This is a list of the historical names for 'Louth', the village and county in Ireland.[1] The Placenames Branch, Dept. of Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht[2] undertakes research into the placenames of Ireland to provide authoritative Irish language versions of those placenames for official and public use. Below are from surviving records are a result of their research.
Native sources (Irish and Latin) from 6th - 19th century.
| Year | Reference | Source | Page | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 534 | S. Mochta, espucc Lughmhaigh (Níl sé seo comhaimseartha) | ARÉ[3] | I, 176 | |
| 662 | Scandlan abbas Lugbaid | ATig.[4] | xvii, 197 | |
| 662 | Scannlan, abb Lughmaidh, quieuit | AU[5] | 134 | |
| 693 | Gaimide Lugmhaidh décc. | ARÉ | 296 | |
| 693 | Gaimide Lugmhaidh décc | ARÉ | I, 296 | |
| 695 | Gaimide Lugmaidh dormiuit | AU | 156 | |
| 737 | Cuidgheal, ab 7 scribhnidh Lughmhaidh | ARÉ | I, 338 | |
| 742 | Mors Cuidgile, scribae 7 abbatis Lughmaidh | AU | 196 | |
| 750c. | Nirbo boctai do Mochta Lugbaid liss | FOeng. | cxxxii, 19 Aug. | |
| 753 | Muireadhach, mac Corbmaic Slaine, abb Lughmhaidh | ARÉ | I, 356 | |
| 754 | Coissetach, abb Lughmhaidh | ARÉ | I, 356 | |
| 758 | Gorman comurba Mochta Lugbaidh | ATig. | xvii, 258 | |
| 758 | [Muredach mac Cormaic] Slane, ab Lughmuidh | ATig. | xvii, 258 | |
| 758 | Muiredach m. Cormaic abbas Lughmaidh | AU | 210 | |
| 759 | Mors Coisetig ab Lugbaidh | ATig. | xvii, 259 | |
| 770 | Dondghal, mac Nuadhad, abb Lughmhaidh | ARÉ | I, 372 | |
| 775 | Donngal m. Nuadhat abbas Lugmaidh | AU | 228 | |
| 775 | Fianchu abbas Lugmaidh | AU | 228 | |
| 784 | Feadhach, mac Corbmaic, abb Lughmhaidh, Slaine 7 Doimliag | ARÉ | I, 390 | |
| 789 | Fedhach m. Cormaic abbas Lughmaidh | AU | 244 | |
| 797 | Cosccrach Ua Fraoich, abb Lughmhaidh | ARÉ | I, 404 | |
| 800c | vita sancti Moctei Lubgunensis (Lat.) | VSH (Heist)[6] | 394 | |
| 800c | ad Lubgudunense monasterium (Lat.) | VSH (Heist) | 200 | |
| 800c | ad locum qui dicitur Lugmod | VSH (Heist) | 250 | |
| 800c | ad locum nomine Lugmud | VSH (Heist) | 396 | |
| 800c | ad locum qui dicitur Lugmath | VSH (Heist) | 200 | |
| 800c | in civitate Lugmith (gen.) | VSH (Heist) | 200 | |
| 802 | Coscrach nepos Froich abbas Lughmaidh | AU | 256 | |
| 810 | Maolcanaigh, angcoire Lughmhaidh | ARÉ | I, 422 | |
| 815 | Mael Canaigh ancorita Lugmaidh | AU | 270 | |
| 818 | Cuanu abbas Lugmaidh co scrin Mochtai do dul a tire Muman for longais | AU | 274 | |
| 818 | Scrín Mochta Lugmaid for teched re nAed mc. Neill co mbui i lLis Mor | AIF | 124 | |
| 820 | Eocha Ua Tuathail, angcoire epscop, 7 abb Lughmhaidh | ARÉ | I, 430 | |
