New Post
Search
Help
ArchivesNeifion
I've noted according to the database that Neifion is the Welsh variation of Neptune. I was wondering if the -fion in Neifion is the same element as the Fion in Fionn and Fionnan?
1
Replies
No, and it's not pronounced the same either: Neifion is 'nay-vyon' (nay to rhyme with may), Fionn is 'fin'. I'm inclined to agree with Rene's theory as to its origin.
Irish and Welsh are both Celtic languages but they're not that closely related, being from different branches, and don't share many common elements. The Welsh equivalent of 'fionn' is 'gwyn'.
Irish and Welsh are both Celtic languages but they're not that closely related, being from different branches, and don't share many common elements. The Welsh equivalent of 'fionn' is 'gwyn'.
1
I am not sure, but "Neifion" looks to me like the result of (predictable, regular) sound shifts, where Welsh speakers heard other people pronounce "Neptune" (or something quite similar), and when the loaned the name, they kind of "adjusted" it to sounds and syllables they were comfortable with as Welsh speakers.
If this was correct, the "fion" would have nothing to do with the "fion" of other names, but the "f" would be the result of "Welsh-ising" the "pt" combination, and "ion" the counterpart of "une", more or less.
If this was correct, the "fion" would have nothing to do with the "fion" of other names, but the "f" would be the result of "Welsh-ising" the "pt" combination, and "ion" the counterpart of "une", more or less.
This message was edited 1/30/2016, 10:06 PM
1