Frisian
/ˈfrɪʒ.ən/noun
Relating to Friesland, the Frisian people, or the West Germanic language they speak.
Did you know?The name Frisian is ultimately connected to the old tribal name recorded by Roman writers, and the language is one of English’s closest living relatives.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Germanic
PGmc
*Fresaz / *Frīsaz
“A member of the Frisian people; the tribal name behind later forms.”
Latin (1st century CE)
Latin
Frisii
“The Frisian tribe living along the North Sea coast.”
Old English
OE
Frīsan
“The Frisians; the people known to Anglo-Saxons across the sea.”
Old Dutch / Old Frisian
West Germanic
Frīs(l)and / Frīsa
“The Frisian people and their land; regional ethnic name.”
Middle English
English
Frisian
“Belonging to the Frisian people or their language.”
Modern English
English
Frisian
“Relating to the Frisian people, region, or language.”