Orkney

Also used as

Orkney is also the ellipsis of Orkney Islands.

Origin of Orkney

From Old Norse Orkneyjar (“seal islands”), from Old Norse ørkn (“seal”) + ey (“island”). The modern form is singular. Ninth-century Norwegian settlers reinterpreted the Pictish/Proto-Brythonic name for the islands, recorded as Ancient Greek Όρκάδες (Órkádes), which was derived from Proto-Celtic *ɸorkos (“young pig”). Less common theories include a connection with Welsh erch (“speckled”) (on the basis of the Welsh form Erch) or Proto-Celtic *orkā (“pine”) (however, these islands are known for their lack of trees).

Words formed from Orkney

• Orkneyan
• Orkney skiff

Related words

• Orcadian

Phrases with Orkney

• Orkney skiffs
• Orkney Islands
• South Orkney Islands

Questions about Orkney

What does Orkney mean?

Orkney means a historical county of Scotland, United Kingdom.

What part of speech is Orkney?

Orkney is a proper noun.

How do you pronounce Orkney?

Orkney is pronounced /ˈɔɾkne/ (Scotland).