| 822 | Euchu nepos Tuathail, ancorita & episcopus Lugmaid dormiuit | _ | 278 | |
| 823 | Cuana Lughmhaidh, eagnaidh 7 epscop | ARÉ | I, 434 | |
| 825 | Cuanu Lugmaidh, sapiens 7 episcopus dormiuit | AU | 280 | |
| 830 | Orgain Lughmhaidh, 7 Mucshnamha 7 Ua Meith | ARÉ | I, 444 | |
| 830c | Mochta Lugmaid | M.Tall. | 26 s. 24 Mar. | |
| 830c | Mochta Lugmaid | M.Tall. | 62 s.19 Aug. | |
| 832 | Orggain Mucshnama 7 Lughmaidh 7 Oa Meith 7 Droma moccu Blae 7 ala n-aile ceall | AU | 288 | |
| 834 | Aodhagan mac Torbaigh abb Lucchmhaidh | ARÉ | I, 448 | |
| 839 | Orgain Lughmhaidh la Galloibh Locha hEathach | ARÉ | I, 460 | |
| 840 | Orggain Lughmaidh di Loch Echdach o genntibh | AU | 298 | |
| 862 | Muiredhach mac Néill ab Lughmhaidh 7 ceall naile | ARÉ | I, 498 | |
| 864 | Muridach m. Neill abbas Lughmaidh | AU | 864 | |
| 871 | Maoltuili Cluana huinnseann abb Lughmhaidh | ARÉ | I, 516 | |
| 898 | Caenchomhrac Insi Endoimh, epscop 7 abb Lughmaidh | ARÉ | I, 556 | |
| 903 | Caincomruc episcopus 7 princeps Lugmhaid | AU | 352 | |
| 908 | Mael Martain princeps Lughmaidh | AU | 356 | |
| 908c | Is ed dochóid Patraic íarsin do Ardd Patraic fri Lugmag anoir | B.Phát. | 135, l. 2680 | |
| 908c | Ticed Mochtae aníar ó Lugmag | B.Phát. | 146, l.2931 | |
| 908c | do Lugmag | B.Phát. | 146, l.2931 | |
| 928 | Flann Fobhair, abb Lughmhaidh | ARÉ | II, 622 | |
| 936 | Maolpatraicc .i. mac Broin, epscop Lughmhaidh | ARÉ | II, 634 | |
| 948 | Finnachta mac Echtighern, epscop, scribhnidh, & abb Lughmhaidh | ARÉ | II, 660 | |
| 968 | Orgain Lughmaidh 7 Droma Inescclainn la Muirehertach mac Domhnaill | ARÉ | II, 692 | |
| 986 | Gaoth mhór anacnata go ro thrascair iol chumhtaighthe 7 teaghdaisi iomdha im dertigh Lughmaidh | ARÉ | II, 720 | |
| 987 | im durtheach Lughmaidhe (v.l. lugh muighe) | ATig. | xvii, 345 | |
| 1011 | Martán abb Lucchmhaidh | ARÉ | II, 764 | |
| 1043 | Creach lá hAnnudh Ua Ruairc dar Lughmhadh dat Druim Inesclainn 7 dar Conaille uile | ARÉ | II, 842 | |
| 1043 | Crechsluaigheadh le hAndadh Hua Ruairc tar Lughmadh (v.l. lughmagh) & Druim n-Indasclaind | ATig. | xvii, 382 | |
| 1044 | Maelmochta, espug Lughmhaidh | ARÉ | II, 844 | |
| 1044 | Mael Mochta espoc Lugmaidh (v.l. lugmuigh) | ATig. | xvii, 383 | |
| 1045 | Maenach H. Cirduban airchinnech Lughmaidh | AU | 482 | |
| 1045 | Maonach Ua Ciordubháin, comharba Mochta Lughmhaidh | ARÉ | II, 848 | |
| 1047 | Gillamolaissi ferléighind Lughmaidh | ARÉ | II, 850 | |
| 1050c | Dointaí íarom Óengus mac Oénláma Caíme, óclach dána di Ultaib, in slóg n-ule oc Modaib Loga – is inund ón dano & Lugmod "Then Óengus mac Oénláma Caíme, a bold warrior of the Ulstermen, turned back the whole army at Moda Loga (which is the same name as Lugmod)" | _ | 2489-91 | |
