Scottish Gaelic place names
The following place names are either derived from Scottish Gaelic or have Scottish Gaelic equivalents:
Endonyms
[edit]Scotland
[edit]The place type in the list for Scotland records all inhabited areas as City. According to British government definitions, there are only eight Scottish cities;[1] they are Aberdeen, Dundee, Dunfermline, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Inverness, Perth and Stirling. The other locations may be described by such terms as town, burgh, village, hamlet, settlement, estate depending on their size and administrative status. Many other smaller settlements have been described as cities traditionally.
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English | Scottish Gaelic | Place type | Notes | |
Name | Meaning | |||
Aberarder | Obar Àrdair | City[clarification needed] | ||
Aberchalder | Obar Chaladair | City | ||
Aberchirder | Obar Chiardair | City | ||
Aberdeen | Obar Dheathain | Estuary of the River Don | City | |
Aberdeenshire | Siorrachd Obar Dheathain | County | ||
Aberdour | Obar Dobhair | City | ||
Aberfeldy | Obar Pheallaidh | City | ||
Aberfoyle | Obar Phuill | City | ||
Aberlemno | Obar Leamhnach | Estuary of the Lemno Burn (the burn of elm trees) | City | |
Aberlour | Obar Lobhair | City | ||
Abhainn a' Ghlinne Mhòir | Abhainn a' Ghlinne Mhòir | River of the great valley | River | |
Aboyne | Abèidh | Rippling Ford | City | |
Abriachan | Obar Itheachan | City | ||
Acha | An t-Achadh | The field | City | |
Achachork | Achadh a' Choirce | Field of oats | City | |
Achahoish | Achadh a’ Chòis | City | ||
Achanalt | Achadh nan Allt | Field of the stream | City | |
Achandunie | Achadh an Dùnaidh | City | ||
Acharacle | Àth Tharracail | Torquil's ford | City | |
Achaphubuil | Achadh a' Phùbaill | Field of the tent | City | |
Achateny | Achadh an Teine | Field of the fire | City | |
Achentoul | Achadh an t-Sabhail | Field of the barn | City | |
Achgarve | An t-Achadh Garbh | The rough field | City | |
Achinahuagh | Achadh na h-Uamha | Field of the cave | City | |
Achintee | Achadh an t-Suidhe | Field of the seat | City | |
Achintraid | Achadh na Tràghad | Field of the shore | City | |
Achindrean | Achadh an Dreaghainn | Field of the thorny bush | City | |
Achininver | Achadh an Inbhir | Field of the estuary | City | |
Achinduich | Achadh an Dabhaich | Field of the pond | City | |
Achnacarry | Achadh na Cairidh | Field of the weir | City | |
Achnaha | Achadh na h-Àtha | Field of the kiln | City | |
Achnahanat | Achadh na h-Annaid | City | ||
Achnagarron | Achadh nan Gearran | Field of the hares | City | |
Achnamara | Achadh na Mara | Field of the ocean | City | |
Achnasaul | Achadh nan Sabhal | Field of the barns | City | |
Achnasheen | Achadh na Sìne | Field of the storm | City | |
Achnashellach | Achadh nan Seileach | Field of the willow trees | City | |
Achriesgill | Achadh Rìdhisgil | City | ||
Achosnich | Achadh Osnaich | City | ||
Achvarasdal | Achadh Bhàrrasdail | City | ||
Achvaich | Achadh a' Bhàthaich | City | ||
Ailsa Craig | Creag Ealasaid | Island | ||
Aird of Kinloch | An Àird | The point | City | |
Airdrie | An t-Àrd Ruigh | City | ||
Alexandria | Am Magh Leamhna, Cathair Alastair | City | ||
Alford | Athfort | City | ||
Alladale River | Abhainn Alladail | River | ||
Alloa | Alamhagh, Allmhagh Mor | City | ||
Alness | Alanais | City | ||
Altnaharra | Allt na h-Eirbhe | Stream of the border wall | City | |
Alva | Allmhagh Beag | City | ||
Alves | An Àbha(i)s | City | ||
Alvie | Albhaidh | City | ||
Alyth | Ailt | City | ||
Amulree | Àth Maol Ruibhe | Ford of St Máel Ruba | City | |
Annan | Inbhir Anainn | City | ||
Annat | An Annaid | City | ||
Angus | Aonghas | Derived from the personal name Aonghas | City | |
Angus | Siorrachd Aonghais | County | Alternative name Forfarshire | |
Appin | An Apainn | City | ||
Arbirlot | Obar Eilid | Estuary of the Elliot Water | City | |
Arbroath | Obar Bhrothaig | Estuary of the Brothock Water | City | |
Ardachu | Àrd Achadh | High field | City | |
Ardalanish | Àird Dealanais | City | ||
Ardanaiseig | Àird an Aiseig | Height of the ferry | City | |
Ardbeg | Àirde Beaga | City | ||
Ardcharnich | Àird Cheatharnaich | City | ||
Ardclach | Àird Chlach | Height of stones | City | |
Ardentinny | Àird an t-Sionnaich/ an Teine | Height of the fox, or height of fire | City | |
Ardfern | Àird Fheàrna | Height of alder trees | City | |
Ardlui | Àird Laoigh | Height of the calves | City | |
Ardrossan | Àird Rosain | City | ||
Ardrishaig | Àird Driseig | City | ||
Ardtun | Àird Tunna | City | ||
Arduaine | An Àird Uaine | The green height | City | |
Argyll | Earra-Ghàidheal | Coastland of the Gaels | County | |
Argyll and Bute | Earra-Ghaidheal agus Bòd | Region | ||
Arinagour | Àirigh nan Gobhar | Shieling of the goats | City | |
Arnprior | Earrann a' Phriair | City | ||
Arrochar | An t-Àrar/ Tairbeart Iar | City | ||
Auchindrain | Achadh an Droighinn | The field of thorns | City | |
