Walha
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Image:Tjurko bracteate replica.jpgWalha is an ancient Germanic word, meaning "foreigner" or "stranger" ("welsh"), likely derived from the name of the Volcae. It is attested in the Roman Iron Age Tjurkö Bracteate inscription as walhakurne, probably "welsh crown" for "Roman coin", i.e. "bracteate". The term was used by the ancient germanic peoples to describe the inhabitants of the former Roman Empire, which were largely romanised and spoke Latin or Celtic languages. Today in the German language, Welsche refers to Latin (or Romanic) peoples: the French in particular, but also the Italians and the group in general. There is a street in Regensburg named Wallengasse, once inhabited by Italian merchants.
Several names of non-Germanic European regions are derived from the word Walh:
- Walachia (see also Vlach and Etymology of Vlach)
- Wales, Welsh
- Wallonia, Walloons
- Cornwall
- in village names ending in -walchen, such as Straßwalchen or Seewalchen, mostly located in the Salzkammergut region and indicating Roman settlement
- In German Welsch or Walsch, outdated for "Romanic", and still in use in Swiss German for Romands.
- In the Finnish language, the word 'Velho' means a mysterious wizard.
