Darkness

8th October 2024 By Simon

Words for dark, gloom and related things in Celtic languages.

Words marked with a * are reconstructions.

Proto-Celtic	*temeslos = darkness
Old Irish (Goídelc)	teimen = dark, obscure teimel, teimne [ˈtʲeβ̃ʲel] = darkness
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	teim. tem = dark teimen, temen, teimean = dark, obscure teimel, temel, temul = darkness, gloom, dejection, stain, blemish, fault, death
Irish (Gaeilge)	teimheal = darkness, gloom, tarnish, stain, smudge, trace, sign teimhleach = dark, gloomy, tarnished, stained teimhleacht = spottiness, smudigness teimhligh = to darken, obscure, tarnish, stain teimhlitheach = tarnishing, staining teimhneach = dark, opaque teimhneacht = darkness, opacity
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	teamhall [tʲiəv] = slight swoon, stun
Proto-Brythonic	temēl(os) = darkness tɨβ̃uɨl = darkness
Old Welsh (Kembraec)	timuil = darkness, gloom
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	tywyll, tyỽyll = dark, opaque tywyllu, tyỽylla = to make or become dark, darken, make or become blind tewyllvc = to darken, grow dim tyỽyllỽc, tywyllỽc, tywylluc, tywyllwc = darkness, opacity, blindness, dim-sightedness
Welsh (Cymraeg)	tywyll [ˈtəu̯.ɨ̞ɬ/ˈtəu̯.ɪɬ] = dark, opaque, blind, dim (of sight), obscure, neutral, darkness, gloom tywyllu = to make or become dark, darken, make or become blind tywyllhau = to darken, grow dim tywyllwch [ˈtwəɬʊχ/ˈtʊɬʊχ] = darkness, opacity, blindness, dim-sightedness, eclipse
Old Cornish	tiwoulgou = darkness
Middle Cornish (Cernewec)	tewal = dark, dusky, obscure tewlder, tulder = darkness tewolgow, tiwulgou = darkness, obscurity
Cornish (Kernewek)	tewal, tewl = dark, gloomy, murky, sombre tewlder = darkness, gloom tewlhe = to darken tewlwolow = dusk, half-light tewolgow = darkness
Old Breton (Brethonoc)	temoel = dark, gloomy
Middle Breton (Brezonec)	teffoal, teffal, teual = dark, gloomy teffalhat = to darken, obscure
Breton (Brezhoneg)	teñval [ˈtẽː.val] = dark, gloomy, sad, dreary, suspicious, deaf, unintelligible, incomprehensible teñvalaat [tẽvaˈlɑːt] = to darken, obscure teñvalded [tẽˈval.det] = darkness teñvalijenn [tẽ.vaˈliː.ʒɛn] = darkness, shadow teñvalus [tẽˈvaːlys] = dark, obscure, mysterious, sombre

Etymology: from Proto-Indo-European *témHos (darkness), from *temH- (dark) [source]. Words from the same roots include temerity, tenebrous (dark, gloomy, obscure) in English, tamsa (darkness) in Lithuanian, finster (dark, gloomy) and Dämmerung (twilight) in German, tenebre (darkness, obscurity) in Italian, and tiniebla (shadow) in Spanish [source].

Old Irish (Goídelc)	dorchae [ˈdorxɘ] = dark, gloomy, obscure, morose dorchaide = dark, dense dorchatus = darkness
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	dorcha(e) = dark, gloomy, obscure, morose dorchaigid = to grow dark, eclipse, darken, obscure dorchatu, dorchato = darkness
Irish (Gaeilge)	dorcha [ˈd̪ˠɔɾˠəxə] = darkness, obscurity, dark, obscure, blind, secretive dorchacht = dark state, darkness dorchadas = darkness, secrecy, reserve dorchaigh = to darken, become secretive, reserved
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	dorch [dɔrɔx] = dark, black, dusky, mysterious, obscure dorcha [dɔrɔxə] = dark, dusky, sombre, murky dorchadas [dɔrɔxədəs] = darkness, obscurity, mysteriousness dorchaich [dɔrɔxɪç] = darken, make dark
Manx (Gaelg)	doorey = obscurity, shade, eclipse dorraghey = dark, dusk(y), gloomy, enigmatic, mysterious, obscure dorraghys = blackness, darkness, obscurity

Etymology: uncertain [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

Near and Close

9th August 202311th November 2025 By Simon

Words for near, close and and and related things in Celtic languages.

Words marked with a * are reconstructions.

