Recommended place-names in Snowdonia
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{{Short description|Place-naming policy of Eryri NPA, Wales}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=January 2024}}
The Eryri National Park Authority (previously Snowdonia NPA) has recommended the use of some Welsh place-names when referring to features in Snowdonia, Wales, now known by its Welsh language name, {{lang|cy|Eryri}}.
Most place-names in Snowdonia are of Welsh origin, with some of them having connections to Welsh folklore.{{Cite web |title=Place Names |url=https://snowdonia.gov.wales/discover/culture-language-and-community/place-names/ |access-date=24 November 2023 |website=Snowdonia National Park |language=en-US}} However, a few recent private name-changes from Welsh into English have inspired a campaign to use the Welsh names of places in Snowdonia which currently use English place names or anglicisations, to allow the promotion of the Welsh language and culture. Standardisation of Welsh place names has also been conducted, choosing a preferred Welsh form over multiple versions.
In November 2024, the authority stated that the change to Yr Wyddfa and Eryri over Snowdon and Snowdonia respectively, had been a "success".
Background
The status of Welsh place names had been debated for decades, with them only becoming present on road signs in Wales in the 1960s following a long campaign to make the signs bilingual rather than in English only. Protesters argued that the use of such English-only signs was an indication that Wales was an "English and British territory" and that bilingual signs would distinguish Wales as a separate country with its own language and identity.{{Cite web |last=Jones |first=Rhys |date=2 February 2023 |title=Welsh place names are being erased – and so are the stories they tell |url=http://theconversation.com/welsh-place-names-are-being-erased-and-so-are-the-stories-they-tell-197832 |access-date=24 November 2023 |website=The Conversation |language=en-US}}
In recent years, localised private name changes have been occurring elsewhere in Wales, replacing the previously long-standing Welsh name with an English alternative. This include the renaming of an Aberystwyth caravan park from the long-standing "Glan y Môr" to an English name "Aber Bay",{{Cite news |date=29 April 2022 |title=Outrage as caravan park replaces 100-year-old Welsh name with English alternative |work=ITV News |url=https://www.itv.com/news/wales/2022-04-29/anger-as-caravan-park-replaces-100-year-old-welsh-name-with-english-alternative}} a Ceredigion farm changing its name from "Faerdre Fach" to "Happy Donkey Hill" to appeal to tourists, and the use of "Cable Bay" over the older Welsh name of "Porth Trecastell" in Anglesey, and the tourist name "Lake Australia" over the older Welsh "Llyn Bochlwyd" in Snowdonia. These were cited as examples of Welsh place-names being under threat by language campaigners, who are now leading a campaign for the protection, re-emphasis and "rediscover[y]" of Welsh place-names.{{Cite web |last=Renwick |first=Will |date=19 April 2023 |title=Welsh places often get renamed - but usually into English |url=https://www.thegreatoutdoorsmag.com/opinion/welsh-places-often-get-renamed-but-usually-into-english/ |access-date=24 November 2023 |website=TGO Magazine |language=en}}
In 2022, a Gwynedd councillor put forward a motion asking the national park authority to stop using the English names Snowdon and Snowdonia.
On 16 November 2023, the Snowdonia National Park Authority voted to use the Welsh names Eryri and Yr Wyddfa, over their pre-existing names used in English, Snowdonia and Snowdon, respectively. In the same meeting, the NPA adopted a paper on "Place Name Principles" which would be the guide the NPA is to use when addressing place-names within the national park. By the time of the meeting, the NPA had already prioritised the Welsh names in documents, while keeping the English names in parentheses as a temporary courtesy.{{Cite web |last=G |first=Ioan |date=16 November 2022 |title=Paper on Place Names Principles approved in order to safeguard and celebrate Welsh place names within the National Park |url=https://snowdonia.gov.wales/paper-on-place-names-principles-approved-in-order-to-safeguard-and-celebrate-welsh-place-names-within-the-national-park/ |access-date=24 November 2023 |website=Snowdonia National Park |language=en-US}}{{Cite news |date=16 November 2022 |title=Snowdon: Park to use mountain's Welsh name Yr Wyddfa |language=en-GB |work=BBC News |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-wales-63649930 |access-date=24 November 2023}} The NPA stated that using the Welsh name would make visitors engage with the Welsh language and culture.
