Edinburgh etymology

Etymology:

The name Edinburgh is derived from the Brythonic language, the Celtic language spoken by the indigenous inhabitants of Scotland before the arrival of the English and Scots.

Meaning:

The name means "burgh on the hill," where "burgh" refers to a fortified town or stronghold and "edin" means "hill" or "promontory."

Origin:

The name Edinburgh is first mentioned in a royal charter dated 1124, granting the Scottish king David I permission to establish a burgh on the castle rock that would later become known as Edinburgh Castle.

The castle rock was a strategic site, located on a high hill overlooking the Firth of Forth, making it an ideal defensive position. It is believed that the hill was inhabited as early as the Iron Age, and may have been the site of a Celtic hillfort.

The settlement around the castle grew rapidly, becoming a major trading center and royal burgh by the 13th century. It became the de facto capital of Scotland in the 15th century, and the official capital in the 17th century.

Variants:

Over time, the name Edinburgh has undergone several spelling variations, including:

  • Edynburgh (12th century)
  • Edinburth (13th century)
  • Edinbrogh (15th century)
  • Edinburgh (17th century onwards)

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