There are many Viking placenames in Orkney. Some of them are:
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The Parish of Birsa, later Birsay, from Birgis, Bergis, or Byrgis |
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The Island of Burray, from Borgarey |
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Cubbie Roo’s Castle, from Kolbein Hruga |
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Dingieshowe from Pingshaugr, in Deerness, on the Mainland |
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The Island of Eday from Eioey |
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The Island of Eynhallow, from Eyin helga |
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The Parish of Harra, later Harray, from Harad, Herad, or Herao |
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The Island of Gairsay from Gareksey |
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The Island of Hoy, from Haey |
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The town of Kirkwall from Kirkwaa or Kirk Voe |
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The Mainland from Meginland |
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The Island of Stroma, from Straumsey |
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The Island of Stronsay, from Strjonsey |
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Tingwall, from Pingvollr, the probable site of the principal thing, in Evie, on the Mainland |
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The headlands of Veness, Warness, and Fersness on the Island of Eday |
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The Island of Wyre, from Vigr |
There are also placenames with Norse elements in the names. Among them are:
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The brough of Deerness and the town of Stromness, both on the Mainland , from ness |
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Girth House, the old name of the Round Church of Orphir, from grid |
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Hamnavoe, from voe |
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The Loch of Loomachun, Rousay, from tjorn |
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and countless farms, among them, Warsquoy, Brinyaquoy, and Quoy of Teveth from kvi in the township of Overbrough, Harray, and The Bu in Nettletar, Harray |
Last updated: 24th June, 2015, 4:45 PM
