In Wales, we cherish our place names for the deep cultural significance they hold, reflecting our rich history, traditions, and identity. A recently published book titled “Celtic Places and Place names: The Historical Roots of Six Nations” delves into the ancient origins of towns, villages, mountains, and rivers across Britain and parts of Celtic France, offering insight into our local heritage and history.
From Aberaeron to Wrexham, Welsh place names carry unique stories behind them. Aberaeron in Ceredigion, for example, combines the Welsh element ‘aber’, meaning river mouth, with the name of the River Aeron, linked to an ancient Welsh god of war. Aberdare in the Cynon Valley traces its name to the Gaelic ‘Afon Dar’, denoting the mouth of the River Dare, possibly related to an ancient Celtic goddess of oak woods.
Abergavenny’s name relates to the Welsh ‘aber’ (river mouth) and ‘Gafenni’ (river name) from the Celtic, hinting at an ancient ironworks. Abersoch in Pen Llyn refers to the River Soch, potentially connected to the Irish Gaelic word ‘socc’ or the Welsh ‘hwch’ meaning pig. Bala, situated near Llyn Tegid, Wales’ largest natural lake, may denote a strip of dry land near water or a floodplain.
Barry in the Vale of Glamorgan took its name from the local hill ‘The Barr’, while Brecon’s Welsh name ‘Aberhonddu’ signifies the mouth of the River Honddu. Carmarthen, the oldest town in Wales according to records, originally known as ‘Maridunum’, holds a Roman fort and means ‘fort at Maridunum’. Colwyn Bay may be named after Gollwyn ap Tangno or the Welsh word for ‘puppy’.
Caergwrle in Flintshire blends ‘caer’ for fort with the myth of a giant named Corley (Gwrle), while Dinas Powis in the Vale of Glamorgan signifies a ‘fortified place of Powis’. Dolgellau, derived from ‘dol’ (water meadow) and ‘cellau’ (cells), may refer to religious or merchant structures near the River Wnion. Ebbw Vale reflects the tempestuous nature of the River Ebwy and possibly horses fording the river.
Ewloe in Flintshire hints at a giant named Corley (Gwrle) living in a castle. Glamorgan, known as ‘Morgannwg’ in Welsh, likely named after a seventh-century prince named Morgan. Hawarden’s name may indicate a high enclosure while Holyhead derives from ‘Caergybi’ or ‘holy headland’. Llanelli honours the saint St Elli in its name, meaning ‘church of Elli’.
Merthyr Tydfil, referencing the martyrdom of St Tudful, traces back to the fifth century. Neath, named after the River Neath, may reflect a pre-Celtic origin or mean ‘river’ in Welsh. Prestatyn, possibly ‘farming community of the priests’, signifies religious association. Rhyl’s name ‘the hill’ denotes a flat terrain, and Rhymney’s ‘to bore’ references the cutting action of the river.
Treorchi in Glamorgan stands on the River Gorci, while Wrexham’s name ‘Wyrhtel’s water-meadow’ dates back to territorial disputes between Wales and England. These names encapsulate the diverse and fascinating history behind the captivating Welsh place names we hold dear.