Proto-Celtic	*adgostus = near
Old Irish (Goídelc)	ocus [ˈoɡus] = near, close, nearness, proximity, and
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	ocus, acus = and, near, nearness, proximity com(ḟ)ocus, comacus = near, proximate, neighbouring; equidistant, proximity; relationship focus = near, close bean fagas, bean ḟogas = kinswoman
Irish (Gaeilge)	agus (⁊) [ˈɑɡəsˠ/ˈaɡəsˠ] = and, while, although, as agusóir = halting, inarticulate, speaker aguisín = addition, addendum fogas [ˈfˠʌɡəsˠ] = nearness, closeness, near, close fogasghaol = near relationship, near relative foisceacht = nearness, proximity bráthair fogas = near kinsman
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	agus (⁊) [agəs] = and, plus, as, while, although agusan = Tironian/Gaelic ampersand (⁊) fagas [fagəs] = close, near fagasg [fagəsg] = proximity, nearness fagasachd [fagəsəxg] = adjacency, nearness, proximity fagasach [fagəsəx] = adjacent faisg [faʃgʲ] = close, near faisgead [faʃgʲəd] = degree of nearness/proximity
Manx (Gaelg)	as = and, as faggys = almost, close, contiguous, handy, near, nearby, neighbouring faggys-yalloo = closeup faggysaght = adjacency, nearness
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	agos = near, close agoseieit = close relations or friends
Welsh (Cymraeg)	agos [ˈaɡɔs / ˈa(ː)ɡɔs] = near, close, almost, nearly, on the verge of, about to agosâd = a drawing near, approach agosaf, agosi = to draw near, approach agosaol = approaching agoseiaid = close relations or friends agosiad = close relation or friend agosrwydd = closeness, nearness, proximity agoster = closeness, nearness, proximity
Old Cornish	ogos = near, close
Middle Cornish (CerneweC)	ogas, oges, ogos, agos = near, neighbouring
Cornish (Kernewek)	ogas = adjoining, close, near, almost, nearly, vicinity ogas ha = approximately ogas lowr = approximate yn ogas, en ogas = closely, nearby ogasti, ogatti = almost, nearly
Old Breton	ocos = near, close
Middle Breton (Brezonec)	hogos, hegos, ogos, egos = almost, barely, close, near hogoster, hogosder = proximity hogozik, hogosicq, hogosic = almost, close, near
Breton (Brezhoneg)	hogos = near, close, almost hogosder = proximity

Etymology: from Proto-Celtic *ad- (to, at towards), from Proto-Indo-European *h₂éd (to, at), and PIE *ǵʰes- (hand, to take, give in exchange) [source]. Words from the same PIE roots include chiropractor, host, million, surgeon and words beginning with kilo- and milli- in English [source].

Proto-Celtic	nessais, nezdais = nearer, closer *nessamos = nearest, next
Gaulish	neđđamon = nearest (?)
Old Irish (Goídelc)	nessa [ˈn̠ʲe.sa] = nearer, closer nessam = nearest
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	nes(s)a, nes(s)o, nes(s)u = nearer nes(s)a, nes(s)am = nearest
Irish (Gaeilge)	neas [nʲasˠ / n̠ʲasˠ] = approximate, near neasa = nearer, nearest neasach = proximal neasacht = nearness, proximity neasaigh = approximate
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	neasan† = next, or nearest place
Manx (Gaelg)	niessey = nearer s’niessey = closer, closest, nearer, nearest sniessey = adjacent, nearer, next, proximate niessid = contiguity, nearness, proximity, compactness
Proto-Brythonic	*nes = nearer (?)
Old Welsh (Kembraec)	nes = nearer
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	nes = nearer, until nessaw, nessaf, nesaf = neatest, closest, next (to) nessa, nesa, nessu = to draw near, come nearer, approach, bring near nes(e)d, nesset = as near as, so near, how near nesder = nearness, proximity
Welsh (Cymraeg)	nes [neːs] = nearer, until, till nesâd = an approach(ing), a coming nesaf = nearest, closest, next (to) nesaf, nesu, nesyd = to draw near, come nearer, approach, bring near nesed = as near as, so near, how near nester = nearness, proximity
Old Cornish	nes = nearer, near
Middle Cornish (CerneweC)	nes, nês = nearer, near, again neshevin = neighbour nessa = nearest, next, hithermost, second nesse = to draw near, approach
Cornish (Kernewek)	nes = close, nearer yn-nes, en-nes = closer, nearer nesa = to approach nesadow = approachable neshe = to approach, close, near neshevin, neskar = next of kin, relative, cognate nesogas = approximate nessa = nearer, next, second, secondary nester = proximity
Old Breton	nes = close, next nesham = next
Middle Breton (Brezonec)	nes = close, next nessaff = closest, next nessat = to approach, get closer
Breton (Brezhoneg)	nes [ˈneːs] = close, next, intimate nesaat [ne.ˈsɑːt] = to approach, get closer nesadur = approximation nesaek = intimate nesaet = approximate nesañ [ˈnesː.ã] = closest, next, other nesañded = alliance, proximity, genealogy

Etymology: uncertain [source].

Proto-Brythonic	*atkʷe = and
Old Welsh	ha, hac, hay, ac = and
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	ha, a, hac, hay, ac = and
Welsh (Cymraeg)	a, ac [a(k), a(ɡ)] = and, considering, in view of a(c) … a(c) = both … and, not only … but also
Old Cornish	ha = and
Middle Cornish (CerneweC)	ha(g), a = and
Cornish (Kernewek)	ha(g) [ha(ɡ)] = and, plus, while hag erel (h.e.) = etc. hag oll = moreover
Old Breton	a, ha, hac = and
Middle Breton (Brezonec)	ha, hag, ham, haz = and hag all, ha a, hag e-se = etc.
Breton (Brezhoneg)	ha(g) = and hag all (h.a.) = etc.

Etymology: from Proto-Indo-European *h₂ét-kʷe. The Latin word atque (and, yet, nevertheless, as, than) comes from the same root [source].