The national park authority worked with Cardiff University School of Welsh and the Welsh Language Commissioner to recommend a standard list of the names of lakes in Snowdonia. The NPA then voted in a meeting on 15 November 2023 to accept the list's recommendations; it voted unanimously in favour. The NPA stated that the list was to "safeguard" the area's Welsh place-names and its heritage.{{Cite news |date=16 November 2023 |title=Eryri National park lake names to only be referred to in Welsh |work=ITV News |url=https://www.itv.com/news/wales/2023-11-16/national-park-will-use-welsh-lake-names-only}}{{Cite web |last=GwenAeron |date=15 November 2023 |title=The National Park Authority, The School of Welsh at Cardiff University and the Welsh Language Commissioner work in collaboration to standardise a list of Eryri's lake names |url=https://snowdonia.gov.wales/the-national-park-authority-the-school-of-welsh-at-cardiff-university-and-the-welsh-language-commissioner-work-in-collaboration-to-standardise-a-list-of-eryris-lake-names/ |access-date=22 November 2023 |website=Snowdonia National Park |language=en-US}} The list most notably recommends that use of all the few English-language names for lakes in Snowdonia be discouraged in favour of their Welsh names.{{Cite web |date=19 November 2023 |title=Wales' largest national park to only use Welsh names for lakes and waterfalls |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/snowdonia-welsh-names-brecon-beacons-b2450051.html |access-date=24 November 2023 |website=The Independent |language=en}} Notable discouraged names are "Bala Lake" (or "Lake Bala"), to be replaced by "Llyn Tegid"; "Australia Lake" (or "Lake Australia"), to be replaced by "Llyn Bochlwyd"; and "Bearded Lake", to be replaced by "Llyn Barfog".{{Cite news |date=15 November 2023 |title=Snowdonia: Eryri National Park to use Welsh lake names only |language=en-GB |work=BBC News |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-wales-67431789 |access-date=24 November 2023}}{{Cite web |last=NationCymru |date=4 August 2020 |title=It's Llyn Bochlwyd, not Lake Australia: Why we should protect our Welsh place names |url=https://nation.cymru/opinion/its-llyn-bochlwyd-not-lake-australia-why-we-should-protect-our-welsh-place-names/ |access-date=24 November 2023 |website=Nation.Cymru |language=en-GB}} The move was described as being part of a campaign by language activists for historical sites to be referred to by their Welsh names only, and was referred to as "Welsh names for Welsh places".
The NPA is to look at the names of waterfalls and mountains in the national park.
In November 2024, the authority stated that the name changes had been a "success" as many businesses and media had followed suit. The authority stated that a summer survey showed "strong support" from locals and visitors for the name change. While some concerns were raised over misconceptions by some that the Welsh names were new and mispronunciations, the authority stated that the change resulted in the park being more associated with a Welsh identity, and more different from other UK national parks. The authority is set to make a pronunciation guide, a report on the changes, and update its logo which still contains Snowdonia.{{Cite web |title=Yr Wyddfa: National park to continue using Welsh name for Snowdon |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cpvz1k23zlwo |access-date=2024-11-11 |website=www.bbc.com |language=en-GB}}
Notable individual renamings
- Carnedd Uchaf to Carnedd Gwenllian – 2009 name change to honour Gwenllian of Wales.{{Cite web |last=Williams |first=Sally |date=23 September 2009 |title=Honour bestowed on Wales 'lost Princess' |url=http://www.walesonline.co.uk/news/wales-news/honour-bestowed-wales-lost-princess-2084716 |access-date=24 November 2023 |website=Wales Online |language=en}}
