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 Land and Property Services.
5. St. Brigid's Avenue (Ascaill Bhríde). St. Brigit of Kildare founded a nunnery. Her feast day on February 1 replaced the pagan festival of Imbolc, marking the start of spring in the Irish calendar.
St. Brigid's Avenue (Ascaill Bhríde). St. Brigit of Kildare founded a nunnery. Her feast day on February 1 replaced the pagan festival of Imbolc, marking the start of spring in the Irish calendar. Photo: Supplied
6. Slievemore Park (Páirc an tSléibhe Mhóir). Slievemore is marked on an Ordnance Survey map of 1853 and is only 120 feet high. However, if sliabh (normally mountain) refers instead to an area of moorland, bog or turf-cuttings, the adjective mór, 'great' may refer to the expanse rather than the height.
Slievemore Park (Páirc an tSléibhe Mhóir). Slievemore is marked on an Ordnance Survey map of 1853 and is only 120 feet high. However, if sliabh (normally mountain) refers instead to an area of moorland, bog or turf-cuttings, the adjective mór, 'great' may refer to the expanse rather than the height. Photo: Supplied
7. St. Mary's Crescent (Corrán Mhuire). Named after the Virgin Mary.
St. Mary's Crescent (Corrán Mhuire). Named after the Virgin Mary. Photo: Supplied
8. St. John's Park (Páirc Éoin). Named after John the Baptist or John the Evangelist.
St. John's Park (Páirc Éoin). Named after John the Baptist or John the Evangelist. Photo: Supplied