Sieving Riddles

15th July 20228th April 2026 By Simon

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

Words marked with a * are reconstructions.

Proto-Celtic	*krētros = sieve
Old Irish (Gaoidhealg)	críathar = sieve
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	críathar = sieve, riddle críatharach = marsh, morass, boggy wasteland críathrad = act of winnowing, sifting, riddling críathraid = sifts, riddles, spreads
Irish (Gaeilge)	criathar [ˈcɾʲiəhəɾˠ / ˈcɾʲiːhəɾˠ] = sieve, riddle criathach = pitted, perforated, swampy criathrú = winnowing, sifting, honeycombing criathradóir = winnower, sifter, maker of sieves criathraigh = to sieve, winnow, riddle, sift, honeycomb criathróir = animal surefooted on boggy ground criathar meala = honeycomb criathar mín = fine sieve
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	criathar [krʲiə.ər] = riddle, sieve criathar-tomhais = bushel (measure and implement) criathar-garbh = riddle (implement) criatharair [krʲiəhərɛrʲ] = sieve-maker criathradh [krʲiarəɣ] = (act of) filtering
Manx (Gaelg)	creear = sieve, riddle creearey = sieve, pan, sift, riddle creear meein = fine sieve creear garroo = rough sieve jannoo creear = to honeycomb
Proto-Brythonic	*kruɨdr = wandering, sieve
Old Welsh	cruitr = winnowing shovel
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	cruidir, crwydr = sieve
Welsh (Cymraeg)	crwydr [ˈkrʰʊɨ̯dr̩ / ˈkrʰʊi̯dr̩] = a wandering, a roaming; misfortune, trouble, confusion, rout, dispersion; a straying, aberration, error; winnowing-fan, winnowing-shovel, sieve crwydro = to wander, roam, stroll, gad about, stray, go astray, deviate, digress crwydredig = wandering, vagrant, roving, stray crwydro = barn, granary, farm building crwydrwr = wanderer, vagrant, vagabond, rover, nomad
Old Cornish	croider = sieve, riddle
Middle Cornish	croider, crodar = sieve, riddle
Cornish (Kernewek)	kroder = coarse sieve, strainer, riddle kroder kroghen = bodhrán, hold-all
Old Breton	croitir = sieve, riddle
Middle Breton	croezr = sieve, riddle
Breton (Brezhoneg)	krouer = sieve, riddle, screen krouerañ = to sift, riddle, sieve krouer liammoù = link generator rakkroueriañ = pre-screening

Etymology: from the Proto-Indo-European *krey-trom (sieve) from *krey- (to sift, separate, divide) [source]. Words from the same PIE root include crime, crisis, riddle and secret in English, ceart (right, correct, true) in Irish, and crynu (to tremble, shake) and ergryn (horror, dread) in Welsh [source].

Proto-Celtic	*sītlā = vase
Old Irish (Goídelc)	síthal = bucket síthlaid = to filter, sift, strain soithech = container, vessel
Middle Irish	síthal, sitheal = a vessel for drawing water, a bucket síthlaid, síthlaigid, síthóilid = to strain, filter, sift, scour, sweep across, flow away, melt soithech, soitheach = vessel, container (for liquids), blood vessel, boat
Irish (Gaeilge)	síothal [ʃiː(h)ˈl̪ˠɑːn̪ˠ] = vessel for drawing water, pail, bucket (literary) síothlaigh = to strain, filter, drain away, subside, settle, expire, die síothlán = strainer, filter, colander síothlóir = (of person) strainer, filterer (person), weakly, dying person síothlú = filtration, percolation, subsidence, abatement, expiry, death
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	sìol [ʃiəl̪ˠ] = compose, settle, filter, strain sìol(t)achan [ʃiəl̪ˠ(d)əxan] = filter, strainer sìoltag [ʃiəl̪ˠdag] = strainer, filter, sieve sìol(t)an [ʃiəl̪ˠ(d)an] = filter, strainer, sieve sìoltachair [ʃiəl̪ˠdəxɛrʲ] = filter feeder sìoltachadh [ʃiəl̪ˠdəxəɣ] = (act of) filter feeding
Manx (Gaelg)	sheeley = to flow, run, drip, trickle, dribble, seep, oose, filter, strain, drain sheelaghey = to strain off, to filter, to refine, clarification, sober
Proto-Brythonic	sidl, hidl = filter, sieve (?)
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	hidl, hidyl, hityl = filter, strainer, sieve hitler, hidlir, hidlaw = to strain, filter, purify, cleanse, percolate, pour, sprinkle, scatter, sift hidleit, hidlaid = strained, clarified, clear, flowing
Welsh (Cymraeg)	hidl, hiddl = filter, sieve, strainer hidl(i)ad = straining, filtration, percolation hidlai = strainer, filter hidlaid = strained, clarified, clear, flowing hidlo = to strain, filter, purify, cleanse, percolate, pour, sprinkle, scatter, sift hidlwr, hidlydd = strainer, filter
Cornish (Kernewek)	sidhel [ˈɹɔːz] = filter, strainer, colander sidhla = to filter, strain, sift, sieve, percolate, purify, cleanse
Middle Breton (Brezonec)	sizl = filter, strainer sila, sizla = to filter
Breton (Brezhoneg)	sil [siːl] = filter, strainer silad = filtrate, grout siladenn = filtering siladur = filtering, filtration silañ = to filter silerezh = filtering, percolation

Etymology: possibly from Proto-Indo-European *seh₁- (to impress, insert, sow, plant), and influenced by Latin situla (a vessel used to hold water, a voting urn, basin, jar) [source]. Words from the same PIE root include siets (sieve, sifter) in Latvian, sito (sieve, filter) in Polish, (to) sow, season, seminar and seed in English, zaaian (to sow, plant seed, spread) in Dutch, sold (sieve) in Danish [source].