| 1065 | Domnall airchinnech Lughbaidh | AU | 502 | |
| 1065 | Domhnall airchinneach Lucchmhaidh | ARÉ | II, 886 | |
| 1075 | Lughmhadh do losccadh co na teampull | ARÉ | II, 906 | |
| 1081 | Flann H. Lorcan uasalshacart Lughbaidh | AU | 516 | |
| 1081 | Flann Ua Lorcáin, uasal shacart Lughmhaidh | ARÉ | II, 916 | |
| 1081 | Ua Robhartaigh, airchinneach Lughmaidh | ARÉ | II, 916 | |
| 1083 | Gilla Moninne airchinnech Lugbaidh occisus est | AU | 516 | |
| 1083 | Giollamoninne, airchinnech Lughmhaidh | ARÉ | II, 918 | |
| 1100c | Mochta .i. escop Lugbaid | FOeng. | cxxxii, 19 Aug. | |
| 1100c | Mochta credal craibdech .i. Llugmad | FOeng. | lxv, 24 Mar n. | |
| 1102 | Muiredhach H. Cirduban airchinnech Lughbaidh do mharbadh do feraibh Midhe beus | AU | 540 | |
| 1102 | Muireadhach Ua Cíordhubhain, airchinneach Lughmhaidh. | ARÉ | II, 970 | |
| 1111 | Lughmhadh do losccadh | ARÉ | II, 990 | |
| 1111 | Lugmadh do loscadh | AU | 550 | |
| 1111 | Cenannus & Lughmadh (MS. lughmagh) do loscadh | ATig. | xviii, 30 | |
| 1123 | Flann Ua Duibhinsi, airchindeach Lughmhaidh | ARÉ | II, 1016 | |
| 1123 | Flann H. Duibhinnsi airchinnech Lughmaigh | AU | 568 | |
| 1128 | Fir Brebni dacutar for crec Conelle Murtimne cur argset Lugbuth | AIF | 1128 | |
| 1128 | Móir chreach la Connachtaibh i fFearnmhaigh, 7 ro oirccsead an tír 7 Lughmhadh | ARÉ | II, 1030 | |
| 1133 | Ros Cré 7 Lúghmhagh do losccadh | ARÉ | II, 1042 | |
| 1147 | Fiachra Mac Muireadhaigh, airchindeach Lughmhaidh frí ré | ARÉ | II, 1080 | |
| 1148 | Cluain Earaird, Land Leire 7 Lughmhadh do losccadh | ARÉ | II, 1084 | |
| 1148 | i Lughmhadh | ARÉ | II, 1082 | |
| 1149 | Ríghthearas lá mac Néill Uí Loghlainn co marcshluagh Chenél Eocchain co Lughmhadh | ARÉ | II, 1090 | |
| 1150c | imsóe reme na sluagu a Modaib Loga risi ráiter Lugmud in tan sa "he drove the hosts before him from Moda Loga, which is now called Lugmud" | _ | 2441 | |
| 1160 | Lúghmhadh 7 Ceanncoradh do loscadh | ARÉ | II, 1136 | |
| 1164 | Losccadh Lughmhaidh | ARÉ | II, 1152 | |
| 1164 | Maelchaoimhghin Ua Gormáin, maighistir Lughmaidh ard shaoi Ereann 7 abb canánach Tearmainn Fechine fri ré | ARÉ | II, 1152 | |
| 1166 | Cenannus & Lughmagh (v.l. Lugbud) crematae sunt | AU | 152 | |
| 1166 | Lughbhadh, Suird Cholaim Chille 7 Ard Bó do losccadh | ARÉ | II, 1158 | |
| 1176 | Lughmadh do fhasughadh do na Saxaibh | AU | 182 | |
| 1176 | Lughmhagh do fhasughadh do Saxaibh | ARÉ | III, 22 | |
| 1178 | Creach fill la Milis Gogan 7 la Gallaibh Atha Cliath 7 na Midir for Lugmadh 7 for Machaire Conaill | MIA | 66 | |
| 1181 | Maolmuire ua Dunain abb Cnuic na Seangan hi Lughmagh do écc | ARÉ | III, 56 | |
