Breathnach
The English surname Walsh is translated into Irish as Breathnach.
This term is used to refer to the common Irish surname Walsh.
Did you know?
- The word Breathnach belongs to a linguistic pattern where the same root was used across several Celtic languages to describe foreigners, such as the English word 'Welsh' and the Latin 'Wallicus'.
- In the context of Irish history, calling someone a Breathnach was a way to identify them as an outsider or an English-speaker.
- While 'Walsh' is one of the most common surnames in Ireland, the Irish form Breathnach is less frequently seen today due to centuries of anglicization.
Example conversation
Siobhán is introducing a friend to Cian.
- SiobhánCian, seo Mise Breathnach.Cian, this is Mise Breathnach.
- CianDia dhuit, a Breathnach.Hello, Breathnach.
- SiobhánIs é Breathnach a mhuintir í.She is from the Breathnach family.
- CianTá mé sáor go gcas tú.I am glad to meet you.
