Dùn Èideann
/ˈt̪uːnˈeːtʲən̪ˠ/masculine
The Gaelic name for Edinburgh is Dùn Èideann.
Dùn Èideann is the modern Gaelic name for the capital of Scotland.
Meaning: capital of Scotland (name)
What does it mean word for word?
The name is composed of Dùn, meaning fort and Èideann, referring to Aiden. Thus, it translates literally to 'Fort of Eidinn' or 'Fort of Aiden'.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In the Western Isles, people may use the variant Dùn Eideann.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈt̪uːnˈeːtʲən̪ˠ/
Did you know?
- The Gaelic name Dùn Èideann is derived from the Old Welsh Din Eidyn, showing the city's roots in the Brythonic languages of Southern Scotland.
- The element dùn is a common prefix in many Scottish place names, signaling that the location was once a fortified settlement.
- The transition from the Cumbric Din Eidyn to the Gaelic Dùn Èideann marks the historical shift in power and language within the Scottish Lowlands.
Examples in context
- Tha Dùn Èideann gu math brèagha.Edinburgh is very beautiful.
Example conversation
Callum and Eilidh are planning a trip.
- CallumCàr an t-samhradha, a bheil thu ag iarraidh a dhol gu Dùn Èideann?This summer, do you want to go to Edinburgh?
- EilidhTha, tha mi ag iarraidh tadhal an caisteal inntle Dùn Èideann.Yes, I want to visit the castle in Edinburgh.
- CallumTha an t-àm iongantach airson a dhol.It is a wonderful time to go.
- EilidhBidh e sgoinneil, a Callum!It will be brilliant, Callum!
Sources
- Wiktionary, “edinburgh” translations and entries Dùn Èideann, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries Dùn Èideann, dùn, CC BY-SA 4.0.
