Lindisfarne

English

Etymology

Uncertain. From Old English Lindisfarena. It is thought the first element refers to the Lindsey area of Lincolnshire (from Old English Lindesēġe). The second element -farne may be from Old English farena, genitive plural of fara (traveller). Thus a plausible translation of the full name would be, "island of the travellers to and from Lindsey". Coates argued for a Old Irish origin with from fearann (territory), with the first part being Old Irish lind (lake) + -as; perhaps based on an equivalent Proto-Brythonic formation.

Pronunciation

Proper noun

Lindisfarne

  1. A tidal island off the northeast coast of England, constituting the civil parish of Holy Island in Northumberland; once an important centre of Celtic Christianity.
    Synonym: Holy Island

Translations