The Celtic Influence on the English language

The Celts were the native inhabitants of Britain in the Iron Age who spoke Celtic languages like Wesh, Breton, Irish, and Scottish Gaelic and had a similar culture. The word 'Celt' comes from the Greek word 'Keltoi' which means Barbarians and is adequately pronounced as Kelts. There is no written record of the Celts stemming from their documents, so we can piece together a fair picture of them from archaeological evidence and historical accounts from other cultures. There was a written Celtic language, but it was developed well into Christian times, so much of the Celtic history relied on oral transmission, primarily through the efforts of bards and poets. These arts were very important to the Celts, and whatever we know of them today comes through the old tales and poems that were handed down for generations before eventually being written down. 

After the Romans left, the Anglo-Saxons were invited to assist in fighting the Picts and the Scots. Eventually, they invaded Britain in the 5th century and settled in different parts of the country. These Germanic-speaking invaders chased away or killed or enslaved the Celtic inhabitants of the areas where they are settled. It is also likely that many of the Anglo-Saxons chose Celtic mates. Nevertheless, the Celts had to retreat to distant areas of Britain such as Ireland, Scotland, and Wales. 

Despite their long association with Britain, the Celts had very little impact on the development of the English language. Celtic influence is only seen primarily in geographic place names. For example, the kingdom of Kent owes its name to the Celtic word 'Canti' or 'Cantoin' (the meaning of which is unknown). The two ancient Northumbrian kingdoms of Deira and Bernicia derive their designations from Celtic tribal names. The name 'London' itself although the origin of the word is somewhat uncertain, most likely goes back to a Celtic designation. Even several important centers in the Roman period have names in which Celtic elements are embodied. 

The names of rivers and hills are the greatest number of Celtic names that survived. For example, Thames is a Celtic river name. Then there are Celtic words meaning 'hill' that are found in place names. Two Celtic words for hill, 'bre' and 'pen' appear in several names. Breedon on the Hill in Leicestershire is a combination of 'bre' and 'dun', both Celtic words. The use of 'Combe' or 'Coombe' as part of many place names comes from the Celtic word 'kumb', which meant 'valley', and was adopted into Old English. For example, Duncombe, Holcombe, and Winchcombe.

Other than the place names the influence of Celtic upon the English language is minor and insignificant. Not many words can be traced back to a Celtic source. Whatever words have survived and can be traced back could be distinguished into two groups:

1. Those that the Anglo-Saxons learned through everyday contact with the natives. These were transmitted orally. Example: Bin (basket, crib), Bratt (cloak), Luh (lake), Cumb (valley)

2. Those that were introduced by the Irish missionaries in the north. These words were connected to religious activities. Example: Cursian (to curse), Ancor (hermit)

The Celtic words as we can see did not attain a very permanent place in the English language as the Anglo-Saxons found little occasion to adopt Celtic modes of expression. Therefore, the Celtic influence remains the least of the early influences that affected the English language.