Genealogy in Irish (Ginealach): Meaning & Pronunciation

Q: What is the Irish for genealogy?

The Irish for genealogy is ginealach (pronounced “GIN-yuh-lukh”). It’s a masculine noun and the plural is ginealaigh. Depending on context it can also mean generation.

Q: What is the plural of genealogy in Irish?

The plural of ginealach is ginealaigh; with the article, na ginealaigh means “the genealogies”. The genitive plural is ginealach, as in leabhar na nginealach (the book of the genealogies).

Q: Does ginealach have more than one meaning?

Yes. Ginealach can mean genealogy or generation, depending on context; the first is the most common.

How to say “genealogy” in Irish

Irish:: ginealach
English:: genealogy, generation
Word type:: noun
Gender:: masculine, first declension
Pronunciation:: “GIN-yuh-lukh” /ˈɟɪnʲəl̪ˠəx/

Various forms

Plural:: ginealaigh (genealogies)
Genitive singular:: ginealaigh, an ghinealaigh (e.g. staidéar an ghinealaigh, the study of the genealogy)
Genitive plural:: ginealach, na nginealach (e.g. leabhar na nginealach, the book of the genealogies)

What does “ginealach” mean?

“Ginealach” has two alternative meanings. The most common comes first.

genealogy: The line of descent of a person or family, traced back through their ancestors.Also: pedigree, lineage, ancestry, family tree.

1 other meaning: generation

2generation: The process of producing offspring, or the body of descendants produced.Also: progeny, offspring.

“Ginealach” with the article

The plural of genealogy in Irish is ginealaigh. Here is ginealach after the article (an t-alt), in the singular and the plural.

an ginealach

the genealogy

No change after an

na ginealaigh

the genealogies

Plural: no change after na

“Ginealach” in a sentence: Irish examples

Common Irish sentences using ginealach, the Irish word for genealogy.

Tá suim mhór aici i nginealach a muintire.

She is very interested in her family's genealogy.

Rinne m'uncail taighde ar an nginealach.

My uncle researched the genealogy.

Tá ginealach an chapaill sin ar fheabhas.

That horse's pedigree is excellent.

Scríobh na manaigh ginealaigh na ríthe.

The monks wrote down the genealogies of the kings.

Chuaigh mo ghinealach siar go dtí an seachtú haois déag.

My lineage went back to the seventeenth century.

Is ábhar spéisiúil é staidéar an ghinealaigh.

The study of genealogy is an interesting subject.

Fuair mé ainm mo shin-seanathar sa ghinealach.

I found my great-grandfather's name in the genealogy.

Other nouns in Irish

More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.

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Genealogy in Irish: frequently asked questions

What is the Irish for genealogy?

The Irish for genealogy is ginealach (pronounced “GIN-yuh-lukh”). It’s a masculine noun and the plural is ginealaigh. Depending on context it can also mean generation.

How do you pronounce ginealach in Irish?

Ginealach is said like “GIN-yuh-lukh” (IPA /ˈɟɪnʲəl̪ˠəx/).

What is the plural of genealogy in Irish?

The plural of ginealach is ginealaigh; with the article, na ginealaigh means “the genealogies”. The genitive plural is ginealach, as in leabhar na nginealach (the book of the genealogies).

Does ginealach have more than one meaning?

Yes. Ginealach can mean genealogy or generation, depending on context; the first is the most common.

Why does ginealach change to ghinealach or nginealach?

Irish changes the start of some words after certain words. After mo (my) ginealach becomes mo ghinealach (lenition), and after ár (our) or i (in) it becomes ár nginealach (eclipsis).

Does 'ginealach' mean a generation of people?

Not usually: a generation of people is 'glúin', while 'ginealach' means genealogy, lineage or pedigree.

Genealogy in Irish (Ginealach): Meaning, Pronunciation, Usage