Breiður

Breiður is a term in the Icelandic language that can function as an adjective meaning “wide” or “broad,” and it also appears in proper names. In modern Icelandic, breiðr is the masculine singular form, breið is the feminine, and breitt is the neuter. When used as a place-name component, Breiður typically serves descriptively, signaling a broad or expansive geographic feature rather than constituting a standalone name.

Etymology and cognates: Breiður derives from Old Norse breiðr, a root that corresponds to similar forms in other North Germanic languages. The word is part of a broader set of toponymic elements used to describe landscape characteristics in Iceland.

Usage in toponymy: The element breið- is common in Icelandic geography and appears in compounds describing broad valleys, plains, plateaus, or wide coastal features. It is usually embedded in longer names rather than used alone as an independent toponym. The descriptive nature of the element helps convey spatial impressions within place names.

Notable uses: Specific locations or entities named solely Breiður are uncommon; the term more frequently appears as part of larger names or within linguistic discussions of Icelandic toponymy and descriptive naming practices.

See also: Icelandic toponymy; Old Norse language; breiður (linguistic form).