- There has been dispute over the spelling of the name of the mountain Cadair Idris, with the national park authority preferring "Cader Idris".{{Cite web |last=Jones-Williams |first=Eryl |date=13 April 2016 |title=Cadair or Cader Idris? Row breaks out over Snowdonia mountain's spelling |url=http://www.dailypost.co.uk/news/north-wales-news/cadair-cader-idris-row-over-11181525 |access-date=24 November 2023 |website=North Wales Live |language=en}}{{Cite news |date=8 June 2016 |title=Row over spelling of Cader Idris mountain settled |language=en-GB |work=BBC News |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-wales-north-west-wales-36482214 |access-date=24 November 2023}} It has been argued that "Cadair" is the more-widely used correct spelling.{{Cite news |date=13 April 2016 |title=Cadair Idris sign campaign to name mountain Cader Idris |language=en-GB |work=BBC News |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-wales-north-west-wales-36037227 |access-date=24 November 2023}}
- Snowdon changed to Yr Wyddfa – On 16 November 2022, the NPA announced that it would be phasing out its use of "Snowdon" and instead be using the Welsh name "Yr Wyddfa".{{Cite news |date=17 November 2022 |title=Mount Snowdon to be known by Welsh name 'Yr Wyddfa' rather than English after National Park vote |work=ITV News |url=https://www.itv.com/news/wales/2022-11-17/mount-snowdon-to-be-known-as-yr-wyddfa-from-now-on}} The Welsh Language Commissioner still recognises Snowdon in their list of standardised Welsh place-names in Gwynedd.{{Cite web |title=Welsh Place Names |url=https://www.welshlanguagecommissioner.wales/policy-and-research/welsh-place-names |access-date=18 November 2023 |website=www.welshlanguagecommissioner.wales |language=en-GB}}
- Snowdonia National Park changed to Eryri National Park – On 16 November, the NPA announced that it would be phasing out its use of "Snowdonia" for the Welsh name "Eryri". The English name is set in law, so would still be required on statutory documents.{{Cite web |date=17 November 2022 |title=Snowdon and Snowdonia to be referred to by Welsh names, authority decides |url=https://www.cambrian-news.co.uk/news/national-park-authority-votes-to-use-welsh-names-for-snowdon-and-snowdonia-573225 |access-date=24 November 2023 |website=Cambrian News}} A local marathon, the Snowdonia Marathon, endorsed this change when announced a rebranding as Marathon Eryri.{{Cite web |title=Snowdonia Marathon ditches English name in favour of Marathon Eryri |url=https://news.sky.com/story/snowdonia-marathon-ditches-english-name-in-favour-of-marathon-eryri-12901795 |access-date=24 November 2023 |website=Sky News |language=en}}
Lake name standardisation
The main issues with the existing toponymy to be addressed, as part of a standardisation of names, were:{{Cite web |last=Price |first=Stephen |date=20 November 2023 |title=Historic Welsh lake names safeguarded by National Park Authority |url=https://nation.cymru/news/historic-welsh-lake-names-safeguarded-by-national-park-authority/ |access-date=22 November 2023 |website=Nation.Cymru |language=en-GB}}
- To decide whether a name is to be with or without hyphens, or mutations, and recommend a name over colloquial versions.
- Consider the history, meaning and origin of the name. Emphasise local use, consultations with those closely connected to the names, and using specialised local knowledge.
- Using the knowledge of national park wardens to correct any misspellings that have been prevalent on maps for years.
= List of standardised lake names =
The list below is from the documents prepared for the 15 November 2023 meeting in which the national park authority voted on whether to support the list. However, the NPA has not publicly released a list, and it is not known whether its list matches that presented during the meeting.{{Cite web |date=15 November 2023 |title=NOTICE OF MEETING |url=https://snowdonia.gov.wales/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Authority15.11.23.pdf |publisher=Snowdonia National Park Authority}} Some alternative names were provided in an earlier NPA meeting.{{Cite web |date=13 October 2021 |title=Notice of Meeting |url=https://snowdonia.gov.wales/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/Authority-Meeting-13-October-2021.pdf |publisher=Snowdonia National Park Authority}}
Various reasons were provided for the selection of names on the original list.
