Academy of Saint Gabriel Report 281

Academy of Saint Gabriel Report 281

This report is available at http://www.s-gabriel.org/281

Some of the Academy's early reports contain errors that we haven't yet corrected. Please use it with caution.

Greetings,

Here's the information we have on "Celtic" names.

"Celtic" is actually a very broad term which encompasses numerous languages spoken in and near Britain during the Middle Ages. The two most important languages are Gaelic (which was spoken in Ireland and parts of Scotland), and Welsh (spoken in and around Wales). If you're interested in a Celtic persona, you first need to decide on your persona's culture.

Scotland is a particularly convoluted case because many languages were spoken there through the Middle Ages. Although Gaelic was spoken in Scotland during the entire SCA period, at different times varying numbers of its inhabitants spoke other languages. In the period in which "Braveheart" is set (around 1300), there were three main languages: Scottish Gaelic, Scots, and Anglo-Norman French. While many Gaelic speakers were involved in the events that inspired the film, William Wallace and Robert the Bruce most likely spoke primarily either Scots (a language related to English) and/or Anglo-Norman French.

Our recommendation is that you read a couple of books about the history of Wales, Ireland, or Scotland so that you get a clearer picture of the many medieval Celtic cultures. Once you know what culture you would like to be from, we can help you find an appropriate name. Two good books on Scottish history are "Who Are the Scots?" edited by Gordon Menzies, and "Scotland: A New History" by Michael Lynch. Two good books on Welsh history are "A History of Wales" by John Davies (which is a large, general work) and the smaller "Medieval Wales" by David Walker.

Tangwystl verch Morgant Glasvryn, Effric neyn Kenyeoch vc Ralte, and Lindorm Eriksson contributed to this letter.

We hope this has been helpful, and that we can continue to assist you.

In service,
Alan Fairfax
Academy of S. Gabriel