Old Irish (Goídelc)	scacaid = to filter, sift, strain
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	scacaid, scacad, sgacadh = to strain, filter, sift, purify
Irish (Gaeilge)	scag = to strain, filter, drain off, refine, sift, screen, derive, spring (from a source) scagach = permeable, porour, thin, flimsy, sparse scagachán = filtration scagacht = porosity scagadh = filtration, refinement, assortment, critical examination scagaire = filter, screen, filterer, sifter, refiner scagaireacht = (act of) filtering, sifting, refining
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	sgag [sgag] = split, crack, chap

Etymology: possibly from Old Norse [source].

Proto-Celtic	*wokro- = (?)
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	goger, gogr, gogyr = sieve, riddle, screen, strainer
Welsh (Cymraeg)	gogr [ˈɡɔɡɔr / ˈɡoːɡɔr] = sieve, riddle, screen, strainer gogrwr, gogrydd = sieve-maker, sifter gogru [ˈɡɔɡrɨ̞ / ˈɡɔɡri] = to sieve, sift

Etymology: from PIE *sker- (to separate, cut off) [source].

Corners

2nd February 202221st April 2026 By Simon

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

Words marked with a * are reconstructions.

Proto-Celtic	*kūlos = corner
Old Irish (Goídelc)	cúl [kuːl] = back, rear iarcúl = remote place
Irish (Gaeilge)	cúl [kuːlˠ] = back, reserve, support, rear, reverse (of coin), counter cúlaí = back (in rugby, etc) cúlaigh = to back, move back, reverse, retreat cúláire = recess, nook, back of throat cúlaistín = backer, henchman cúlsráid = back street iargcúil = remote corner, backward, out-of-the-way place, isolated
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	cùl [kuːl̪ˠ] = back, hind part, tress, shadow cùl-fraon = background cùl-chainnt = backbiting, slander, defamation, calumny cùl-taic = patron, supporter, patronage, support, (military) reserves cùl-shràid = back street
Manx (Gaelg)	cooyl = back, behind, astern, reverse cooyl-charrey = backer cooyl-eaishtagh = to eavesdrop cooyl-pholt(al) = backfire cooyl-raad = back street
Proto-Brythonic	*kil = corner, angle
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	kil = corner, angle
Welsh (Cymraeg)	cil [kiːl] = corner, angle, back, nape of the neck, retreat, flight, recess, covert, nook, eclipse, wane cilaidd = retiring, elusive, furtive cilio = to retreat, withdraw, depart, recede, retire, pass away
Old Cornish	chil = back
Cornish (Kernewek)	kil = back, nape of the neck, book, reverse kilans = recession kilden = retreat kildenna / kildedna = to back off, withdraw kildennans / kildednans = withdrawal
Breton (Brezhoneg)	kil = back, reverse, lapel, neck, heel kiladenn = reverse kilañ = to return kilober = feedback kilseller = retrospective

Etymology: from the Proto-Indo-European *(s)kewH-lo-, from *(s)kewH- (to cover, conceal, hide). The English words such as hide, hose, house and sky come from the same PIE root [source].

Proto-Celtic	kernā = corner, angle Kornowī = Cornwall (“people of the horn”)
Old Irish (Goídelc)	cern = angle, corner cernach = angular
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	cern = angle, corner, recess, swelling cernach = angular, having corners
Irish (Gaeilge)	cearn [caːɾˠn̪ˠ] = corner, angle, (geographical) quarter cearnach = angular, square, quadratic cearnacht = squareness cearnaigh = to square cearnóg = square
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	ceàrn [kʲaːr̪ˠn̪ˠ] = corner, area, district, part, region, quarter, square / rectangular container, angle ceàrnach [kʲaːr̪ˠn̪ˠəx] = square ceàrnagaichte [kʲaːr̪ˠn̪ˠagɪçdʲə] = squared ceàrnaichte [kʲaːr̪ˠn̪ʲɪçdʲə] = angled
Proto-Brythonic	kern = side, corner (?) Körnɨw = Cornwall, Cornouaille
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	cern, kern = side, corner Kernyw = Cornwall Kerniweg = Cornish (language)
Welsh (Cymraeg)	cern = cheek-bone, side of the head, side (of hill, mountain, etc), exposed slope, corner cernio, cernu = to slap or smack on the cheek, to butt cerniog = having prominent cheek-bones, whiskered Cernyw = Cornwall Cernyweg = Cornish (language)
Middle Cornish (Cernewec / Kernuak)	corn = horn, trumpet, corner Kernow = Cornwall
Cornish (Kernewek)	korn = horn, corner kornel = small corner, recess kornella = to corner kornet = nook Kernow [ˈkɜːnəʊ] = Cornwall Kernewek, Kernowek [kɛrˈnɛwɛk / kərˈnuːɐk] = Cornish
Middle Breton (Brezonec)	quern, quernn, quern = peak, the top of the head Querne(au) = Cornouaille
Breton (Brezhoneg)	kern [kɛrn] = summit, peak, point, tonsure, hopper, crest Kernev(-veur) = Cornwall Kerne(v) = Cornouaille (historic region in western Brittany, also known as Bro-Gernev in Breton) Kernneveg = Cornish (language)

