax] = spring
Irish (Gaeilge)	earrach [əˈɾˠax / ˈaɾˠəx / ˈaɾˠa(h)] = spring
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	earrach [jar̪ˠəx] = spring
Manx (Gaelg)	arragh [ˈarax] = spring
Proto-Brythonic	*wesantēnos = spring
Old Welsh	guiannuin = spring
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	gwaeanhwyn / gwaeannwyn / gwannwyn = spring
Welsh (Cymraeg)	gwanwyn [ˈɡwanwɨ̞n / ˈɡwanwɪn] = spring, springtime
Old Cornish	guaintoin = spring
Cornish (Kernewek)	gwaynten = spring
Breton (Brezhoneg)	nevez-amzer = spring

Proto-Celtic	*samos = summer
Gaulish	samo- = summer
Old Irish (Goídelc)	sam [saṽ] / samrad [ˈsaṽrað] = summer
Irish (Gaeilge)	samhradh [ˈsˠəuɾˠə / ˈsˠəuɾˠuː / ˈsˠəuɾˠu] = summer, summer garland
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	samhradh [sãũrəɣ] = summer
Manx (Gaelg)	sourey [ˈsaurə] = summer
Proto-Brythonic	*haβ̃ = summer
Old Welsh	ham = summer
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	haf = summer
Welsh (Cymraeg)	haf [haːv / haː] = summer
Old Cornish	haf = summer
Cornish (Kernewek)	hav = summer
Old Breton	ham = summer
Middle Breton	haff = summer
Breton (Brezhoneg)	hañv = summer

Old Irish (Goídelc)	fogamar / fogomur [ˈɡʲaṽʲrʲəð] = autumn
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	fogamur = harvest
Irish (Gaeilge)	fómhar [ˈfˠoːɾˠ / ˈfˠoːvˠəɾˠ / ˈfˠɔːwəɾˠ] = autumn, harvest season, harvest
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	foghar [fo.ər] = autumn, harvest, (act of) harvesting
Manx (Gaelg)	fouyr = harvets, autumn
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	heduref / heduueref = autumn possibly from hydd (stag) &‎ bref (bellow)
Welsh (Cymraeg)	hydref [ˈhədrɛ(v) / ˈhədra] = autumn, period of full maturity, rutting season, mating time
Cornish (Kernewek)	hedra / kynnyay / kydnyadh = autumn
Breton (Brezhoneg)	here / kozhamzer / diskar-amzer = autumn

Proto-Celtic	gyemos / gamur = winter
Gaulish	giamos = winter (personal name)
Primitive Irish	ᚌᚐᚋᚔ- (gami/gen) = winter
Old Irish (Goídelc)	gam / gaim = winter, winter storm gaimred [ˈɡʲaṽʲrʲəð] = winter
Irish (Gaeilge)	geimhreadh [ˈɟiːɾʲə / ˈɟiːvʲɾʲə / ˈɟɛvʲɾʲu] = winter
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	geamhradh [gʲãũrəɣ] = winter
Manx (Gaelg)	geurey [ˈɡʲeurə / ˈɡʲuːrə] = winter
Old Welsh	gaem = winter
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	gayaf = winter
Welsh (Cymraeg)	gaeaf [ˈɡeɨ̯av / ˈɡei̯av] = winter
Old Cornish	goyf = winter
Cornish (Kernewek)	gwav / gwâv = winter
Old Breton	guoiam = winter
Middle Breton	gouaff = winter
Breton (Brezhoneg)	goañv [ˈɡwãw / ˈɡwã] = winter