Auchinleck | Achadh nan Leac | Field of the stones | City | |
Auchenblae | Achadh nam Blàth | City | ||
Auchterarder | Uachdar Àrdair | City | ||
Aviemore | An Aghaidh Mhòr | The great field | City | |
Ayr | Inbhir Àir | Slaughter estuary | City | |
Ayrshire | Siorrachd Inbhir Àir | County | ||
Badenyon | Bad an Eòin | Jonathan's spot | City | |
Balallan | Baile Ailein | Alan's town | City | |
Baleshare | Baile Sear | East town | Island | |
Ballachulish | Baile a' Chaolais | Town of the narrows | City | |
Ballater | Bealadair | City | ||
Balloch | Bealach | Mountain pass | City | |
Balmedie | Baile Mheadhain | Middle town | City | |
Banchory | Beannchar | City | ||
Banff | Banbh | City | ||
Banffshire | Siorrachd Bhanbh | County | ||
Bannockburn | Allt a' Bhonnaich | City | ||
Barcaldine | Am Barra Calltainn | Hazel Summit | City | |
Barra | (Eilean) B(h)arraigh | Island | ||
Barra Head | Beàrnaraigh | Gaelic translation of the Old Norse name which meant 'Bjorn's Island' | Island | |
Barrhead | Ceann a' Bharra | City | ||
Bearsden | Cille Phàdraig Ùr | New Kilpatrick | City | |
Beauly | A' Mhanachainn | The monastery | City | |
Beinn a' Ghlò | Beinn a' Ghlò | Hill of the Veil or Mist | Mountain | |
Beinn an Lochain | Beinn an Lochain | Mountain of the pond | Mountain | |
Beinn Bheula | Beinn Bheula | Mountain | ||
Beinn Bhuidhe (Glen Fyne) | A' Bheinn Bhuidhe | The yellow mountain | Mountain | |
Beinn Dorain | Beinn Dòbhrain | Otter mountain | Mountain | |
Beinn Lochain | Beinn Lochain | Pond mountain | Mountain | |
Beinn Luibhean | Beinn Luibhean | Mountain | ||
Beinn Narnain | Beinn Narnain | Mountain | ||
Beinn Reithe | Beinn Reithe | Ram mountain | Mountain | |
Beinn Ìme | Beinn Ìme | Mountain | ||
Bellochantuy | Bealach an t-Suidhe | Mountain pass of the seat | City | |
Ben Arthur | Beinn Artair | Mountain | ||
Ben Avon | Beinn Athfhinn | Mountain | ||
Ben Donich | Beinn Dòmhnaich | Mountain of the lord | Mountain | |
Ben Ledi | Beinn Leitir | Mountain of the slope | Mountain | |
Ben Lomond | Beinn Laomainn | Mountain | ||
Ben Lui | Beinn Laoigh | Calf mountain | Mountain | |
Ben Macdui | Beinn Mac Duibh | Mountain | ||
Ben More (Mull) | Beinn Mhòr | Great mountain | Mountain | |
Ben Nevis | Beinn Nibheis | Nevis mountain | Mountain | Nevis has an unknown etymology |
Ben Vane | Beinn Mheadhain | Middle mountain | Mountain | |
Ben Vorlich | Beinn Mhùrlaig | Mountain | ||
Benbecula | Beinn nam Fadhla | Island | ||
Benderloch | Meadarloch | From Beinn Eadar Dà Loch, mountain between two lakes | City | |
Bennachie | Beinn na Cìche | Mountain of the breast | Mountain | |
Berneray (North Uist) | Beàrnaraigh (na Hearadh) | Island | ||
Bervie Water | Uisge Bhiorbhaigh | River | ||
Berwickshire | Siorrachd Bhearaig | County | ||
Binnein an Fhidhleir | Binnein an Fhidhleir | Little peak of the fiddler | Mountain | |
Birnam | Biorman | City | ||
Bishopbriggs | Coille Dobhair | City | ||
Blair Atholl | Blàr Athaill | City | ||
Blairgowrie and Rattray | Blàr Ghobharaidh agus Reatair | City | ||
Bonawe | Bun Abha | River base | City | |
Borders | Na Crìochan | Region | ||
Borrowstounness | Ceann Fhàil | Ditch's end | City | |
Braemar | Bràigh Mhàrr | Big Hill | City | |
Braeriach | (Am) Bràigh Riabhach | Brindled upland | Mountain | |
Brechin | Breichinn | City | ||
Bridge of Allan | Drochaid Alain | City | ||
Bridge of Cally | Drochaid Challaidh | City | ||
Broadford | An t-Àth Leathann | The broad ford, a mistranslation of the Norse name Breiðafjorðr, broad fjord | City | |
Buckie | Bucaidh | City | ||
Burnt Islands | Na h-Eileanan Loisgte | Island | ||
Burntisland | An t-Eilean Loisgte | City | ||
Bunessan | Bun Easain | Base of the little waterfall | City | |
Cairn Gorm | An Càrn Gorm | Mountain | ||
Cairn Toul | Càrn an t-Sabhail | Mountain | ||
Cairnbaan | An Càrn Bàn | City | ||
Cairndow | An Càrn Dubh | City | ||
Cairngorms | Am Monadh Ruadh | The red moor | Mountain | |
Cairnwell Pass | Càrn a' Bhailg | Pass | ||
Caithness | Gallaibh | Among the (Norse) foreigners | County | |
Calgary | Calgarraidh | City | ||
Callander | Calasraid | City | ||
Campbeltown | Ceann Locha, Ceann Chille Chiarain | Head of the loch | City | |
Campbeltown Loch | Loch Chille Chiarain | Loch of the church of Ciaran | Lake | |
Canna | Canaigh | Island | ||
Cara Island | Cara | Island | ||
Cardross | Càrdainn Ros | City | ||
Carmyllie | Càrn Mhìlidh | Cairn of the warriors | City | |
Càrn Glas | Càrn Glas | Green cairn | Mountain | |
Carnoustie | Càrn Ùstaidh | City | ||
Carradale | Càrradal | City | ||
Carron Water, Aberdeenshire | Carrann | River | ||
Carron Water, Dumfriesshire | Carrann | River | ||
Castlebay | Bàgh a' Chaisteil | Bay of the castle | City | |
Central Region | Roinn Meadhanach | Region | ||
Clach Bheinn (Lochgoilhead) | Clach Bheinn (Lochgoilhead) | Mountain | ||
Clackmannanshire | Siorrachd Chlach Mhanainn | County | ||
Cladich | An Cladach | The rocky shore | City | |
Clarkston | Baile Chlarc | City | ||
Clydebank | Bruach Chluaidh | City | ||