Etymology: from Proto-Indo-European *ḱerh₂- (head, top, horn) [source]. Words from the same roots possibly include cerebral (relating to the brain, intellectual), hart (male deer) and hornet in English, cerebro (brain, nerd) in Spanish, hirvas (reindeer, stag) in Finnish, kráva (cow) in Czech, and carn (hoof, handle, hilt) in Welsh [source].

Words for Cornish in the Goidelic languages ultimately come from the same roots, but via Latin cornū (horn, antler, tusk) rather than Proto-Celtic.

Stony Rocks

14th July 202130th April 2026 By Simon

Words for rocks and stones in Celtic languages.

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

Etymology: unknown [source].

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

River Mouths

8th July 202122nd June 2025 By Simon

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

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

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

Proto-Celtic	*eni-berom = carrying in
Old Irish (Goídelc)	*in(d)ber = river mouth
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	inber, indber, inbir = rivermouth
Irish (Gaeilge)	inbhear / inbhir [ˈabˠəɾˠ] = river mouth, estuary, firth inbhearach = having many estuaries
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	inbhir [in̪ʲɪrʲ] = estuary, river mouth, (internet) feed
Manx (Gaelg)	inver = estuary, river mouth

Etymology: from the Proto-Celtic *eni- (in) and *beros (bearer, flow), from Proto-Indo-European *bʰer- (to bear, carry) [source].

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

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

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

More details of placenames featuring Aber and Inver.

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

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

Words marked with a * are reconstructions.

Deer

7th April 20209th November 2025 By Simon

Words for deer in Celtic languages. There were several different words for deer in Proto-Celtic: *wēdus, *karwos, *ellan(t)ī-, *danī- and *yorkos, and also *sidos (stag). They may have referred to different types of deer, but it is not certain which types, apart from *yorkos, which is a roe deer.

Words marked with a * are reconstructions.

Proto-Celtic	*wēdus [ˈweː.dus] = wild
Old Irish (Goídelc)	fíad [fʲiːa̯ð] = wild animals, game, especially deer
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	fíad, fiad = wild animals, game, esp. deer fíadamail = deer-like, wild, uncultivated
Irish (Gaeilge)	fia [fʲiə] = deer
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	fiadh [fiəɣ] = deer fiadhach [iə.əx] = deer hunting, venision, wildness, wilderness fiadhachadh = deer hunting
Manx (Gaelg)	feeaih, feeaïh = deer, hart feeaihagh = deer hunting feeaihaght = deer hunt

Etymology: from the Proto-Indo-European *weydʰ- (wood, wilderness) [source].

Proto-Celtic	*karwos = deer, stag
Gaulish	*caruus, carvos, caruos** = deer
Old Irish (Goídelc)	carbh = deer
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	cairrḟiad, cairrfiadh = stag
Irish (Gaeilge)	carria / cairrfhiadh = deer, stag
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	cair-fhiadh / carbh-fheadh = hart, stag
Manx (Gaelg)	çharroo, charroo = stag
Proto-Brythonic	*karw = deer, stag
Old Welsh	*caru = deer
Middle Welsh (kymraec)	caru, carv, keyru, carw, karw = deer, hart, stag carwaidd = having the attributes of a stag, pertaining to a stag, noble, wise carwnaid, karwnaid = stag’s leap, a great leap
Welsh (Cymraeg)	carw [ˈkaru / ˈkaːru] = deer, hart, stag; lord, nobleman, patron carw coch / carw rhudd = red deer, stag carw Llychlyn = reindeer carwfarch = camel, elephant carwfil = stag, camel
Old Cornish	caruu = stag
Middle Cornish	carow = stag
Cornish (Kernewek)	karow = stag, buck, hart, stag karow ergh = caribou, reindeer karow rudh = red deer
Middle Breton	caro, carv, caru = deer
Breton (Brezhoneg)	karv [ˈkarw / ˈkɑːro] = deer, roe deer, red deer karv-erc’h = caribou, reindeer karvez = doe karvig = fawn karvken = deer hide

Etymology: from Proto-Indo-European *ḱerh₂wós, from *ḱerh₂- (horn) [source].

