I have always been interested in names and their meanings. I love to flip through books and learn the origins and meanings of names. I have a large interest in Celtic names (with an ID like MikesCelticLuv who would have guessed?). When I saw the book, Celtic Baby Names, I had to have it.

Celtic Baby Names, written by folklorist Judy Sierra, lists names from six Celtic languages; Scottish Gaelic, Irish, Welsh, Cornish, Breton and Manx. Irish, Scottish Gaelic and Welsh are spoken in Ireland, Scotland and Wales respectively. Breton is spoken in Brittany, a peninsula in Northwestern France. Cornish and Manx are rarely used these days, except when used in people and place names. The Cornish language is from Cornwall, in Southwest England. Manx comes from the Isle of Man, in the Irish Sea (surrounded by the coasts of Ireland, Scotland and Wales).

Sierra gives a brief overview of the history of the Celtic culture. She begins this overview in 700 BCE Austria, where the Celtic culture originated. She details the evolution of both the culture and the languages. She tells us how many of the Celtic personal names were derived from deities and nature. For example, the very popular name Brighid (or Brigette) belonged to the goddess of healing, poetry and smith work. Shannon comes from the name of the longest river in Ireland. It is interesting to note that Shannon is (almost) never used as a first name in Ireland.

In the beginning of the book, she provides the reader with a pronunciation guide. Throughout the book, the names are broken down phonetically. The Celtic language is quite tricky so the pronunciation help is necessary.

She divides the names into six sections, each section devoted to one language. This makes it easy to reference names. At the beginning of each section, she gives the history of that language and name usage. She also reiterates certain pronunciation issues. The names are listed in alphabetical order. She doesn't separate male and female names, though. Each name is accompanied by its gender, pronunciation, history (in most cases), origin, and meaning. She gives alternate spellings and variations of the names, if applicable. In some cases, she tells us where the names are traditionally used. Here are some examples of each language from the book:
"Gilchrist m. From the Gaelic Gille Criosd(gil-yuh-KREE-uhst)which means 'servant of Christ'. The name was especially popular during the Middle Ages." [Scotland]
"Aisling f. (AH-shleeng) From the Old Irish aislinge 'dream, vision'. This was once a man's name, but is currently popular as a woman's name. It is also written Ashling" [Ireland]
"Kennedy m. (KI-ne-dee) From the Old Irish name Cennetig: cenn 'head' + etig 'ugly'. Kenndy became a surname while continuing to be used as a first name. It was borne by Cennetig mac Lorcain, father of high king Brian Boru." [Ireland]
"Gwenhwyfar f. (gwen-HWIV-ahr) The Welsh original of the name Guenivere [original form of Jennifer], from gwen'shining, holy' + hwyfar'phantom, spirit, fairy'. Gwenhwyfar was one of the most common names among Welsh women from the Middle Ages until the 19th century, especially in North Wales." [Wales]
"Gwenn f. (GWAYN) The Old Breton word meaning 'shining, holy.' Saint Gwenn Teirbron was the mother of four Saints. Her feast day is October 18." [Wales]
"Myghal m. (muh-HAYL) The Cornish form of Michael." [Cornwall]
"Zethar m. and f. (ZETH-ahr) The Cornish Word for 'seagull.'" [Cornwall]
"Myghin f. (MAY-xuhn)From the Manx word for 'mercy.'" [Isle of Man]

At the end of this book, there is "A Calendar of Celtic Saints." It's a Catholic tradition to name your children after saints. the author included a list of Celtic saint names, broken down by their feast days. This list can be helpful to parents who need or want a Saints name. There is also an index of all the names at the end of this book, which makes quick reference easier.

I absolutely adore this book. It's definitely not just for parents. If you're interested in names, or all things Celtic (like me), you'll probably enjoy this book. Authors, especially those who write fantasy, can use this as a resource for character names. Heck, you can even use it to find a name for your pet.

In conclusion, Celtic Baby Names is informative and very easy to read. It's neatly organized and the writing is clear and friendly. I can't pinpoint many bad things about this book. I do wish it was longer as it is only 120 pages, give or take a few. However, I'm quite content with the 1200 names Sierra provides. She does list other Celtic name books if you'd like further resources. This is certainly a book that I would recommend to parents or anyone who has interest in Celtic culture.

Thanks for reading,
Gwenhwyfar




Recommended: Yes