| 1196 | Ludhmagh d’argain 7 do loscadh | MIA | 76 | |
| 1242 | Caibitil mhór lé Prímhaidh Arda Macha 7 la abbadhaibh cananach Ereann i Lughmhadh dia ro togbhadh moran do thaisibh do thionoil Mochta ón Róimh | ARÉ | III, 304 | |
| 1242 | i lLugmad | AConn. | 76 | |
| 1315 | hic lucimag (= ic Lugmag)(acc). | AConn. | 232 | |
| 1315 | scilicet Ath Fir Diad 7 Lugud | AIF | 418 | |
| 1328 | Sir Seon Mac Feorais Iarla Lugmaigh | AConn. | 264 | |
| 1328 | Sir Seon Mac Feorais Iarla Lugmaigh, aon bharún ba beodha, bhrioghmaire, /agus ba ferr oinech do Ghallaibh Ereann, do marbhadh i ffell da muintir /fein .i. do Gallaibh Oirgiall, agus sochaidhe imaille ris do Ghallaibh /agus do Gaoidhelaibh. | ARÉ | 3, 538 | |
| 1371 | Marbadh Briain moir Meg Mathghamhna iar fír & a adnacul a Maínistir Lughbhaid | AU | 556 | |
| 1396 | Gallprioir do bheith i Lubha (n.2 ‘sic’) | MIA | 156 | |
| 1422 | cur millsed Lugmad ex parte magna | AConn. | 464 | |
| 1423 | Ocus do cuadar go Lughmadh | AU | 3, 94 | |
| 1423 | Aseadh lotar cetus co Traigh Bhaile co machaire Oirghiall go Lughmagh, agus assidhe gus an Midhe. | ARÉ | 858 | |
| 1450c | Is ann sin ro ionnsaig oclach dána d’Ultaib na sluaigh darbo comainm Oengus mac Aonlaime Gabaidh & do-cuaid resna sluagaib as Muighibh Loga frisa n-abartar Lughmagh in tan so | _ | 2434-6 | |
| 1522 | Maighister Feidhlimidh O Corcrain .....a adhlucudh a Lughbaidh | AU | 3, 548 | |
| 1532 | Sen-Mochta Lugmaid | BCC | 24 | |
| 1578 | Tomas mac Pattraic mic Oiliuéir Ploingcéd tighearna Luchcmaigh do mharbhadh lá Mag Mathghamhna | ARÉ | IV, 1708 | |
| 1630 | i ccondae Luth Strabaile | FNÉ | xlvi | |
| 1630 | Maolmuire Ua Gormáin, abb Lughmaigh | FNÉ | 186 3 July | |
| 1630 | Maccridhe, .i. mac craidhe Mochta Lughmaigh | FNÉ | 216, 11 August | |
| 1630 | Mochta, epscop Lughmaigh | FNÉ | 222, 19 August | |
| 1647 | in loco ...qui Ludha dicitur | Triad. Thaum. | 94 | |
| 1647 | Qui Ludha dicitur. Est oppidum Australis Ultoniae,hodie vulgo Luth priscis Ludh magh sive Lubhmagh dictum, celebri sancti Mochtei monasterio nobile; "This town is in the southern part of Ulster, now commonly called Luth, and was called by the ancients Ludh magh or Lubh magh, noble for the celebrated Monastery of S. Mocteus" | Triad. Thaum. (aistr. OSL Louth) | 114 n.135 | |
| 1692 | /Do mhac Éamoinn is lámh leasa /lúb i séadaibh nach cuir cás /inghean an fhéil fhinn ó Lúghmhadh / fá chéibh chlaoin is úrghlan d'ás. | Ó Bruadair | iii, 190 | |
| 1695 | Dhíol Seon Mhac Cearnaigh car de ghabáiste nua, /Is thug Siobhán Nic Ardail cárta do dhuine le clú; /Is minic a charn Brian Bearnach cailín i gclúid; /Is iomaí fear Gallda ón tsráid sin Londain go Lú. | Séamas Dall Mac Cuarta, Dánta | 72, 17 | |