Cnoc Coinnich | Cnoc Coinnich | Kenneth's hill | Mountain | |
Coatbridge | Drochaid a' Chòta | City | ||
Colintraive | Caol an t-Snàimh | City | ||
Coll | Cola | Island | ||
Colonsay | Colbhasa | Island | ||
Comrie | Cuimridh | City | ||
Connel | A' Chonghail | City | ||
Corgarff | Corr Garaidh | City | ||
Coulport | An Cùl Phort | City | ||
County of Bute (Buteshire) | Siorrachd Bhòid | County | ||
County of Moray (Morayshire) | Moireibh | County | Alternative Name Elginshire | |
Coupar Angus | Cùbar Aonghais | City | ||
Cowal | Còmhghall | City | ||
Cowdenbeath | Coilltean Beithe | City | ||
Cowie | Collaidh | City | ||
Cowie Water | Uisge Chollaidh | River | ||
Craigellachie | Creag Eileachaidh | City | ||
Craigendoran | Creag an Dòbhrain | Rock of the otter | City | |
Craighouse | Taigh na Creige | House of the rock | City | |
Craignish | Creiginis | Rock isle | City | |
Craignure | Creag an Iubhair | Rock of the yew tree | City | |
Crathie | Craichidh | City | ||
Crianlarich | A' Chrìon-Làraich | City | ||
Crieff | Craoibh | Tree place | City | |
Crimond | Crioch/Crith Mhonadh | City | ||
Crinan | An Crìonan | City | ||
Cromarty | Cromba | The crooked bay | City | |
Cromartyshire | Siorrachd Chromb | County | ||
Cruach nam Miseag | Cruach nam Miseag | Mountain | ||
Cruach nam Mult | Cruach nam Mult | Mountain | ||
Cruach nan Capull | Cruach nan Capull | Mountain | ||
Cruden Bay | Inbhir Chruidein | City | ||
Cuillin | An Cuiltheann | Mountain | ||
Cullen | Inbhir Cuilinn | Holly estuary | City | |
Culloden | Cùil Lodair | City | ||
Cumbernauld | Comar nan Allt | Confluence of the streams | City | |
Cumnock | Cumnag | Little pail | City | |
Cupar | Cupar | City | ||
Dalavich | Dail Abhaich | City | ||
Dalkeith | Dail Chè | World plain | City | |
Dallas | Dalais | City | ||
Dalmally | Clachan an Dìseirt, Dail Mhàilidh | City | ||
Dalnaspidal | Dail na Spideil | City | ||
Dingwall | Inbhir Pheofharain | Estuary of the River Peffer | City | |
Dinnet | Dùnaidh | City | ||
Dornoch | Dòrnach | Abounding in fists, or fist-sized stones | City | |
Drumlemble | Druim Leamhan | Elm ridge | City | |
Drumoak | Druim M'Aodhaig | City | ||
Dubh Artach | Dubh Artach | City | ||
Dufftown | Baile Bhainidh | City | ||
Dumbarton | Dùn Breata(i)nn | Fortress of the Britons | City | |
Dumfries | Dùn Phris | City | ||
Dumfriesshire | Siorrachd Dhùn Phris | County | ||
Dunbar | Dùn Bàrr | Top fortress | City | |
Dunbartonshire | Siorrachd Dhùn Breatainn | County | ||
Dunbeg | An Dùn Beag | The small fortress | City | Formerly Dunstaffnage (Dùn Stafhainis) |
Dunblane | Dùn Bhlàthain | Fortress of flowers | City | |
Dundee | Dùn Dè | God's fortress | City | |
Dunfermline | Dùn Phàrlain | City | ||
Dunkeld | Dùn Chailleann | Fortress of the Caledonians | City | |
Dunnichen | Dùn Eachain | Eachan's fort. Older name was Dùn Neachdain, Nechtan's fort | City | |
Dunoon | Dùn Omhain | City | ||
Dunstaffnage | Dùn Stafhainis | City | ||
Duntocher | Druim/ Dùn Tòchair | City | ||
Dyke | Dìg | Ditch | City | |
East Kilbride | Cille Bhrìghde an Ear | City | ||
Easdale | Eilean Èisdeal | Island | ||
East Lothian | Labhdaidh/ Lodainn an Ear | County | Alternative Name Haddingtonshire | |
Edinburgh | Dùn Èideann | Eidyn's fortress | City | |
Edzell | Eigill | City | Formerly Slateford | |
Eigg | Eige | Island | ||
Eilean Dubh Mòr | Eilean Dubh Mòr | Great black island | Island | |
Eilean Dubh | Eilean Dubh | Black island | Island | |
Elgin | Eilginn | City | ||
Ellenabeich | Eilean nam Beitheach | Island of the birchwoods | Island | |
Ellon | Eilean | Island | City | |
Eriskay | Èirisgeigh | Island | ||
Erraid | Eilean Earraid | Sheriff island | Island | |
Erskine | Arasgain | City | ||
Eyemouth | Inbhir Eighe | Ice estuary | City | |
Fair Isle | Eilean nan Geansaidh[citation needed] | Island of the sweaters | Island | |
Falkirk | An Eaglais Bhreac | The spotted church | City | |
Fetterangus | Fothair Aonghais | City | ||
Fettercairn | Fothair Chàrdain | City | ||
Fife | Fìobha | Region, County | ||
Findon | Fionndan | City | ||
Fingal's Cave | An Uaimh Bhinn | The musical cave | Cave | |
Fionnphort | Fionnphort | White port | City | |
Firth of Clyde | Linne Chluaidh | Bay | North of Arran | |
Firth of Clyde | An Linne Ghlas | The green bay | Bay | South of Arran |
Firth of Forth | Linne Foirthe | Bay | ||
Firth of Lorn | An Linne Latharnach | Bay | ||
Firth of Tay | Linne Tatha | Bay | ||
Fishnish | Finnsinis | Port | ||
Flodaigh | Flodaigh | Island | ||
Footdee | Bun Dè | God's base | Pass | |
Ford | Àth na Crà | Ford of the sheepfold | City | |
Formartine | Fearann Mhàrtainn | Martin's land | City | |
Forres | Farrais | City | ||
Fort Augustus | Cille Chuimein | City | ||
Fort William | An Gearasdan | The garrison | City | |
Fortingall | Fartairchill | City | ||
Fortrose | A' Chananaich | The canonry | City | |
Fraoch-eilean | Fraoch-eilean | Island | ||
Fraserburgh | A' Bhruaich | The riverbank | City | |
Furnace | An Fhùirneis | City | Formerly Inverleacainn (Inbhir Leacainn) | |