| class="wikitable sortable"
! Recommended Welsh standard form(s) to be used in both Welsh and English !Other/former Welsh form(s) !Other English name(s) (if any) |
| Creiglyn Dyfi
|Craiglyn Dyfi | |
| Glaslyn
|Llyn Glaslyn | |
| Gloywlyn
|Gloyw Lyn | |
| Llyn Anafon
|Llyn Anhafon | |
| Llyn Aran
|Llyn Arran | |
| Llyn Arenig Fach
|Llyn Arennig Fach | |
| Llyn Arenig Fawr
|Llyn Arenig-Fawr Llyn Arennig Fawr | |
| Llyn Bach (in Rhyd-y-main)
| | |
| Llyn Bach (in Nant Peris)
|Llyn Bâch | |
| Llyn Bach / Llyn y Tri Greyenyn (in Tal-y-llyn)
| |Potential names relating to "Mach Loop" (Used by nearest car park) |
| Llyn Barfog
| |Bearded Lake |
| Llyn Bochlwyd
| |Australia Lake Lake Australia |
| Llyn Bodgynydd Mawr
|Bod Mawr (colloquial) Llyn Bod (colloquial) Llyn Bodgynydd | |
| Llyn Bodgynydd Bach
|Bod Bach (colloquial) Cors Bodgynydd (colloquial) | |
| Llyn Bodlyn
|Bodlyn | |
| Llyn Bodwenni
|Llyn Bodweni | |
| Llyn Bowydd
| | |
| Llyn Bryn Du
|Llyn Bryn-du | |
| Llyn Bwrw Eira
|Llyn Bwrw-eira | |
| Llyn Bwrw Eira Pellaf
|Llyn Bwrw-eira-pellaf | |
| Llyn Bychan
| | |
| Llyn Caerwych
| | |
| Llyn Cau
|Llyn y Cau | |
| Llyn Clogwyn Brith
|Llyn Clogwyn-brîth Llyn Clogwyn brith Llyn Clogwyn-brith | |
| Llyn Clyd
| | |
| Llyn Clyd Bach
| | |
| Llyn Coch (in Betws Garmon)
| | |
| Llyn Coch (in Blaenau Ffestiniog)
|Llyn Côch | |
| Llyn Coety
|Llyn Coedty |
| Llyn Conglog
| | |
| Llyn Conglog Bach
|Llyn Conglog-bach Llyn Conglog-bâch | |
| Llyn Conglog Mawr
|Llyn Conglog-mawr | |
| Llyn Conwy
| | |
| Llyn Corn Stwc
|Llyn Corn y Stwc Llyn Corn-ystwc Llyn Corn-y-stwc Llyn Corn-stwc | |
| Llyn Cors y Barcud
|Llyn Cors-y-barcud Llyn Cors Y Barcud Llyn Corsybarcud | |
| Llyn Corun
|Llyn y Coryn | |
| Llyn Cowlyd
| | |
| Llyn Crafanc
| | |
| Llyn Crafnant
| | |
| Llyn Craig y Tân
|Llyn Craig-y-tân Llyn Craig-y-tan | |
| Llyn Croesor
| | |
| Llyn Crych y Waun
|Llyn Grych-y-waun Llyn Crych-y-waen Llyn Crych-y-waun | |
| Llyn Cwm Bach
|Llyn Cwm-bach | |
| Llyn Cwm Bychan
|Llyn Cwmbychan | |
| Llyn Cwm Corsiog
|Llyn Cwm-corsiog Llyn Cwm corsiog Llyn Cwmcorsiog | |
| Llyn Cwm Dulyn (in Nebo)
|Llyn Cwmdulyn | |
| Llyn Cwm y Foel
|Llyn Cwm-y-foel | |
| Llyn Cwellyn
| | |
| Llyn Cwm Ffynnon
|Llyn Cwmffynnon | |
| Llyn Cwm Hosan
|Llyn Cwmhosan Llyn Cwm-hosan | |
| Llyn Cwm Mynach
