Etymology of Aberdeen

Aberdeen is pronounced /ˌæbərˈdiːn/ ⓘ in Received Pronunciation, and [ˌabərˈdin] ⓘ (with a short a sound) in Scottish Standard English.

The local Doric pronunciation, [ˌeːbərˈdin] ⓘ or [ˈeːbərdin] ⓘ (with a long ay sound), is frequently rendered Aiberdein.

Other Brythonic examples include Falmouth (which is known as Aberfal in Cornish), and Aber Wrac'h in Brittany.

Although the north east variety of Scottish Gaelic has died out, it was present in the region (cf.

Book of Deer) for centuries, as is attested to by Goidelic placenames in the region such as Inverurie, Banchory, Kincorth and Balgownie and was spoken as recently as 1984 (Braemar).

In 146 AD, Ptolemy wrote that in Celtic times a city named Dēoúana (Δηούανα),[3] commonly latinized as Devana, was the capital of the ancient tribal area Taexali (Ταιξάλοι, Taixáloi).