| 1700 | Atá lile gan smúid ar m'airese i Lú /is ní cheilfidh mé a clú go dearfa, /an ghlaine is an snua bhí ag Helen ar dtús /gurab aici go nua tá ar tearma; /gan bhriseadh, gan bhrú, gan mhealladh le cluain /ach soineanta súgach leanbaí, /agus tuilte de dhúchas fhola rí Mumhan /in Ailí ghil chiúin Ní Chearbhaill. | Nua-Dhuanaire II | 15, 1 | |
| 1700c | Is iomdha búr i gContae Lú /nach seasann clú dá chéile, /acht dhruidfeadh a súil' go daingean dlúth /nuair a chífeadh siad chucu mo leithéide; /ní mar súd a cleachtadh domhsa /nuair bhí mé i ndúiche Chréamhainn, /acht ól gan diúltadh is biotáilte chumhra /agus seinm chiúin ar théadaibh. | Nua-Dhuanaire II | 18, 17 | |
| 1700c | Tá foscadh ag an Chrúb is cha minic linn siúl, /is ní itear ann plúr gan anlann; /ní sheasann tusa clú do na bodaigh sin ó Lú /is gurb é dúnadh a gcuid doirse ab fhearr leo: /nach cuimhin leat sa dún seo plumaí agus úlla /agus talta breátha úra na háite? /Seasann siad a ndúiche go fearúil le clú /is ní thugann siad cúl dá naimhde. | Pádraig Mac A Liondain, Dánta | 34, 14 | |
| 1730 | Ludh no Oirghialladh | RIA MS 23E26 (Tipper) | 338 | |
| 1730 | Lugh | RIA MS 23E26 (Tipper) | 342 | |
| 1730 | Lugh no Louth | RIA MS 23E26 (Tipper) | 339 | |
| 1733 | Marbhnaoi Shéamuis Mhic Cuarta do cumadh leis féin ar uair /a bháis i gConndae Lúgha. | Rainn agus Amhráin, É. Ó Tuathail 206 | 18 | |
| 1733 | Is fada mé 'mo luighe i Lughmhadh, (ls. Lúghadh) /'mo sgraiste brúighte - mo mhíle crádh! /Dúisighidh is cruinnigidh na seabhaic lúthmhar', /'s iomchraigidh an t-úr-mhac i gcaol na /gcnámh. | Rainn agus Amhráin, É. Ó Tuathail 206 | 19 | |
| 1750c | Bhí mo leabhrán agam uaibh seal ar chuairt in m’aice i Lúgh; níor bhain fearthainn do nó fuacht is cha dteachaidh luach na h-ola ar gcúl. | Rainn & Amhr. | ix, 1 | |
| 1750c | Aithris dod mháighistir go glic a leabhráin bhric, go raibh tú i Lúgh go dtugais damhsa sgéal o Ádhamh cia an lá do bhlas an t-ubhall | Rainn & Amhr. | xxxii, 8.12 | |
| 1750c | Dá nguidfinn capull a gcuigeadh Mumhan /’s a gconntae Lughaidh a gheabhainn a díol | RIA 3B 38 | 138 | |
| 1769 | Tá an Chros faoi ghruaim 's gan cúirt Uí Néill ann, Nó taithí na huaisle gach uair chun féasta: Dís ó Lú is triúr ón Éirne, An iomad ón Mhí is ó íochtar Éireann, Ag imirt 's ag ól as cornaibh gléigeal, Is mar Ollamh Fódhla bhíodh an t-óg dá réiteach. | Art Mac Cumhaigh Dánta | 125, l.205 | |
| 1771 | Sé Tiarna Lú nach raibh cloíte 's fuair clú na seacht dtíortha, 'S is úr-shlat den chaomh-choill sin Séamas ó fhréimh, De dhúchas na ndaoine a mbíodh dúicheacha 's tíortha Ag umhlú faoi chíos dóibh gan díomua go léir. 'S iad na Pluincéadaigh scaoilfeadh gach céim-dhochar dínne, Go fonnmhar ag éirí 's ag dreasú na n-éacht, Ach siúd planda den fhíor-fhuil tá ceansa gan aon locht, Mar Choinchulainn líofa ag bíogadh na stéad. | Art Mac Cumhaigh Dánta | 127, l.17 | |
