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Origin in Irish (Bunadh): Meaning, Pronunciation, Usage

‘bunadh’ also means: people

The Irish for origin is bunadh, a masculine noun.
Updated October 2026Report a mistake

How to say “origin” in Irish

Irish:
bunadh
English:
origin, people
Word type:
noun
Gender:
masculine, first declension
Pronunciation:
“BUN-uh”  /ˈbˠʊn̪ˠə/
Various forms
Genitive singular:
bunaidh, an bhunaidh (e.g. áit bhunaidh, place of origin)

What does “bunadh” mean?

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

origin
The source or stock that someone or something comes from.Also: stock, source, descent.
1 other meaning: people
2people
The people of a place or household, especially its native inhabitants or family members.Also: folk, household, natives, inhabitants.

Other Irish words for origin: foinse (source), bunús (origin)

“Bunadh” with the article

Here is bunadh after the article (an t-alt).

an bunadh
the origin
No change after an

“Bunadh” in a sentence: Irish examples

Common Irish sentences using bunadh, the Irish word for origin.

Bhí bunadh an tí go léir sa chistin.
The whole household was in the kitchen.
Is as Maigh Eo a bunadh.
Her people come from Mayo.
Tá bunadh na háite an-fháilteach.
The local people are very welcoming.
Cad é áit bhunaidh do mhuintire?
Where do your people originally come from?
Bhí mo bhunadh ina n-iascairí riamh.
My people were always fishermen.
Tháinig an bunadh sin ó Albain fadó.
That family came from Scotland long ago.
Is é an leagan bunaidh is fearr liom.
I prefer the original version.

Other nouns in Irish

More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.

Origin in Irish: frequently asked questions

What is the Irish for origin?

The Irish for origin is bunadh (pronounced “BUN-uh”). It’s a masculine noun. Depending on context it can also mean people.

How do you pronounce bunadh in Irish?

Bunadh is said like “BUN-uh” (IPA /ˈbˠʊn̪ˠə/).

Does bunadh have a plural?

No plural form is given for bunadh in the standard. Many abstract and mass nouns in Irish have no plural.

Does bunadh have more than one meaning?

Yes. Bunadh can mean origin or people, depending on context; the first is the most common.

Why does bunadh change to bhunadh or mbunadh?

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

How is 'bunadh' different from 'bunús'?

'Bunús' means basis or foundation, while 'bunadh' means origin or stock and, especially in Ulster, the people of a place, as in 'bunadh na háite'.

What does 'bunaidh' mean after a noun?

The genitive 'bunaidh' works like the adjective 'original', as in 'leagan bunaidh' (original version) or 'áit bhunaidh' (place of origin).

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