Galashiels | An Geal Àth | The bright ford | City | |
Gare Loch | An Geàrr Loch | The short lake | Lake | |
Garelochhead | Ceann a' Gheàrr-loch | Head of Gare Loch | City | |
Gatehouse of Fleet | Taigh an Rathaid | City | ||
Giffnock | Giofnag | City | ||
Gigha | Giogha | Island | ||
Glasgow | Glaschu | Green hollow | City | |
Glen Fruin | Gleann Freòin | Valley | ||
Glen Tilt | Gleann Teilt | Valley | ||
Glencoe | Gleann Comhann | Valley of the river Coe | Valley | |
Glenbarr | Am Bàrr | The top | City | |
Glendaruel | Gleann Dà Ruadhail | Valley | ||
Gleneagles | Gleann Eaglais | Church valley | Valley | |
Glenrothes | Gleann Ràthais | City | ||
Gometra | Gòmastra | Island | ||
Gourock | Guireag | Hatchling | City | |
Govan | Baile a' Ghobhainn | Town of the smith. Gaelicisation of an older Cumbric name (G)uovan | City | |
Grampian | Roinn a' Mhonaidh | Region | ||
Grampian Mountains | Am Monadh | The moor | Mountain | |
Grangemouth | Inbhir Ghrainnse | City | ||
Great Bernera | Beàrnaraigh Mòr | Island | ||
Greenock | Grianaig | Little sun | City | |
Gretna | Greatna | City | ||
Grimsay | Griomasaigh | Island | ||
Grimsay (South East Benbecula) | Griomasaigh | Island | ||
Gulf of Corryvreckan | Coire Bhreacain | Strait | ||
Gunna | Gunnaigh | Island | ||
Haddington | Baile Adainn | City | ||
Hamilton | Hamaltan | City | ||
Harris | Na Hearadh | Island | ||
Hawick | Hamhaig | City | ||
Hebrides | Innse Gall | Islands of the foreigners | Region | |
Helensburgh | Baile Eilidh | City | ||
Highland | A' Ghàidhealtachd | Region | ||
Holy Loch | An Loch Seunta/ Sianta | Lake | ||
Huntly | Hunndaidh | City | Formerly Strathbogie (Srath Bhalgaidh) | |
Hurlford | Àth Cliath | Lattice ford | City | Formerly Hurdleford or Whirlford |
Inch Kenneth | Innis Choinnich | Kenneth's island | Island | |
Inchmarnock | Innis Mheàrnaig | Island of Saint Marnock | Island | |
Inner Hebrides | Na h-Eileanan a-staigh | Islands | ||
Insch | An Innis | The isle | City | |
Inveralligin | Inbhir Àiliginn | City | ||
Inverallochy and Cairnbulg | Inbhir Aileachaidh agus Càrn Builg | City | ||
Inveraray | Inbhir Aora | City | ||
Inverbervie | Inbhir Biorbhaidh | City | ||
Inverkeilor | Inbhir Chìollair | City | ||
Inverkeithing | Inbhir Chèitein | City | ||
Inverness | Inbhir Nis | Estuary of the River Ness | City | |
Inverness-shire | Siorrachd Inbhir Nis | County | ||
Inversnaid | Inbhir Snàthaid | City | ||
Inverurie | Inbhir Ùraidh | City | ||
Inveruglas Isle | Innis Inbhir Dhughlais | Island | ||
Iona | Ì (Chaluim Chille) | Island | ||
Island Davaar | Eilean Dà Bhàrr | Island | ||
Islay | Ìle | Island | ||
Isle of Arran | Arainn | Island | ||
Isle of Bute | Bòd, Eilean Bhòdach, Eilean Bhòid | Island | ||
Isle of Jura | Diùra | Island | ||
Isle of Mull | Muile | Island | ||
Jedburgh | Deadard | City | ||
John o' Groats | Taigh Iain Ghròt | City | ||
Kames | Camas nam Muclach | City | ||
Keith | Baile Chè | Wood town | City | |
Kelso | Cealsaidh | City | ||
Kemnay | Ceann a' Mhuigh | City | ||
Kenmore | An Ceannmhor | The big head | City | |
Kensaleyre | Ceann Sàil Eighre | City | ||
Kerrera | Cearrara | City | ||
Kilberry | Cill Bheiridh | City | ||
Kildrummy | Cionn Droma | City | ||
Killearn | Cill Earnain | City | ||
Killiecrankie | Coille Chreithnich | City | ||
Killin | Cill Fhinn | City | ||
Kilmarnock | Cille Mhèarnaig | Church of Saint Marnock | City | |
Kilmartin | Cille Mhàrtainn | Church of Saint Martin | City | |
Kilmelford | Cill Mheallaird | City | ||
Kilmun | Cill Mhunna | City | ||
Kilninver | Cill an Inbhir, Cill Fhionnbhair | City | ||
Kilsyth | Cill Saidhe | City | ||
Kincardineshire | Siorrachd Chinn Chàrdainn | County | ||
Kingussie | Ceann a' Ghiuthsaich | Head of the pine forest | City | |
Kinloch Rannoch | Ceann Loch Raineach | End of fern lake | City | |
Kinross-shire | Siorrachd Chinn Rois | County | ||
Kintore | Ceann Tòrr | End heap | City | |
Kintyre | Cinn Tìre | Region's end | City | |
Kippen | An Ceapan | City | ||
Kirkcaldy | Cair Chaladain | City | ||
Kirkcudbright | Cille Chuithbeirt | City | ||
Kirkcudbrightshire | Siorrachd Chill Chuithbeirt | County | ||
Kirkintilloch | Cair/Cathair C(h)eann Tulaich | City | ||
Kirkmichael | Cille Mhìcheil | Michael's churchyard | City | |
Kirkwall | Baile na h-Eaglais | City of the church | City | |
Kirriemuir | Ceathramh Mhoire | Mary's quarterland | City | |
Knapdale | Cnapadal | City | ||
Knockan | An Cnocan | City | ||
Kyle of Lochalsh | Caol Loch Aillse | City | ||
Kyles of Bute | Na Caoil Bhòdach | Channel | ||
Lagavulin | Lag a' Mhuilinn | Hollow of the mill | City | |
Lairig Ghru | Làirig Dhrù | Pass of Dhru/Druie | Pass | |
Lanark | Lannraig | City | ||
Lanarkshire | Siorrachd Lanraig | County | ||
Langholm | Langaim | City | ||
Larbert | Lèirbert | City | ||
Largs | An Leargaidh (Gallda) | City | ||
Laurencekirk | Coinmheadh | City | ||
Leith | Lìte | City | ||
Lesmahagow | Lios MoChuda | City | ||
Lewis | Leòdhas | Uncertain | Island | |
