Have you ever wondered how some of Derry's streets got their names and what those names mean?
By Kevin Mullan
Published 31st Aug 2022, 15:27 BST
Updated 1st Sep 2022, 16:53 BST
Since 1987 the Queen's University at Belfast has been developing the ‘Northern Ireland Place-Name Project’ and compiling an incredible database of names that sometimes date back over a thousand years.
In compiling the Derry city section the compendium draws heavily on John Bryson's seminal 'Derry's Streets'. Other sources, including George Vaughan Sampson's map of Co. Derry of 1814, are also cited.
Some of the meanings suggested in the database are open to interpretation and debate but make for fascinating reading.
Based in Queen’s University, the project works in collaboration with Land and Property Services in the Department of Finance in providing a free online database of our local place-names (www.placenamesni.org. This is accompanied by an interactive searchable map of historical names (townlands, parishes, baronies and counties) which is provided by LPS.
Some of the meanings suggested in the database are open to interpretation and debate but make for fascinating reading.
9. Columbcille Court (Cúirt Cholmcille). Columbcille, also known as Colm Cille and St. Columba, the patron saint of Derry. He was born in Gartan, Co. Donegal and went on to found many monastic settlements, including one at Derry, which led to an early name for the city, Doire Cholm Cille. This was not, however, the earliest name for the city, as it is recorded as Doire Calgaigh in AD535. Colm Cille also founded Iona in Scotland where the illuminated manuscript known as the Book of Kells was created.
Columbcille Court (Cúirt Cholmcille). Columbcille, also known as Colm Cille and St. Columba, the patron saint of Derry. He was born in Gartan, Co. Donegal and went on to found many monastic settlements, including one at Derry, which led to an early name for the city, Doire Cholm Cille. This was not, however, the earliest name for the city, as it is recorded as Doire Calgaigh in AD535. Colm Cille also founded Iona in Scotland where the illuminated manuscript known as the Book of Kells was created.
10. Collon Lane (Lána Chollann). Colann, a height or high ground, seems to be the basis of several names anglicised as Collin or Colin. Since it is an ancient element of which the genitive form is uncertain, it has been left uninflected. There is a Collon House and a Collon Farm in Shantallow.
Collon Lane (Lána Chollann). Colann, a height or high ground, seems to be the basis of several names anglicised as Collin or Colin. Since it is an ancient element of which the genitive form is uncertain, it has been left uninflected. There is a Collon House and a Collon Farm in Shantallow.
National World encourages reader discussion on our stories. User feedback, insights and back-and-forth exchanges add a rich layer of context to reporting. Please review our Community Guidelines before commenting.