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

• (Received Pronunciation) IPA^(key): /ˈlɪndɪsfɑːn/
• (General American) IPA^(key): /ˈlɪndɪsfɑɹn/

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

tidal island off the northeast coast of England

• Old English: Lindisfarena
• Old Welsh: Metcaud