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.
13. Shantallow Avenue (Ascaill Sheantalaimh). The generally accepted origin of the name Shantallow is Seantalamh (old ground) (Dictionary of Ulster Place Names), although Bryson suggests that it is derived from na Sean-t-Saileacha (old sallies/willows). The name is generally treated as masculine, with genitive form Seantalaimh. Talún is the genitive form of talamh only when treated as feminine.
Shantallow Avenue (Ascaill Sheantalaimh). The generally accepted origin of the name Shantallow is Seantalamh (old ground) (Dictionary of Ulster Place Names), although Bryson suggests that it is derived from na Sean-t-Saileacha (old sallies/willows). The name is generally treated as masculine, with genitive form Seantalaimh. Talún is the genitive form of talamh only when treated as feminine. Photo: Supplied
14. Sandbank Cottages (Iostáin na hÉasrach). The street is named after an inland sandbank rather than one in the Foyle estuary.
Sandbank Cottages (Iostáin na hÉasrach). The street is named after an inland sandbank rather than one in the Foyle estuary. Photo: Supplied
15. Sackville Street (Sráid Sackville). Seemingly named after Lionel Cranfield Sackville, 1st Duke of Dorset and Lord Lieutenant of Ireland. Sackville Street was also a former name for O'Connell Street in Dublin.
Sackville Street (Sráid Sackville). Seemingly named after Lionel Cranfield Sackville, 1st Duke of Dorset and Lord Lieutenant of Ireland. Sackville Street was also a former name for O'Connell Street in Dublin. Photo: George Sweeney