| 1772 | Is sochar dhúinn cuairt an chuaine dhil sa /De shíol tréan-ríthe Éireann, /Ó Iarlaibh Lú 's na dtriúcha timpeall, /Siar go Cruachan Mhéabha: /Clann Diarmada ó thuaidh, 's a ngruadha ar lasadh /Gach uair mar an gha gréine, /Is Brannaigh na gcuach thug buaidh le fortún, /Ar chuartú thart na réagún. | Art Mac Cumhaigh, Dánta | 135, 11 | |
| 1780c | Bhí mé lá aereach ag dul bothar a' bhuaidheartha, Is ga h-é chas damh acht spéir-bhean as Conndae /Lughmhaigh; /d'fhiafraigh mé duithe, fríd chomhrádh pléide, /An bpósfadh sí gréasaidhe as Conndae an Dúin. | Céad Cheol. Uladh | 99 | |
| 1800 | /Beir mo chéad beann mar fhéirín go dúbalta siar uaim /Mar chónaíos an fialmhac is taitneamhach cliú; /An fíor-fhiosaigh céillí de mhianshliocht an Ghaeil Ghlais, /Fuair ansacht ón éigse agus ó gach saoi glic faoi Lú; | Mac Giolla Choille | 71 | |
| 1836 | Lugh na cléire mar leightear a m-Bíobla | OS Namebook, Louth | 3, 1. | |
| 1836 | Lugh na cléire mar leightear a m-Bíobla | OS Namebook, Louth | 3, 1. | |
| 1836 | Louth village is called by the people in Irish Lugh and parish, paraiste Lúghmhaíghe (Loo-ee) | OSL Louth | 114, 213 | |
| 1836 | “In the townland of Priorstate (sic leg.) (Dúithche na mBráthar) are the ruins of a religious establishment which the people call Louth Monastery (Mainistir Lúghmhaighe)” | OSL Louth | 114, 214 | |
| 1836 | “The people do not remember any other name for the county but the county of Louth and in Irish Conda Lugh. This is the exact pronunciation and Sarsfield never heard any other name for it” [Nóta: Patrick Sarsfield, a respectable farmer and a very intelligent man living about half a mile distant from the old Monastery OSL 1]. | OSL Louth | 9, 14 | |
| 1840 | Tháinig glúineadóir as Contae Lú ann, /Is tháinig Jury ann as Ardmhach, /Tháinig trúpa as Contae Dhúin ann, /Agus seisear búisteoir as Cairlinn, /Tháinig cúigear ó Chaiseal Mumhan ann /Is as Doire Núis tháinig a lán ann; /Ba é críoch na cúise gur mhionnaigh triúr dhíobh /Gurb é an gúta thug bás dó. | Art Mac Bionnáid, Dánta | 40, 17 | |
| 1848 | Sa gCondae Lú a sheastar cliú /Le sceallán cumhra scéamhach, /Is scinn anuas le meas is bua /Go ceart ón uaisle Ghaelach, //An staraí suairc, croí gan chruas - /Go mba fada buan a bheidh sé /I ngean gan fuath ag an tslua, /Ag míniú duar Gaeilge. / | Aodh Mac Domhnaill, Dánta | 74, 30 | |
| 1857 | barun Lugaidh, Plunket; | Mac Bionáid, Stair | 191 | |
