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Scottish Gaelic place names

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

The following place names are either derived from Scottish Gaelic or have Scottish Gaelic equivalents:

Endonyms

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Scotland

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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.

 Scotland Alba
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.

 Canada
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]
 Australia Àstralia
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
 New South Wales A' Chuimrigh Nuadh a Deas
 Northern Territory An Ranntair a Tuath
Orange Orains
Perth Peairt Named after Perth, Scotland
 Queensland Tìr na Banrigh
 South Australia Astràilia a Deas
Sydney Sidni
 Victoria Bhictòria
 Tasmania Eilean Thasman
 Western Australia Astràilia a Iar

Belgium

[edit]
 Belgium Beilg
English name Scottish Gaelic name Endonym Notes
Name Language
Brussels Am Bruiseal Bruxelles French

Canada

[edit]
 Canada
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
 Prince Edward Island An t-Eilean Dearg, Eilean Eòin, Eilean a'Phrionnsa
Stornoway Steòrnabhagh

France

[edit]
 France An Fhraing
English name Scottish Gaelic name Endonym Notes
Name Language
 Brittany A' Bhreatainn Bheag Bretagne
Breizh
Bertaèyn
French
Breton
Gallo
Paris Paras Paris French

Greece

[edit]
 Greece Grèig
English name Scottish Gaelic name Endonym Notes
Name Language
Athens Baile na h-Àithne Athína Greek

Ireland

[edit]
 Ireland Èirinn
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]
 Israel Iosrael
English name Scottish Gaelic name Endonym Notes
Name Language
Jerusalem Ierusalem יְרוּשָׁלַיִם (Yerushaláyim)
القُدس (Al-Quds)
Hebrew
Arabic

Italy

[edit]
 Italy An Eadailt
English name Scottish Gaelic name Endonym Notes
Name Language
Rome An Ròimh Roma Italian

Mexico

[edit]
 Mexico Megsago
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.

 New Zealand Sealainn Nuadh
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]
 Norway Nirríbhidh, Lochlann
English name Scottish Gaelic name Endonym Notes
Name Language
Bergen Boirbhe Bergen Norwegian

Spain

[edit]
 Spain An Spàinn
English name Scottish Gaelic name Endonym Notes
Name Language
Barcelona Barsalòna Barcelona Catalan, Spanish
 Basque Country Dùthaich nam Basgach Euskadi
País Vasco
Pays Basque
Basque, Spanish, French

Sudan

[edit]
 Sudan
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.

 United Kingdom Rìoghachd Aonaichte
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
 Cornwall A'Chòrn Cornwall
Kernow
English
Cornish
Derry Doire Chaluim Chille
 England Sasainn
 Gibraltar Giobraltair
 Isle of Man 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
 Wales A' Chuimrigh Wales
Cymru
English
Welsh
Derived from Cymru
York Eabhraig
Yorkshire Siorramachd Ioirc

United States

[edit]
 United States Na Stàitean Aonaichte
English name Scottish Gaelic name Endonym Notes
Name Language
 Alaska Alasca Alaska English
 California Calafòrnia California English, Spanish
 New Mexico Meagsago Nuadh New Mexico
Nuevo Mexico
Yootó Hahoodzo
New York City Baile Eabhraig Nuadh New York City English
 New York Stàit Eabhraig Nuadh New York State English

See also

[edit]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ "Eight Scottish cities".