|Llyn Cwm-mynach Cwm-Mynach | |
| Llyn Cwmorthin
| | |
| Llyn Cwm y Foel
|Llyn Cwm-y-foel Llyn Cwm Foel | |
| Llyn Cwm Ystradllyn
|Llyn Cwmstradllyn |Cwm Ystradllyn Reservoir |
| Llyn Cynwch
|Llyn Cnwch | |
| Llyn Cyri
| | |
| Llyn Cywion
| | |
| Llyn Dinas
| | |
| Llyn Du (in Pren-teg)
|Llun Du | |
| Llyn Du (in Trawsfynydd)
| | |
| Llyn Du (in Bronaber)
| | |
| Llyn Dubach y Bont (in Llan Ffestiniog)
|Llyn Dubach Y Bont Llyn Dubach-y-Bont Llyn Dubâch Llyn Dubach |Dubach Y Bont Lake |
| Llyn Dubach (in Maenofferen)
|Llun Du-bâch Llun Dubach | |
| Llyn Dulyn (in Llanenddwyn)
| | |
| Llyn Du’r Arddu
| | |
| Llyn Dwythwch
| | |
| Llyn Dyrnogydd
| | |
| Llyn Edno
| | |
| Llyn Eiddew Bach
|Llyn Eiddew-bach Llyn Eiddew bach | |
| Llyn Eiddew Mawr
|Llyn Eiddew-mawr Llyn Eiddew mawr | |
| Llyn Eigiau
| | |
| Llyn Elsi
| | |
| Llyn Foel Dinas
|Llyn Foeldinas Llyn Foel-Dinas | |
| Llyn Ffridd y Bwlch
|Llyn Ffridd Y Bwlch Llyn Ffridd-y-bwlch Llyn Ffridd y-bwlch Llyn Ffridd(-ybwlch) | |
| Llyn Ffynhonnau
|Llyn y Ffynhoniau | |
| Llyn Ffynnon y Gwas
|Llyn Ffynnon-y-gwas Llyn Ffynnon-y-Gwas | |
| Llyn Gafr
| | |
| Llyn Garneddwen
| | |
| Llyn Geirionnydd
| |
| Llyn Gelligain
|Llyn Gelli-Gain Llyn Gelli-gain |Gelli-Gain Reservoir |
| Llyn Glan Gors
Llyn Glan-gors | |
| Llyn Glas (in Blaenau Ffestiniog)
| | |
| Llyn Glas (in Rhyd-ddu)
| | |
| Llyn Glas (in Llanberis)
|Liyn Glas | |
| Llyn Goddion Duon
Llyn Goddion-duon | |
| Llyn Gwernan
| | |
| Llyn Gwynant
| | |
| Llyn Hafod-y-llyn
| |
| Llyn Hesgin
|Llyn Hesgyn | |
| Llyn Hiraethlyn
|Hiraethlyn | |
| Llyn Hywel
| | |
| Llyn Idwal
| | |
| Llyn Irddyn
| | |
| Llyn Iwerddon
| | |
| Llyn Jericho
| | |
| Llyn Llagi
| | |
| Llyn Llennyrch
|Llyn Llenyrch | |
| Llyn Llydaw
| | |
| Llyn Llymbren
|Llyn Lliwbrân Llyn Lliwbran Llyn Llyfnbren | |
| Llyn Llywelyn
| | |
| Llyn Mair
| | |
| Llyn Myngul
|Llyn Mwyngil Llyn Tal-y-llyn |
| Llyn Nadroedd
| | |
| Llyn Nantlle Uchaf
| | |
| Llyn Newydd
| | |
| Llyn Ogwen
| | |
| Llyn Owen y Ddôl
|Llyn Owen-y-ddôl Llyn Owen-y-ddol Llyn Owen-Y-Ddol | |
| Llyn Padarn
| | |
| Llyn Pandy
| | |
| Llyn Pen Aran
|Llyn Penaran | |
| Llyn Pencraig
|Llyn Pen Craig | |
| Llyn Pen Ffridd Newydd
|Llyn Penffriddnewydd | |
| Llyn Pen Moelyn
|Llyn Penmoelyn | |
| Llyn Pen y Gwryd
|Llyn Pen-y-gwryd Llyn Penygwryd | |
| Llyn Perfeddau