Lhanbryde | Lann Brìghde | Church-enclosure of Saint Brigid of Kildare | City | |
Linlithgow | Gleann Iucha | City | ||
Lismore | Lios Mòr | The great garden | Island | |
Little Colonsay | Colbhasa Beag | Island | ||
Livingston | Baile Dhùnlèibhe | City | ||
Loch Affric | Loch Afraig | Lake | ||
Loch Ard | Loch na h-Àirde | Lake of the height | Lake | |
Loch Arkaig | Loch Airceig | Lake | ||
Loch Assynt | Loch Asaint | Lake | ||
Loch Awe | Loch Obha | Lake | ||
Loch Cluanie | Loch Cluanaidh | Lake | ||
Loch Doon | Loch Dhùin | Lake | ||
Loch Drunkie | Loch Drongaidh | Lake | ||
Loch Earn | Loch Èireann | Ireland lake | Lake | |
Loch Eck | Loch Eich | Horse lake | Lake | |
Loch Ericht | Loch Eireachd | Lake | ||
Loch Etive | Loch Eite | Lake | ||
Loch Fyne | Loch Fìne | Lake | ||
Loch Garry | Loch Gàrraidh | Garden lake | Lake | |
Loch Gilp | Loch Gilb | Chisel lake | Lake | |
Loch Goil | Loch Goill | Lowlander lake | Lake | |
Loch Katrine | Loch Ceathairne/ Ceiteirein | Lake | ||
Loch Linnhe | An Linne Dhubh (upstream)/ Sheileach (downstream) | Lake | ||
Loch Lochy | Loch Lochaidh | Lake | ||
Loch Lomond | Loch Laomainn | Lake | ||
Loch Long | Loch Long | Ship lake | Lake | |
Loch Lyon | Loch Lìomhann | Lake | ||
Loch Maree | Loch Ma-ruibhe | Lake of Saint Máel Ruba | Lake | |
Loch Morar | Loch Mhòrair | Lake | ||
Loch Ness | Loch Nis | Lake | ||
Loch Ossian | Loch Oisein | Corner lake | Lake | |
Loch Quoich | Loch Chuaich | Lake | ||
Loch Rannoch | Loch Raineach | Fern lake | Lake | |
Loch Riddon | Loch Ruel | Lake | ||
Loch Shiel | Loch Seile | Willow lake | Lake | |
Loch Shin | Loch Sìn | Lake | ||
Loch Tay | Loch Tatha | Lake | ||
Lochbuie | Locha Buidhe | Yellow lake | City | |
Lochearnhead | Ceann Loch Èireann | End of Ireland Lake | City | |
Lochgair | An Loch Geàrr | The short lake | City | |
Lochgilphead | Ceann Loch Gilb | End of the chisel lake | City | |
Lochgoilhead | Ceann Loch Goibhle | End of the prong lake | City | |
Lochnagar | Beinn Chìochan | Mountain of the breasts | Mountain | |
Lochranza | Loch Raonasa | City | ||
Lockerbie | Locarbaidh | City | ||
Lossiemouth | Inbhir Losaidh | City | ||
Lothian | Lodainn | Region | ||
Luing | Luinn | City | ||
Lumphanan | Lann Fhìonain | Church-enclosure of Saint Finnan | City | |
Luncarty | Longartaidh | City | ||
Luss | Lus | Herb | City | |
Macduff | An Dùn | The fortress | City | |
Machrihanish | Machaire Shanais | City | ||
Mallaig | Malaig | City | ||
Marr | Màrr | City | Formerly Mar | |
Maud | Am Mòd | City | ||
Meigle | Mìgeil | City | ||
Melrose | Am Maol Ros | City | ||
Methven | Meadhainnigh | City | ||
Midlothian | Meadhan Labhdaidh/ Lodainn | County | Alternative Name County of Edinburgh or Edinburghshire | |
Monadhliath Mountains | Monadh Liath | Pale moor | Mountain | |
Monifieth | Monadh Feith | City | ||
Montrose | Monadh Rois | Moor of the promontory | City | |
Moray Firth | Linne Mhoireibh | Bay | ||
Motherwell | Tobar na Màthar | City | ||
Moulin | Maoilinn | City | ||
Mount Keen | Monadh Caoin | Mountain | ||
Mounth | Monadh | Moor | Mountain | |
Muasdale | Muasdal | City | ||
Muck | Eilean nam Muc | Island of the pigs | Island | |
Muirkirk | Eaglais an t-Sléibh | City | ||
Mull of Kintyre | Maol Chinn Tìre | Bare head of Kintyre | City | |
Mullach Coire a' Chuir | Mullach Coire a' Chuir | Mountain | ||
Nairn | Inbhir Narann | Estuary of the River Nairn | City | |
Nairnshire | Siorrachd Inbhir Narann | County | ||
New Deer | Achadh Reite | City | ||
Newcastleton | Baile a' Caisteal Nuadh | City | ||
Newton Mearns | Baile Ùr na Maoirne | City | ||
North Uist | Uibhist a Tuath | Island | ||
Oban | an t-Òban | The little bay | City | |
Oldmeldrum | Meall Druim | City | ||
Orkney | Arcaibh | Region and County | ||
Ormsary | Ormsaraidh | City | ||
Otter Ferry | An Oitir | The sandbar | City | |
Outer Hebrides | Na h-Eileanan Siar | Islands | ||
Paisley | Pàislig | City | ||
Partick | Pàrtaig, Pearraig | City | ||
Peebles | Na Pùballan | The tents | City | |
Peeblesshire | Siorrachd nam Pùballan | County | ||
Pentland Firth | An Caol Arcach | Bay | ||
Perth | Peairt | City | ||
Perthshire | Siorrachd Pheairt | County | ||
Peterhead | Ceann Phàdraig, Inbhir Ùigidh | City | ||
Pitlochry | Baile Chloichridh | City | ||
Polmont | Poll-Mhonadh | Mire of the moor | City | |
Polnessan | Poll an Easain | Pool of the little waterfall | City | |
Port Askaig | Port Asgaig | City | ||
Port Bannatyne | Port MhicEamailinn | City | ||
Port Charlotte | Port Sgioba | Crew port | City | |
Port Ellen | Port Ìlein | City | ||
Port Glasgow | Port Ghlaschu | City | ||
Port of Menteith | Port Loch Innis MoCholmaig | City | ||
Portavadie | Port a' Mhadaidh | City | ||
Portlethen | Port Leathain | Wide port | City | |
Portnahaven | Port na h-Abhainne | Port of the river | City | |
Portree | Port Rìgh | King port | City | |
Portsoy | Port Saoidh | Sage port | City | |
Prestwick | Preastabhaig | City | ||
Raasay | Ratharsair | Island | Also erroneously, Ratharsaigh | |
