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.
9. St. Aidan's Terrace (Ardán Aodháin). Aodhán was a common name in the early Gaelic world. There were 21 saints with this name. The most famous was the monk sent from Iona to found the monastery of Lindisfarne in Northumberland (Ó Corrain and Maguire).
St. Aidan's Terrace (Ardán Aodháin). Aodhán was a common name in the early Gaelic world. There were 21 saints with this name. The most famous was the monk sent from Iona to found the monastery of Lindisfarne in Northumberland (Ó Corrain and Maguire). Photo: Supplied
10. St. Francis Terrace (Ardán Phrionnias). St. Francis of Assisi (Central Italy), who died in 1226, was noted for his compassion towards animals.
St. Francis Terrace (Ardán Phrionnias). St. Francis of Assisi (Central Italy), who died in 1226, was noted for his compassion towards animals. Photo: Supplied
11. Springham Park (Páirc Springham). Named after Mathias Springham (1561-1620), a Londoner, who acted for the Irish Society and founded the Free School in 1617.
Springham Park (Páirc Springham). Named after Mathias Springham (1561-1620), a Londoner, who acted for the Irish Society and founded the Free School in 1617. Photo: Supplied
12. Summerhill Grove (Garrán Chnoc an tSamhraidh). The name Summer Hill may be associated with the nearby townland of Bolies, from Buaile (related to Bó - cow) a summer grazing area.
Summerhill Grove (Garrán Chnoc an tSamhraidh). The name Summer Hill may be associated with the nearby townland of Bolies, from Buaile (related to Bó - cow) a summer grazing area. Photo: Supplied