Proto-Celtic	*sidos = stag
Old Irish (Goídelc)	séd = deer
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	ség, ség, sedh = deer
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	hit, hyd, hed, hydd = stag, hart hyddgarw, hawddgar = stag, deer, lord, patron, wise leader, horse hyddgen, hydgen = deer-skin, buckskin hyddgi = buck-hound, stag-hound, greyhound
Welsh (Cymraeg)	hydd = stag, hart hyddaidd = having the attributes of a stag, cervine hyddgarw = stag, deer, lord, patron, wise leader, horse hyddgen, hyddgroen = deer-skin, buckskin hyddgi = buck-hound, stag-hound, greyhound hyddgig = venison
Cornish (Kernewek)	hedh = buck, hart, stag
Old Breton (Brethonoc)	hed = deer, fallow deer
Middle Breton (Brezonec)	heizes, eizec = doe, hind
Breton (Brezhoneg)	heizez = doe, hind heizezig = darling

Etymology: uncertain

Proto-Celtic	ellan(t)ī- / agliones = deer
Old Irish (Goídelc)	ag [aɣ] = bullock, cow, ox, deer, stag
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	ag, agh = cow, ox, deer, stag
Irish (Gaeilge)	agh = cow, ox agh alla = deer agh dára = cow, ox
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	agh [ɤɣ] = heifer, hind
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	eilon, eilion = deer, hart, stag
Welsh (Cymraeg)	eil(i)on = deer, hart, stag

Etymology: possible from the same root as the English word eland (a type of antelope found in South Africa), which from the Dutch eland (elk), from the Old High German elent.

Proto-Celtic	*ou̯ījkā = ?
Gaulish	cerua = ?
Old Welsh	eguic = hind, deer
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	eguic, euic, euychet, euchyc, ewic, ewig = deer, hart, stag ewigaidd = pertaining to hind(s), hind-like
Welsh (Cymraeg)	ewig = hind, doe, roe; graceful light-footed woman; deer, hart ewigfa = deer-park
Old Cornish	euhic = hind, deer
Middle Cornish (Cernewec)	ewic, euhic, ewig = hind, deer
Cornish (Kernewek)	ewik = deer, doe, hind ewik ergh = caribou, reindeer ewik gowr = elk, moose ewik rudh = red deer

Etymology: possibly from the Proto-Indo-European *h₂ówis (sheep) [source]

Proto-Celtic	*yorkos = roebuck, deer
Gaulish	iorkos, iorcos = deer
Proto-Brythonic	*jorx = deer, stag
Welsh (Cymraeg)	iwrch [jʊrχ] = roe-deer, roebuck
Old Cornish	yorch = roe-deer
Middle Cornish (Cernewec)	iorch, yorch = roe buck iorches = roe deer
Cornish (Kernewek)	yorgh = roe deer yorghes = (female) roe deer
Old Breton	iorch = roe deer
Middle Breton (Brezonec)	yourch = roe deer
Breton (Brezhoneg)	yourc’h [ˈjurx] = roe deer, venison, intrepid boy, wild yourc’hez = (female) roe deer

Etymology: from the Proto-Indo-European *york- (antelope, gazelle) [source].

Proto-Celtic	*danī- = deer
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	danys, danas = deer, fallow deer
Welsh (Cymraeg)	danas, danys, daenas [ˈdanas] = deer, fallow deer
Middle Breton (Brezonec)	dem = deer, fallow deer
Breton (Brezhoneg)	demm = deer, fallow deer

Etymology: related to the French daim (hind, doe), from the Latin dāma (fallow deer, buck, doe) [source]

Birch (trees)

9th September 201929th August 2025 By Simon

Words for birch (genus Betula) in Celtic languages.

Words marked with a * are reconstructions.

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

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

Oak (trees)

21st August 201923rd November 2024 By Simon

Words for oak (tree) and related things in Celtic languages.

Words marked with a * are reconstructions.

Proto-Celtic	*daru [d̪ˠaɾʲ] = oak
Gaulish	Dervo = used in placenames
Old Irish (Goídelc)	dair [d̪ˠaɾʲ] = oak
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	dair, daur = an oak, the letter D in the Ogham alphabet (ᚇ) dairbre, dairbhre = an oak, oakling, a grove of oak grees, an oak wood dairde, daurde = oaken dair-ḟid, dauruth = an oak wood
Irish (Gaeilge)	dair [d̪ˠaɾʲ] = oak, the letter D in the Ogham alphabet (ᚇ) dairbhre = oaks, oak-grove daireach = planted with / full of oaks doire [ˈd̪ˠɛɾʲə] = oak-wood; wood, grove, thicket
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	dair [darʲ] = oak (archaic), the letter D, ᚛ᚇ᚜ in Ogham dairbhre = oak, nursery or grove of oaks darach [darəx] = oak, oaken, made of oak; ship (poetic) darag [darag] = small/dwarf oak, stunted/branchy tree (which is not useable for working)
Manx (Gaelg)	darragh = oak, oaken, oak grove, oak wood darrag = oak, beam, cast (fishing), snood, hairline darree = oak
Proto-Brythonic	*dar [ˈdar] = oak tree
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	dar, dâr = oak derwd(y) = oak house, oratory, prayer house, coffin derwin, deruin = make of oak, oaken, abounding in oaks, strong, robust, oak timber
Welsh (Cymraeg)	dâr [ˈdaːr] = oak tree, foremost warrior, leader, mighty lord derw = oak trees derwen [ˈdɛrwɛn] = oak tree derwin = make of oak, oaken, abounding in oaks, strong, robust, oak timber der(w)lwyn = oak grove, oak wood
Old Cornish	dar = oak
Middle Cornish (Cernewec)	dar = an oak
Cornish (Kernewek)	dar [daːr / dæːr] = oak derwen = oak tree derw = oak trees
Old Breton	daeru = oaks
Middle Breton (Brezonec)	deru = oaks
Breton (Brezhoneg)	dar [dɑːr] = oak derv [ˈdɛrw/ˈdɛː.ro] = oaks dervenneg = with oak trees dervoed [dɛʁwət] = oak grove, oak wood

Etymology: from the Proto-Indo-European *dóru (tree) [source].

Words from the same Proto-Celtic root possibly include làrix (larch) in Catalan, lariks (larch) in Dutch learag (larch) in Scottish Gaelic, larch in English, Lärche (larch) in German, and lærk (larch) in Danish [source].

Words from the same PIE root include δόρυ (dóry – spear) in Greek, dervà (tar, resin) in Lithuanian terva (tar) in Finnish, dearbh (sure, certain) in Irish, tree, trim, and trough, true in English, and trä (wood) in Swedish [source].

Proto-Celtic	*tannos = green oak
Gaulish	*tannos = oak
Old Irish (Goídelc)	tinne = holly, elder
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	tinne = holly, elder, the letter t in the Ogham alphabet (ᚈ)
Irish (Gaeilge)	tinne = the letter t in the Ogham alphabet (ᚈ)
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	teine/tinne [tʲenə] = gorse, whin, furze (archaic), the letter t (ᚈ) in Ogham
Welsh (Cymraeg)	taneru, tener(i)o = to tan (hide) tanerdy = tannery tanerwr = tanner (of hides)
Old Cornish	tannen = oak (?)
Middle Cornish (Cernewec)	tonnen = bark glastanen, glastennen, glastan = (scarlet) oak
Cornish (Kernewek)	glastanen gelyn = holly/holm oak glastanen gork = cork oak
Middle Breton (Brezonec)	glastann(enn) = holm oak(s)
Breton (Brezhoneg)	tann [tānː] = sessile oaks tannañ = to tan glastann = holm oaks

Note: the Welsh words were borrowed from English tanner, which ultimately comes from Proto-Celtic *tannos, via French, Latin and Gaulish.

Etymology: from Proto-Celtic *(s)tannos, the Proto-Indo-European *(s)dʰnwos/*(s)dʰonu (fir). Words from the same Proto-Celtic roots, via Gaulish and Latin tannum (oak bark), include tan (pulped oak bark used in the tanning process of leather) in French, tano (stem, slip) in Galician, tanería (tannery), Tannenbaum (fir tree, Christmas tree) in German, θάμνος (thámnos – bush) in Greek, and tan, tannery, tannin (tannic acid) in English.

Words from the same PIE roots include thanë (cranberry bush) in Albanian, and धनु (dhanu – bow) in Sanskrit. [source].

Death

8th July 201929th November 2024 By Simon

Words for death and related things in Celtic languages.

Words marked with a * are reconstructions.

Proto-Celtic	bāstom / bāssom = death bayeti = to die batom = death, pestilence dībatom = extinction, extinguisment
Gaulish	dib = ?
Old Irish (Goídelc)	bás [baːs] = death baïd [ˈba.əðʲ] = to die bath = death díbad = extinction, quenching, estate of deceased
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	bás(a), báas = death básaid, basat = to kill, put to death básaigid, bäsaiged = to kill put to death, slay básaire = executioner básamuil = mortal bath, baath, báth = death, destruction díbad, dibud, dibath = destruction, extinction, quenching
Irish (Gaeilge)	bás [bˠɑːsˠ / bˠæːsˠ] = death básachán = dying, feeble, creature básadóir = executioner básaigh = to put to death, execute, die básmhaireacht = mortality básmhar = mortal básúil = deathlike, deadly díobhadh = elimination, extinction díobhaí = without issue, extinct
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	bàs [baːs] = death, fatality, decease, demise bàsachadh [baːsəxəɣ] = (act of) dying, expiring bàsail [baːsal] = deadly, fatal, death-like bàsaire [baːsɪrʲə] = executioner bàsmhor [baːs(v)ər] = mortal, deadly, fatal, lethal bàsmhorach [baːsvərəx] = mortal bàsmhorachd [baːsvərəxg] = mortality, deadliness, lethalness diobhadh† = destruction, death, inheritance
Manx (Gaelg)	baase [bɛːs] = death baasoil = deadly, deathlike, fatal baasoiley = deadly baasoilid = deadliness, mortality
Proto-Brythonic	*bad = ?
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	bad, bat = plague, pestilence, death
Welsh (Cymraeg)	bad = plague, pestilence, death
Old Cornish	badus = lunatic
Middle Cornish (Cernewec)	badus = lunatic
Cornish (Kernewek)	badus = lunatic
Old Breton (Brethonoc)	bat = ?
Middle Breton (Brezonec)	bad(ou) = dizziness badet = dazzled
Breton (Brezhoneg)	bad [bɑːt] = daze badañ = to daze badet = stupefied

Etymology: from the Proto-Indo-European *gʷeh₂- (to go, step, stand) [source].