Rattray | Raitear | City | ||
Renfrew | Rinn Friù | City | ||
Renfrewshire | Siorrachd Rinn Friù | County | ||
Rhu | An Rubha | The headland | City | |
Rhubodach | (An) Rubha (a’) Bhodaich | Headland of the old men | City | |
River Add | Abhainn Àd | River | ||
River Carron, Forth | Abhainn Carrann | River | ||
River Carron, Sutherland | Carrann | River | ||
River Carron, Wester Ross | Carrann | River | ||
River Clyde | Abhainn Chluaidh | River | ||
River Dee, Aberdeenshire | Uisge Dhè | Water of God | River | |
River Dee, Galloway | (Uisge) D(h)è | (Water of) God | River | |
River Don | Deathan | River | ||
River Forth | Abhainn Dubh | River | ||
Uisge For | ||||
River Garry, Inverness-shire | (Abhainn) G(h)aradh | River | ||
River Garry, Perthshire | (Abhainn) G(h)ar | River | ||
River North Esk | Easg Thuath | River | ||
River Orchy | (Abhainn) Urchaidh | River | ||
River Spey | Abhainn Spè | River | ||
River Tay | Abhainn Tatha | River | ||
River Teith | Uisge Theamhich | Pleasant water | River | |
River Tweed | Abhainn Tuaidh | River | ||
River Ury | Uaraidh, Ùraidh | River | ||
Rockall | Rocabarraigh | n/a | n/a | Claimed by the UK, but country ownership disputed |
Rosehearty | Ros Abhartaich | City | ||
Rosemarkie | Ros Maircnidh | City | ||
Rosneath | Ros Neimhidh | City | ||
Ross and Cromarty | Ros agus Cromba | County | ||
Ross of Mull | An Ros Mhuileach | City | ||
Ross-shire | Siorrachd Rois | County | ||
Rosyth | Ros Fhìobha/ Saidhe/ Saoithe | City | ||
Rothes | Ràthais | City | ||
Rothesay | Baile Bhòid | City | ||
Rothienorman | Ràth Thormoid | City | ||
Roxburghshire | Siorrachd Rosbruig | County | ||
Rum | Rùm | Island | ||
Rutherglen | An Ruadh Ghleann | The red valley | City | |
Saddell | Saghadal | City | ||
Salen, Ardnamurchan | An t-Sàilean | City | ||
Salen, Mull | An t-Sàilean | City | ||
Sanda Island | Sandaigh | Island | ||
Sandbank | An Oitir, Taigh a' Chladaich | City | ||
Sanquhar | An t-Seann Chathair | The old fort | City | |
Scalpay, Inner Hebrides | Sgalpaigh | Island | ||
Scalpay, Outer Hebrides | Sgalpaigh (na Hearadh) | Island | ||
Scarba | Sgarba | Island | ||
Schiehallion | Sìdh Chailleann | Fairy hill of the Caledonians | Mountain | |
Scone | Sgàin | City | ||
Seil | Saoil | Island | ||
Selkirk | Salcraig | City | ||
Selkirkshire | Siorrachd Shailcirc | County | ||
Shetland | Sealtainn | Region and County | Also known as Zetland | |
Shuna | Siuna | Island | ||
Skerryvore | Sgeir Mhòr | Island | ||
Skipness | Sgibinis | City | ||
Skye | An t-Eilean Sgitheanach | Uncertain | Island | |
South Uist | Uibhist a Deas | Island | ||
Southend | Ceann mu Dheas | City | ||
St Andrews | Cill Rìmhinn | City | ||
St Cyrus | Eaglais Chiric | City | ||
St Fergus | Peit Fhearghais | City | ||
St Fillans | Am Port Mòr | City | ||
St Kilda | Hiort | Island | Name used for main island in a group | |
Staffa | Stafa | Island | ||
Stewarton | Baile nan Stiùbhartach | City | ||
Stirling | Sruighlea | City | ||
Stirlingshire | Siorrachd Shruighlea | County | ||
Stob an Eas | Stob an Eas | Mountain | ||
Stob na Boine Druim-fhinn | Stob na Boine Druim-fhinn | Mountain | ||
Stonehaven | Cala na Creige, Sron na h-Aibhne | City | ||
Stornoway | Steòrnabhagh | City | ||
Strachur | Srath Chura | City | ||
Stranraer | An t-Sròn Reamhar | The fat nose | City | |
Strathclyde | Srath Chluaidh | Region | ||
Strathdee | Srath Dhè | Wide valley of God | City | |
Strathdon | Srath Dheathain | Wide valley of the River Don | City | |
Strathpeffer | Srath Pheofhair | City | ||
Strathlachlan | Srath Lachlainn | Lachlan's wide valley | City | |
Stronachlachar | Sròn a' Chlachair | Nose of the mason | City | |
Strone | An t-Sròn | The nose | City | |
Succoth | An Socach | City | ||
Sutherland | Cataibh | County | ||
Tarbert | An Tairbeart | The isthmus | City | |
Tarbet | An Tairbeart | The isthmus | City | |
Tarfside | Bruach Tarbha | City | ||
Tarland | Turlann | City | ||
Tarves | Tarbhais | City | ||
Tayinloan | Taigh an Lòin | House of the wet meadow | City | |
Taynuilt | Taigh an Uillt | House of the streams | City | |
Tayside | Taobh Tatha | Region | ||
Tayvallich | Taigh a' Bhealaich | House of the mountain pass | City | |
Texa | Teacsa | Island | ||
The Black Isle | An t-Eilean Dubh | The black island | Island | |
The Cobbler | Beinn Artair | Mountain | ||
The Devil's Point | Bod an Deamhain | The devil's penis | Mountain | |
Thornliebank | Bruach nan Dealgan | City | ||
Thurso | Inbhir Theòrsa | City | ||
Tighnabruaich | Taigh na Bruaich | House of the rim | City | |
Tillicoultry | Tulach Cultraidh | City | ||
Tiree | Tiriodh | Island | ||
Tobermory | Tobar Mhoire | Mary's well | City | |
Tom Molach | Tom Molach | Mountain | ||
Tom nan Gamhna | Tom nan Gamhna | Mountain | ||
Tomintoul | Tom an t-Sabhail | Hillock of the barn | City | |
Tongue | Cinn Tàile, Tunga | City | ||
Torinturk | Tòrr an Tuirc | Mound of the boar | City | |
Torphins | Tòrr Fionn | City | ||
Toward | Tollard | City | ||
