FYI

I am not including names deriving from, or places in, England/English language, simply because the category would be way too vast. This site is devoted to the origins and meanings of names found in Scotland, Ireland, the Isle of Man, Wales, Cornwall, and Brittany.

Q: I don't see a name I'm looking for, why?

A: Yes, the site is extensive to a degree, but it is far from inclusive and complete. I am appreciative of any information on names I have, or don't. Please do not take it as a personal affront if a name is missing, it only means I haven't come across it.

Q: I'm searching for family...

A: Try the genealogy links. This is NOT a genealogy website, this site has to do with the meaning of Celtic names, not the searches for family.

Q: What does my name/this name mean?

A: Bluntly ... look it up. If you haven't looked, then you don't even know if I have included it. They are all in alphabetical order. If you don't see it, then by all means, post the question at the forum. And if still no one can help, broaden your search. This is even easier now with the search utility.

Q: Is this name Scottish or Irish?

A: Most times, it's hard to say. Because of all the cross-emigration between Scotland and Ireland and other Celtic regions - for whatever reason (famine, persecution, etc.) - there is no way to say that any one name is purely one or the other. Obviously, clan names are probably rooted in Scotland. There is a common misconception that Mac/Mc names are Scottish and O' names are Irish. At one time perhaps, but not anymore. Now, it's more of Mac/Mc could have originated in Scotland, O's in Ireland. If you're not sure, and you don't know a lot about your family history, you'll have a hard time pinpointing the origin.

Q: I don't want to be "grandma/pa/etc.", what should my grandson/daughter call me?

A: I only have Irish and Scots Gaelic at the moment:
Grandmother is seanmháthair (SHAN-maw-hir) in Irish; shaenmhair (hennaver) in Scots; granny is Mamó (MA-moe) in Irish.
Grandfather is seanáthair (SHAN-awe-hir) in Irish; sheanair (hennair) in Scots; grandpa is Daideó (DA-doe) in Irish.

Q: Why doesn't a page fully load?

A: If you are closing the pop-up ad, or sometimes starting to scroll down the page, before a page has fully loaded, the page will discontinue loading. For best results, it seems you need to let the pop-up stay open until done. In most cases, that should resolve non-loading problems.

Q: What is the difference between Gaelic and Celtic?

A: I feel that Celtic (kel-tic) is more of a culture now than it used to be. What used to be the Celtic language has developed into regional languages of Scotland, Ireland, Wales, Brittany, the Isle of Man, and Cornwall. The Celts were an ancient people who settled in Britain before the Romans. Gaelic pertains mainly to Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig); Irish Gaelic (Gaelige) is also Gaelic language, but is usually referred to as "Irish" or the "Irish Language." Manx and Cornish are also forms of the Gaelic language. Welsh, however, while having a Gaelic feel close to that of Cornish, belongs to the Brythonic Celtic linguistical family, not the Goydelic (Gaelic).

"Scottish Gaelic is one of six modern Celtic languages. The Celtic languages fall into two groups: Gaelic and British. Scottish Gaelic, Irish and Manx belong to the Gaelic group and Welsh, Breton and Cornish to the British group. Cornish and Manx have, however, come close to extinction this century. Like most other European languages including English, French and Russian, the Celtic languages belong to the Indo-European family of languages, and older versions of the modern Celtic languages were spoken in a large part of Europe at the height of Celtic civilisation." [ * from Teach Yourself Gaelic: a complete course for beginners by Boyd Robertson and Iain Taylor. ]

If you are looking for a "Celtic" name per se, you are probably going to be disappointed. With all the intermingling and branches of languages that developed, very few Celtic names have survived.

Q: What is my name in Gaelic or Celtic?

A: The correct question would be "What is my name in Gaelic?" and specifying which branch of Gaelic. (See the first question.) This makes a difference, because the branches do vary slightly, and generally the fadas go towards the left in Scottish Gaelic (à), and the right in Irish (á). The Celtic names on these pages are of the influence in that country, deriving from Gaelic words. Ex.: Duncan would be Donnchadh; Catherine would be Catrìona.

Q: I'm trying to find information on my family name, can you help?

A: This isn't a genealogical site, so not outside what I already have listed. There are literally thousands of genealogy sites on the internet. I think I have sites that can give you a good start on the links page. In most cases, I would probably refer you to one of those links.

Q: How do you say this in Gaelic?

A: I do not speak Gaelic aside from the few words here and there that I've picked up along the way. Slainte mhath ("To your health"), Tapadh leat ("Thanks"), and Ciamar a tha thu? ("How are you?"), exhausts my phrase catalog.

For singular words, search MacBain's Gaelic Dictionary - tip: from the drop-down menu, choose "Word"; and best results may come from using one word at a time. The only drawback is that there are no pronunciations given.

For help from other Gaelic speakers for pronunciations, there is a forum at Gaelic.net.

Q: We're trying to come up with a kennel name/pet name/etc., can you help?

A: Well, I can help give you some help and/or ideas, but I can't name your pet, kennel, horse farm, pet rock.... If it were me trying to name something, I would come up with some descriptive words in English. Does your new puppy have blue eyes? brown hair? dark? Is your farm big? small? beautiful? hilly? Make a list of all the things that describe what you're naming. Then, you can head over to my Descriptive Gaelic page, MacBain's Gaelic Dictionary or the forum at Gaelic.net. Once you have the Gaelic words and pronunciations, choose ones that sound pleasant to you, and don't look too intimidating on paper.

Q: I like this name for an SCA persona, is it a period name?

A: I have no clue. Unless a name says when it originated or was first recorded, I can't help. I don't even know where to start looking, but I've heard that the Oxford Book of First Names is a good source to refer to. Otherwise, I would ask other SCA members if they can offer any research tips.

Q: Is there a symbol which represents my name?

A: I can't help with this either. I have not come across a site that deals with name symbols (for lack of a better term). For names that are also names of Gods and Goddesses (Deirdre, Naoise, Diarmud, Grainne, etc.), they might have symbols relating to them and you would probably have better luck looking at site dealing with Celtic Mythology (I know I have one site linked under Helpful/Information, called Encyclopedia Mythica).

If you come across a site with name symbols, please feel free to pass it on to me....I get so many of these requests, I'd love to have a resource.

Updated 17 August 2001