Matheson Collection > Gaelic grammar, containing the parts of speech and the general principles of phonology and etymology, with a chapter on proper and place names

155
Druim-!-liath Drumalea in Ivintyre
Gleann-a-Comhann Glencoe
an Torr-a-donn, in Glengarry
an Tom-a-bàn Tomhane
8. The language of Scotland and of the Highlands before the
advent of Gaidhelic, modern Gaelic, from Ireland was Old British,
now called Welsh. Gaehc almost completely displaced British
surnames. An exception is found in :
Morgan, M.G. clann Mhorghuinn : *mori-canto-s
sea-white, G. MacAoidh Mac Kay
Clans of Norse origin are situated within the Highland Line,
and speak Gaelic.
The names of some clans originate from place names or terri-
torial designations outwith the Highland Line, and the members
of some of these clans are chiefly Lowland :
Chisholm, G. Siosal, Siosalaich, Chisholm in Roxburghshire
Gumming, G. Cuimein, Cuimeanach, De Comines
Forbes, G. Foirbeis, Foirbiseach, Forbes in Aberdeenshire
Fraser, G. Friseal, Frisealach, De Fresel a family of Touraine
Gordon, G. Gòrdan, Gordon, Gòrdonach, Gordon in Berwick-
shire
Logan, G. Logain, Loganach, Logan in Ayrshire
The names of some clans are English :
Durward (doorward) , G. Mac in Dorsair ; earlier clan-an
-oister, L. ostiarius Porter §109
Grant (grand, E. and French), G. grannd: but cf., as more
likely, grant .i. liath O'Cl.
Stewart, from (Robert H.) High Steward of Scotland, G.
Stiubhartach
Sutherland, from the name of the County, G. Suthurlanach
9. Examples of Place Names from Saints' Names, from
which old Scottish Place Names have to a large extent originated :
Adamnanus, Abdomnan L.C. 46
with mo- (repeated and aspirated) and -oc, Kill-mo-mo-
Eon-aig Kilmaveonaig (Atholl)
with do- T-eunan Kirk (Forglen), S. Tennent's Well
(Angus), 5. Tennent's Fair (Beith)