Turriff | Baile Thurra, Torraibh | City | ||
Tyndrum | Taigh an Droma | House of the ridge | City | |
Uisken | Uisgean | City | ||
Ullapool | Ulapul | City | ||
Ulva | Ulbha | City | ||
Ulva Ferry | Aiseag Ulbha | City | ||
Vatersay | Bhatarsaigh | Island | ||
Water of Aven | An t-Uisge Bàn | River | ||
Weem | Baile a' Chlachain | City | ||
Wemyss Bay | Bàgh nan Uaimhean | Bay of the caves | City | |
West Highland Line | Rathad Iarainn nan Eilean | Railway | ||
West Highland Way | Slighe na Gàidhealtachd an Iar | Pass | ||
West Lothian | Labhdaidh/ Lodainn an Iar | County | Alternative Name County of Linlithgow or Linlithgowshire | |
Western Isles | Na h-Eileanan Siar | Region | ||
Whitehouse | An Taigh Bàn | The white house | City | |
Whithorn | Taigh Mhàrtainn | Martin's house | City | |
Wick | Inbhir Ùige | City | ||
Wigtownshire | Siorrachd Bhaile na h-Ùige | County |
Canada
[edit]Names in italics are not on Cape Breton Island, where Canadian Gaelic is still spoken. Each of the place names are in Nova Scotia, which was founded as a Scottish colony.
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English | Scottish Gaelic | Place type | Notes | |
Name | Meaning | |||
Antigonish | Am Baile Mòr | The great city | ||
Arisaig | Àrasaig | |||
Baddeck | Badaig | |||
Big Beach | An Tràigh Mhòr | The great shore | ||
Big Pond | Am Pòn Mòr | |||
Broad Cove | An Caolas Leathann | The wide channel | ||
Cape Breton Island | Eilean Cheap Breatainn | Island of Cape Britain | Island | |
Christmas Island | Eilean na Nollaig | Island of Christmas | ||
Glendale | Bràigh na-hAibhneadh | |||
Giant's Lake | Loch an Fhamhair | Lake of the giant | Town | |
Grand Mira North | A' Mhira Mhòr a Tuath | Town | ||
Grand Mira South | A' Mhira Mhòr a Deas | Town | ||
Grand River | Abhainn Mhòr | Great river | ||
Halifax | Halafacs | City | ||
Inverness | An Sithean | |||
Baile Inbhir Nis | ||||
Iona | Sanndraigh | |||
Judique | Siùdaig | |||
Loch Lomond | Loch Laomainn | Lake | ||
Mabou | An Drochaid | The bridge | Town | |
Mabù | ||||
Marion Bridge | Drochaid Mhira | Town | ||
New Glasgow | Am Baile Beag, Glaschu Nuadh | |||
Nova Scotia | Alba Nuadh | |||
Port Hastings | Còbh a' Phlàstair | |||
Port Hawkesbury | An Gut, Baile ' Chamhain | |||
Southwest Margaree, Inverness County, Nova Scotia | Bràigh na h-Aibhne | |||
St. Ann's | Baile Anna | Anne town | ||
Sydney | Baile Shidni | Sydney town | ||
Whycocomagh | Hogamah |
Exonyms
[edit]The following are Scottish Gaelic placenames for places that do not use Scottish Gaelic:
Australia
[edit]![]() | ||||
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English name | Scottish Gaelic name | Notes | ||
Armidale, Armadale (Victoria and Western Australia | Armadal | |||
Brisbane | Brisbeinn | |||
Broken Hill | Cnoc Briste | |||
Cairns | Cùirn | |||
Darwin | Dàrain | |||
Gold Coast | Oirthir Òir | |||
Inverell | Inbhir Eala | Derived from Scots Gaelic inver (inbhir) meaning a river's mouth and ell meaning swan | ||
Inverloch | Inbhir Locha | |||
Katherine | Catrìona | |||
Mackay | MacAoidh | |||
Melbourne | Meall Bùirn | |||
Mount Gambier | Sliabh Gambier | |||
Newcastle | An Caiteal Nuadh | Same name in Irish | ||
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A' Chuimrigh Nuadh a Deas | |||
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An Ranntair a Tuath | |||
Orange | Orains | |||
Perth | Peairt | Named after Perth, Scotland | ||
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Tìr na Banrigh | |||
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Astràilia a Deas | |||
Sydney | Sidni | |||
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Bhictòria | |||
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Eilean Thasman | |||
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Astràilia a Iar |
Belgium
[edit]![]() | ||||
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English name | Scottish Gaelic name | Endonym | Notes | |
Name | Language | |||
Brussels | Am Bruiseal | Bruxelles | French |
Canada
[edit]![]() | ||||
---|---|---|---|---|
English name | Scottish Gaelic name | Endonym | Notes | |
Name | Language | |||
Bruce County | Siorramachd Bhruis | |||
Calgary | Calgarraidh | |||
Glengary County | Siorramachd Gleanna Garadh | |||
Lewes | An Tuirc | |||
Newfoundland | Eilein a'Tosg, Talamh an Èisg | |||
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An t-Eilean Dearg, Eilean Eòin, Eilean a'Phrionnsa | |||
Stornoway | Steòrnabhagh |
France
[edit]![]() | ||||
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English name | Scottish Gaelic name | Endonym | Notes | |
Name | Language | |||
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A' Bhreatainn Bheag | Bretagne Breizh Bertaèyn |
French Breton Gallo |
|
Paris | Paras | Paris | French |
Greece
[edit]![]() | ||||
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English name | Scottish Gaelic name | Endonym | Notes | |
Name | Language | |||
Athens | Baile na h-Àithne | Athína | Greek |
Ireland
