De-Anglicisation of Names

[slohairt]

Interesting!

I have two Celtic names in my family- Wolf and Leddy. Leddy I already know the origins of both, but it would be interesting to see what you make of them.

WOLF If this be the Irish name Wolf/Wolfe/Woulfe, then it is ultimately of Norman origin with an obvious meaning. When the Normans were absorbed into Gaelic culture, the name was rendered de Bhulbh. So, Celtic in the sense that it is an Irish name, though etymologically it is not.

LEDDY I'll assume this is the Irish surname. A tricky, with little documentation. There are a few possible origins: Ó Lideadha, Ó Láidigh/Ó Loidigh (descended from the mighty?) I'm not really sure.

[Clockwork John]

Man, some of these names have very cool meanings, like "son of the wolf" or "descended from the mighty"... then there's me... "John Crooked-Mouth"

[slohairt]

Man, some of these names have very cool meanings, like "son of the wolf" or "descended from the mighty"... then there's me... "John Crooked-Mouth"

If it's any consolation, "crooked mouth" could possibly refer to a wry grin!

Sincerely,

John of the Martial Bear

[TatterDel]

If it's any consolation, "crooked mouth" could possibly refer to a wry grin!

Sincerely,

John of the Martial Bear

An ye all be grinin when the wind blows up your kilt!

[Nighthawk]

WOLF If this be the Irish name Wolf/Wolfe/Woulfe, then it is ultimately of Norman origin with an obvious meaning. When the Normans were absorbed into Gaelic culture, the name was rendered de Bhulbh. So, Celtic in the sense that it is an Irish name, though etymologically it is not.

LEDDY I'll assume this is the Irish surname. A tricky, with little documentation. There are a few possible origins: Ó Lideadha, Ó Láidigh/Ó Loidigh (descended from the mighty?) I'm not really sure.

Actually, you are correct on Wolfe. That's how I've tracked it, as well. From Wuffinga to Wolfestan to Wolfe. By my research, the name first appeared in England in the early 4th century, presumably because the family were Roman conscripts. That's my theory. There were Wuffingas who were bretwallas at the time the Vikings came calling, and then the name ends up in Scotland, Ireland and Wales. I assume they didn't want to become blood eagles... Thanks for taking the time to think about my names!

[slohairt]

Actually, you are correct on Wolfe. That's how I've tracked it, as well. From Wuffinga to Wolfestan to Wolfe. By my research, the name first appeared in England in the early 4th century, presumably because the family were Roman conscripts. That's my theory. There were Wuffingas who were bretwallas at the time the Vikings came calling, and then the name ends up in Scotland, Ireland and Wales. I assume they didn't want to become blood eagles... Thanks for taking the time to think about my names!

You're welcome and cheers!