Proto-Celtic	*branos = crow, raven
Gaulish	Branodūnon = place name
Primitive Irish	ᚁᚏᚐᚅᚐ brana = crow, raven
Old Irish (Goídelc)	bran [bran] = crow, raven
Irish (Gaeilge)	bran = raven
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	bran [bran] = raven (corvus corax)
Proto-Brythonic	*bran = crow, raven
Welsh (Cymraeg)	brân [braːn] = crow, rook, raven; warrior; crowbar branos = little crows, young crows; warriors cigfran = raven
Cornish (Kernewek)	bran [bɹæːn] = crow branvras = raven
Breton (Brezhoneg)	bran = raven, crow

Old Irish (Goídelc)	fennóc = a scald; royston crow (hooded crow)
Irish (Gaeilge)	feannóg = (hooded) crow (corvus cornix)
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	feannag [fjan̪ˠag] = crow, rook
Manx (Gaelg)	fannag = crow, crake

Proto-Celtic	*wesākos = raven, grebe
Old Irish (Goídelc)	fiach, fíach [fʲi.əx] = raven
Irish (Gaeilge)	fiach [ˈfʲiəx] = raven
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	fitheach [fi.əx] = raven
Manx (Gaelg)	feeagh = crake, raven
Welsh (Cymraeg)	gwyach [ɡʊɨ̯.aχ /ɡʊi̯.aχ] = grebe

Proto-Celtic	*kū = dog, wolf
Gaulish	cuna = dog
Primitive Irish	ᚉᚒᚅᚐ (cuna) = hound, wolf
Old Irish (Goídelc)	cú [kuː] = dog
Irish (Gaeilge)	cú [kuː] = dog, hound, greyhound; wolf; hero, champion
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	cù [kuː] = dog, canine
Manx (Gaelg)	coo [kuː] = dog, cur, hound, wolf-dog
Proto-Brythonic	ki [kiː] = dog
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	ci / ki = dog
Welsh (Cymraeg)	ci [kiː] = dog, hound, cur
Old Cornish	ci = dog
Cornish (Kernewek)	ki [kiː] = dog
Middle Breton	ci / qui = dog
Breton (Brezhoneg)	ki [kiː] = dog

Old Irish (Goídelc)	madrad, matrad = dog
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	matad = common dog, cur
Irish (Gaeilge)	madra [ˈmˠad̪ˠɾˠə] / madadh [ˈmˠad̪ˠə / ˈmˠad̪ˠu] = dog, cur
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	madadh [madəɣ] = dog, mastiff
Manx (Gaelg)	moddey [ˈmɔːðə] = dog, tyke
Welsh (Cymraeg)	madyn / madog = fox

Old Irish (Goídelc)	gagar [ɡaɣər] = beagle, hunting dog
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	gadar = beagle, hunting dog
Irish (Gaeilge)	gadhar [ɡəiɾˠ] = (hunting) dog, harrier, beagle, cur
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	gadhar [gɤ.ər] = lurcher, mastiff, greyhound

Proto-Celtic	*kulēnos = whelp
Old Irish (Goídelc)	cuilén [ˈkulʲeːn] = puppy, cub, kitten
Irish (Gaeilge)	coiléan [kɪˈlʲaːn̪ˠ] = pup, cub, whelp; youth, scion; trickster
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	cuilean [kulan] = puppy, whelp; cub; seal pup; darling, dear; short/small bone
Manx (Gaelg)	quallian = puppy
Welsh (Cymraeg)	colwyn [kiː] = whelp, puppy, cub; lap-dog; spaniel
Old Cornish	coloin = puppy
Cornish (Kernewek)	kolen [ˈkɔlɪn] = puppy, cub
Breton (Brezhoneg)	kolen = puppy, fawn, rabbit

Old Irish (Goídelc)	cana [ˈkana] = cub, puppy
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	cana [ˈkana] = cub, puppy
Irish (Gaeilge)	cana [ˈkanˠə] = cub, whelp; bardic poet of fourth order
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	cana [kanə] = puppy, whelp
Welsh (Cymraeg)	cenau / cenaw = cub, whelp, puppy, kitten; son, descendant, scion, young warrior; knave, imp, rascal; catkin, cat’s tail