[edit]![]() | ||||
---|---|---|---|---|
English name | Scottish Gaelic name | Endonym | Notes | |
Name | Language | |||
Dublin | Baile Àth Cliath | Baile Átha Cliath | Irish | |
Galway | Baile na Gailbhinn | Gaillimh | Irish |
Israel
[edit]![]() | ||||
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English name | Scottish Gaelic name | Endonym | Notes | |
Name | Language | |||
Jerusalem | Ierusalem | יְרוּשָׁלַיִם (Yerushaláyim) القُدس (Al-Quds) |
Hebrew Arabic |
Italy
[edit]![]() | ||||
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English name | Scottish Gaelic name | Endonym | Notes | |
Name | Language | |||
Rome | An Ròimh | Roma | Italian |
Mexico
[edit]![]() | ||||
---|---|---|---|---|
English name | Scottish Gaelic name | Endonym | Notes | |
Name | Language | |||
Mexico City | An Baile Mheagsago | Ciudad de México Altepetl Mexico |
Spanish Nahuatl |
New Zealand
[edit]The southern South Island of New Zealand was settled by the Free Church of Scotland, and many of its placenames are of Scottish Gaelic origin (including some directly named for places in Scotland). The placename Strath Taieri combines the Gaelic Srath with the Māori river name Taieri and similarly, the mountain range Ben Ohau combines the Gaelic Beinn with the Māori lake name Ōhau.
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English name | Scottish Gaelic name | Endonym | Notes | |
Name | Language | |||
Balclutha | Baile Chluaidh | Means "Town on the Clutha River" | ||
Ben Nevis | Beinn Nibheis | A mountain within Mount Richmond Forest Park | ||
Clutha River | Cluaidh | |||
Clyde | Cluaidh | |||
Dunedin | Dùn Èideann | Named for the Gaelic name for Edinburgh | ||
Glendhu Bay | Gleann Duibh | |||
Glenorchy | Gleann Urchaidh | |||
Huntly | Hunndaidh | |||
Inch Clutha | Inis Chluaidh | Island at the mouth of the Clutha River | ||
Invercargill | Inbhir Chàrgaill | Named for Scottish-born early settler William Cargill | ||
Kinleith | Ceann Lite | |||
Kinloch | Ceannloch | |||
Lagmhor | Lag Mhor | A settlement close to Ashburton | ||
Lake Aviemore | an Aghaidh Mòr | |||
Lake Benmore | Loch Beinn Mhor | |||
Oban | an t-Òban | |||
Ulva Island | Ulbha | |||
Water of Leith | Lite |
Norway
[edit]![]() | ||||
---|---|---|---|---|
English name | Scottish Gaelic name | Endonym | Notes | |
Name | Language | |||
Bergen | Boirbhe | Bergen | Norwegian |
Spain
[edit]![]() | ||||
---|---|---|---|---|
English name | Scottish Gaelic name | Endonym | Notes | |
Name | Language | |||
Barcelona | Barsalòna | Barcelona | Catalan, Spanish | |
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Dùthaich nam Basgach | Euskadi País Vasco Pays Basque |
Basque, Spanish, French |
Sudan
[edit]![]() | ||||
---|---|---|---|---|
English name | Scottish Gaelic name | Endonym | Notes | |
Name | Language | |||
Khartoum | Cartúm | الخرطوم Kaartuɔ̈m |
Arabic Dinka |
United Kingdom (excluding Scotland)
[edit]Note: most Irish and Scots Gaelic exonyms for places in Wales derive from the Welsh language.
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---|---|---|---|---|
English name | Scottish Gaelic name | Endonym | Notes | |
Name | Language | |||
Belfast | Beul Feirste | |||
Berwick-upon-Tweed | Bearaig | |||
Cardiff | Caerdydd | Cardiff Caerdydd |
English Welsh |
|
Carlisle | Cathair Luail | |||
Channel Islands | Eileannan a'Chaolais | |||
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A'Chòrn | Cornwall Kernow |
English Cornish |
|
Derry | Doire Chaluim Chille | |||
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Sasainn | |||
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Giobraltair | |||
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Eileann Mhanainn | |||
Liverpool | Poll A'Ghruthain | |||
London | Lunnainn | |||
Manchester | Manchain | |||
Newcastle-upon-Tyne | An Caisteal Nuadh | |||
Northern Ireland | Èirinn a Tuath | |||
Rathlin | Reachlainn, Reachra | |||
Oxford | Àth nan Damh | |||
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A' Chuimrigh | Wales Cymru |
English Welsh |
Derived from Cymru |
York | Eabhraig | |||
Yorkshire | Siorramachd Ioirc |
United States
[edit]![]() | ||||
---|---|---|---|---|
English name | Scottish Gaelic name | Endonym | Notes | |
Name | Language | |||
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Alasca | Alaska | English | |
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Calafòrnia | California | English, Spanish | |
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Meagsago Nuadh | New Mexico Nuevo Mexico Yootó Hahoodzo |
||
New York City | Baile Eabhraig Nuadh | New York City | English | |
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Stàit Eabhraig Nuadh | New York State | English |
See also
[edit]References
[edit]Lists of place name etymologies (toponymy) | |||
---|---|---|---|
Place names | |||
City names | |||
State, county and province names | |||
Double place names | |||
Indigenous origin | |||
By language of origin |
|
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