Proto-Celtic	marwos = dead marwāti = to die, kill marwonatus, marwonatā = elegy, eulogy
Gaulish	*maruos = dead
Old Irish (Goídelc)	marb = dead; mortified, insensible, spiritually dead; inanimate; stagnant (water) marbaid = to die, kill marbán = corpse, dead person marbdae = mortal, lifeless, inanimate mart = death, dead animal, slaughtered cow or ox
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	marb = dead (person), mortal, mortified, insensible, spiritually dead, dying, lifeless, unconscious marbaid = to kill, slay marbnad, marbna, marbnadh = elegy
Irish (Gaeilge)	marbh [ˈmˠɑɾˠəvˠ / ˈmˠarˠuː / ˈmˠarˠu] = dead person, death, defunct marbhán = dead person, corpse, lethargic person, sultry weather marbhánta = lifeless, spirtless, lethargic, dull, stagnant, airless, sultry, oppressive marbhlann = morgue marbhna = elegy marfach = killing, slaying, carnage, slaughter, deadly, fatal, lethal marfóir = killer
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	marbh [marav] = dead person, the dead marbhach [maravəx] = deadly, mortal marbhachadh [maravəxəɣ] = (act of) killing marbhadair, marbhaiche = killer, slayer, murderer marbhadh [maravəɣ] = (act of) killing marbhan [maravan] = corpse marbhrann [maravrən] = elegy
Manx (Gaelg)	marroo = dead, lifeless, inanimate, glassy (look), muggy, dull, dud, stagnant, defunct, mortified, slaughtered, departed, deceased, killed, extinct marrooagh = deadly, fatal, lethal, overpowering, internecine marvaanagh = mortal, earthborn, fatal, vile merriu = (the) dead, dead men, departed souls
Proto-Brythonic	marw = dead marwọd [marˈwɔːd] = to die *marwnad = elegy (?)
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	marw, maru = dead, deceased, inanimate, spiritually dead maru, merwi, marw = to die, expire, cease to exist, vanish, fade away marwnad, marwnat = elegy, dirge, funeral song, epitaph marwavl, marwawl, marwol = mortal, transitory, transient
Welsh (Cymraeg)	marw = dead, deceased, inanimate, spiritually dead, insensible, lifeless, dull, languid marwolaeth = death, decease, demise; suffering, tribulation; deadly plague or pestilence, fatal disease marw(af), merwi = to die, expire, cease to exist, vanish, fade away marwaidd = lifeless, languid, torpid, listless, dull, slugglish, drowsy, numb marwnad [ˈmar.(w)nad] = elegy, dirge, funeral song, epitaph marwol = mortal, transitory, transient
Middle Cornish (Cernewec)	marow = dead, deceased, lifeless marwel, merwel = to die, become lifeness
Cornish (Kernewek)	marow = dead (person), switched off marwel = mortal marwostel = mortgage marwostla = to mortgage mernans = death merwel = to decease, die, pass away
Middle Breton (Brezonec)	marf, maru = death maruel = mortal meruell, meruel = to die
Breton (Brezhoneg)	marv [mɑːro/ˈmarw] = death marvedigezh = extinction marvel = mortal marvelezh = mortality marvenn = necrosis marveenniñ = to necrotize, become gangrenous marvus = mortal, perishable mervel [mɛr.vɛl] = to die, pass away, become insensible, extinguish

Etymology: from Proto-Indo-European *mr̥wós (dead), from *mer- (to die, disappear) [source]. Words from the same roots include morbid, moribund, mortal, mortgage, murder, nightmare and postmortem in English, мереть (to die, stand still, sink) in Russian, mìrt (to die, stop working) in Latvian, and mir̃ti (to die) in Lithuanian [source].

Proto-Celtic	*ankus = death
Old Irish (Goídelc)	éc = death
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	éc, ec = death
Irish (Gaeilge)	éag = Death, numbness, powerlessness éagach = deceased (person) éagbhás = dead-and-alive person éaglach = (state of) extinction, death éagmhar = fatal, causing death
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	eug [eːg] = death, Death, ghost, spectre eug-lios = burial ground, churchyard, cemetery eugach [iəgəx] = deathly, death-like, ghastly eugachdainn [eːgəxgɪnʲ] = (act of) perishing, giving up the ghost eugail [iəgal] = deathly, death-like, ghastly
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	agheu, angheu, aghev = death, decease, demise
Welsh (Cymraeg)	angau = death, decease, demise, annihilation, cessation, mortal danger
Old Cornish	ancou = death
Middle Cornish (Cernewec)	ancow = death
Cornish (Kernewek)	ankow = death
Old Breton (Brethonoc)	ancou = Death
Middle Breton (Brezonec)	ancou, ancquou, anquou = Death
Breton (Brezhoneg)	ankoù [ˈãŋkow/ˈãŋku] = Death, skeleton

Etymology: from Proto-Indo-European *neḱ- (to perish, disappear). Words from the same PIE roots include innocent, necropolis, nectar, noxious and nuisance in English, nuocere (to harm, injure, damage) in Italian, nuire (to harm, spoil) in French, anegar (to inundate, flood, drown) in Spanish, éacht (slaying, slaughter, feat, exploit) in Irish, aeth (pain, woe, grief, sorrow) in Welsh, and related words in the other Celtic languages [source].

Celtiadur

Exploring connections between Celtic languages

Tag: Cornish

Darkness

Near and Close

Sieving Riddles

Corners

Stony Rocks

River Mouths

Deer

Birch (trees)

Oak (trees)

Death