| | |
| Llyn Peris
| | |
| Llyn Pryfed
| | |
| Llyn Pwll y Gele
|Llyn Pwll-y-gele Llyn Pwllygele |Pwll-y-Gele |
| Llyn Ruck
| | |
| Llyn Sarnau
| | |
| Llyn Serw
| | |
| Llyn Stwlan
| | |
| Llyn Tan y Graig
|Llyn Tan-y-Graig Llyn Tan-y-graig | |
| Llyn Tecwyn Isaf
| | |
| Llyn Tecwyn Uchaf
| | |
| Llyn Tegid
| Lake Bala Lake Tegid |
| Llyn Terfyn
| | |
| Llyn Teyrn
| | |
| Llyn Tomos Lewis
| | |
| Llyn Trawsfynydd
| | |
| Llyn Trefor
| | |
| Llyn Tryweryn
| | |
| Llyn Twr Glas
|Llyn Twr-glas Llyn Twrglas Llyn Twr-glâs | |
| Llyn Tynymynydd
|Llyn Tyn-y-Mynydd | |
| Llyn Wylfa
| | |
| Llyn y Bi
|Llyn-y-Bi | |
| Llyn y Biswail
| | |
| Llyn y Cefn
|Llyn-y-cefn | |
| Llyn y Cŵn
|Llyn y Cwn | |
| Llyn y Drum
| | |
| Llyn y Drum Boeth
|Llyn y Drum-boeth | |
| Llyn y Dywarchen (in Ffestiniog)
| | |
| Llyn y Dywarchen (in Betws Garmon)
| | |
| Llyn y Dywarchen (in Llanfihangel-y-traethau a Llandecwyn)
|Llyn Dywarchen | |
| Llyn y Fawnog
|Llyn-y-Fawnog | |
| Llyn y Fedw
|Llyn-y-Fedw | |
| Llyn y Fign
| | |
| Llyn y Foel
Llyn-y-foel | |
| Llyn y Frân
| | |
| Llyn y Frithgraig
|Llyn y Frith Graig | |
| Llyn y Gadair (in Betws Garmon)
|Llyn y Gader | |
| Llyn y Gadair (in Brithdir ac Islaw’r-dref)
|Llyn-y-Gadair | |
| Llyn y Garn
| | |
| Llyn y Garnedd
| | |
| Llyn y Garnedd Uchaf
|Llyn y Garnedd-uchaf | |
| Llyn y Graig Wen
|Llyn y Graig-wen Llyn y Graig-Wen | |
| Llyn y Garreg Wen
|Llyn Gareg-wen | |
| Llyn y Gaseg Fraith
|Llyn y Gaseg-fraith Llyn y Gaseg-Fraith Llyn Caseg-fraith | |
| Llyn y Gors
| | |
| Llyn y Manod
|Llyn Manod | |
| Llyn y Morynion (in Ffestiniog)
|Llyn Morwynion Morynyon | |
| Llyn y Morynion (in Llanbedr)
|Llyn Morwynion | |
| Llyn y Parc
| |
| Llyn y Tomla
| | |
| Llyn y Wrach
|Llyn-y-Wrach | |
| Llyn y Wrysgan
| | |
| Llyn yr Adar
| | |
| Llyn yr Arddu
| | |
| Llyn yr Oerfel
| | |
| Llynnau Barlwyd
| | |
| Llynnau Cerrig y Myllt
|Llynnau Cerrig-y-Myllt Llynnau Cerrig-y-myllt | |
| Llynnau Cregennen
| |Cregennan Lakes |
| Llynnau Cwm Silyn
|Llynnau Cwmsilyn | |
| Llynnau Diffwys
| | |
| Llynnau Duweunydd
|Llynau Diwaunydd | |
| Llynnau Gamallt
| |Gamallt Lakes |
| Llynnau Mymbyr
| | |
| Llynnau’r Cŵn
|Llynnau'r Cwn | |
| Marchlyn Bach
| | |
| Marchlyn Mawr
| | |
| Llyn Melynllyn
|Melynllyn | |
| Merddwr Duweunydd
|Merddwr Diwaunydd | |
| Pwll Vivian
| | |