Name for Celts
History shows that the Celts were called by two other names, "Gauls" and "Welsh". But deeper studies have shown that the name "Celts" in itself has caused some debates as to why the same people never called themselves as such. In fact, there was not even a definite correlation established between the word "Celts" and the group people who lived in Europe prior to 190 B.C.
Further research had shown that the word "Celts" came from the Latin word Celtae, which means people who lived in central Gaul. "Celts" is also related to the Greek word "Keltoi", which means country of the Gauls.
The Celts are called "Gauls" because they speak of the ancient "Gaulish" language. This language is believed to be a derivative of the early Celtic language. And speaking this particular language was widespread in central Anatiola and many parts of Europe during this time. Gaul is also the name given to the inhabitants of the Western European region that the Celts had occupied.
Aside from being called "Gauls", Celts are also called "Welsh". The Welsh are known as the people belonging to the Brythonic speaking group of the early times. The Brythonic language is actually the counterpart of the Gaelic language. Although it does sound the same as the "Gaulish" language, the two really do not mean the same. "Welsh" is actually a German word, and it came about after the Gaelic and Germanic colonization of Great Britain. The world "Welsh" had transformed since then, but then again, it will certainly point back to the early and rich heritage of the Celts.
Original Authors:
Jennifer Tumanda
Edit Update Authors: RPN
Updated On: 25/01/2007
