Chambers's Twentieth Century Dictionary (part 4 of 4: S-Z and supplements)

by Unknown

ETYMOLOGY OF NAMES OF PLACES, &c.

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The following are the more important significant syllables or words that enter into the composition of the names of rivers, mountains, towns, &c. See C. Blackie's Dictionary of Place-Names, Dr Joyce's Irish Names of Places, Isaac Taylor's Words and Places, and the Rev. James B. Johnston's Place-Names of Scotland (1892).

A (A.S. eá, Ice. -aa), 'a stream;' as Greta, Rotha, Thurso ('Thor's stream'), Laxay ('salmon stream').

Abad (Pers. and Sans.), 'a dwelling;' as Hyderabad, Allahabad.

Aber (Celt.), 'a confluence,' 'an embouchure;' as Aberfeldy, Aberdeen, Aberystwith, Barmouth, Aberbrothwick or Arbroath, Fochabers, Lochaber, Applecross for Aber-Crossan. [Synonymous with Inver.]

Ain (Heb.), 'a fountain;' as Engedi.

Ak (Turk.), 'white;' as Ak-serai, 'white palace.'

All (Gael.), 'white;' Al-ian, 'white water,' so the rivers Allen, Ellen, Aln, Lune, Allwen, Elwin.

Alt (Gael.), 'a stream;' as Altrive, Altnaharra, Garvald.