Siarad Cymraeg (speaking Welsh)

calliejonesprints
Mar 21, 2024
2 min read

Updated: Apr 1, 2024

Gwynn and our two children have grown up as a welsh speakers and the area around Bryn Ifan in North Wales is a stronghold for the welsh language. Most of the schools in the area are taught in the medium. Most people in Wales speak fluent English too but there is a thriving movement to preserve the language here.

Welsh Place Names

A Guide to Welsh Place Names

Welsh place names are often very descriptive and can tell you a lot about the history and culture of the area. Here is a guide to some common elements that you might see in Welsh place names:

Geographical Features

Aber: Estuary
Bryn: Hill
Cwm: Valley
Mynydd: Mountain
Pen: Headland

Natural Features

Afon: River
Coed: Wood
Ffynnon: Spring
Llyn: Lake
Mor: Sea

Man-Made Structures

Castell: Castle
Eglwys: Church
Ffynnon: Well
Pont: Bridge
Ty: House
Croes: Cross

Other Common Elements

Bach: Small
Mawr: Large
Goch: Red
Gwyn: White
Newydd: New

Some examples of Welsh place names and their meanings

Caernarfon: Fort on the Seiont
Conwy: River Conwy
Llandudno: Church of St. Tudno
Bangor: Bend in the river
Aberystwyth: Mouth of the Ystwyth

Welsh place names can be difficult to pronounce, but they are often very beautiful and evocative. If you're ever in Wales, be sure to take some time to learn about the meaning of the place names around you.

Welsh place names that start with "Llan" are typically associated with churches or religious settlements, for example:

Llandudno:

Llan: Church
Tudno: Saint Tudno

Llandudno is named after Saint Tudno, a 6th-century Welsh saint who founded a church in the area.

It is important to note that Welsh pronunciation can be difficult for non-native speakers. The "ll" in Welsh is pronounced like the "hl" in the German word "achtung." The "ch" in Welsh is pronounced like the "h" in the Scottish word "loch."

Some additional tips for understanding Welsh place names

Look for patterns: Many Welsh place names follow certain patterns. For example, place names that end in "-bach" are often small, while place names that end in "-fawr" are often large.

Consider the location: The location of a place can also give you clues about its name. For example, a place that is located near a river might have a name that includes the word "afon" (river).

Ask a local: If you're not sure what a place name means, you can always ask a local. They might be able to tell you the story behind the name.

Here are some examples of Welsh road signs, shop signs, pub signs, and place signs that you might see in north Wales:

Road Signs: