Since 1987 the Queen's University at Belfast has been developing the ground-breaking ‘Northern Ireland Place-Name Project’ and compiling an incredible growing 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.
5. Lawrence Hill (Cnoc Lawrence). John Laird Mair Lawrence, educated at Foyle College. Viceroy of India 1863-9.
Lawrence Hill (Cnoc Lawrence). John Laird Mair Lawrence, educated at Foyle College. Viceroy of India 1863-9. Photo: archive
6. Lower Galliagh Road (Bóthar Bhaile na gCailleach Íochtarach). Galliagh is a shortened form of Ballynagalliagh/Baile na gCailleach. The land was formed for the support of a convent.
Lower Galliagh Road (Bóthar Bhaile na gCailleach Íochtarach). Galliagh is a shortened form of Ballynagalliagh/Baile na gCailleach. The land was formed for the support of a convent. Photo: archive
7. Locarden (Loch an Ardáin). Originally Locharden. Bryson suggests it may be a version of Laharden, from an Leath Ardán. Laharden is a minor name in Culmore townland. However, it seems more likely that Locharden was newly coined name contributing 'loch' with 'an Leath Ardán'.
Locarden (Loch an Ardáin). Originally Locharden. Bryson suggests it may be a version of Laharden, from an Leath Ardán. Laharden is a minor name in Culmore townland. However, it seems more likely that Locharden was newly coined name contributing 'loch' with 'an Leath Ardán'. Photo: archive
8. Lisnarea Avenue (Ascaill Lios na Riabh). Probably Lios na Riabh or possibly Lios na Rí. The first seems more likely, as it is not a high status fort and the anglicised form is more compatible with this.
Lisnarea Avenue (Ascaill Lios na Riabh). Probably Lios na Riabh or possibly Lios na Rí. The first seems more likely, as it is not a high status fort and the anglicised form is more compatible with this. Photo: archive