| 1857 | / /Condae Lugaidh. / /Ann san mbliaghan 1641, ansa mhidh Fhabhra, do slaod-/mharbhadh tuairim tri-cheud de dhaoine bochta eadra fear, bean /agus paiste a gcoilligh Dhoirearach le partaigh do gharastun /Thraigh-Bhaile Dhuin-Dealgna agus Dhroicheat-Ath. | Mac Bionáid, Stair | 300, 9 |
Official administrative sources (Church and state) 12th – 16th century.[7]
| Year | Reference | Source | Page | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1139 | Liueth | Chart. Mary’s | II, 258 | |
| 1169 | Edanus Lugwdensis episcopus | Reg. Prioratus Omnium Sanctorum[8] | 50 (CLAJ 4,135) | |
| 1171-2 | Edano Lug: episcopo | Reg. Prioratus Omnium Sanctorum | 20 (CLAJ 4,135) | |
| 1178 | episcopus de Lugbud | CCCD | 364(CLAJ 4,135) | |
| 1178 | Edanus Lughbdunensis episcopus | Gesta Henrici II | (CLAJ 4,135) | |
| 1188 | Cristinus dei gratia Lugdunensis episcopus | Charter Christin | 178 (CLAJ 4) | |
| 1188 | prior sancte marie de lugdon. | Charter Christin | 178 (CLAJ 4) | |
| 1195 | Loueth, sheriff of | Gorm. Reg. | 144 | |
| 1197 | Donatus .....Lugdonenesis ecclesie dictus prior | Charter Donatus | 179 (CLAJ 4) | |
| 1202-3 | Luvethe | CDI | I, 28 | |
| 1203 | Luveth’(King’s castle of L.) | CDI | I, 31 | |
| 1204 | Luvenensis | CDI | I, 34 | |
| 1210c | apud pratum iuxta Luvet | CLAJ | 4, 12 | |
| 1221 | Louedhe | CDI | I, 155 | |
| 1228 | Louth | CDI | I, 245 | |
| 1241 | Luvedth’(manor of) | CDI | I, 378 | |
| 1252 | ecclesia Ludunensis | Pont. Hib. | II,176 | |
| 1252 | ecclesia Clochorensis vel Ludonensis | Pont. Hib. | II,176 | |
| 1252 | cuius ecclesiae Ludonensis B. Mocteus patronatus est primus | Pont. Hib. | II,176 | |
| 1260 | Loued, house of St. Mary of | Gorm. Reg. | 155 | |
| 1260 | Louethd, house of St. Mary, | Gorm. Reg. | 155 | |
| 1295 | Nicholai Prioris Domus Sanctae Mariae de Lowith | Charter (CLAJ 4) | 181 | |
| 1308 | County Loueth | Rot. Pat. Claus | 7 | |
| 1309 | vic’Loueth | Rot. Pat. Claus | 8 | |
| 1316 | Dundalc in co’Luvd’ | Rot. Pat. Claus | 1 | |
| 1318 | Louth | Plea R. | Ed. II, 7 | |
| 1318 | apud Loueth | Rot. Pat. Claus | 23 | |
| 1320 | Louth | Plea R. | Ed. II, 9 | |
| 1336 | Loueth | Rot. Pat. Claus | 41 | |
| 1338 | Louth | Plea R. | Ed. III, 34 | |
| 1342 | Lowthe | Plea R. | Ed. III, 2 | |
| 1344 | Louthe | Plea R. | Ed. III, 2 | |
| 1381 | Loueth | Dowd. Deeds | 109 | |
| 1383 | Co. Loueth | Dowd. Deeds | 115(no.285) | |
| 1383 | county of Louethye | Dowd. Deeds | 115(no.286) | |
| 1400 | Louth | Rot. Pat. Claus | 158 | |
| 1525 | episcopi monasterium de Louaeth | Reg. Clogher (CLAJ 4) | 240 | |
| 1525 | ecclesia Ludunensis | Reg. Clogher (CLAJ 4) | 254 | |
| 1540 | Curate of Lowiht | Reg. Dowd. | 93 (CLAJ VI, 93) | |
| 1540 | Co. Louth | Ir. Mon. Poss. | 16 | |
| 1540 | monastery of Louth | Ir. Mon. Poss. | 16 | |
| 1540 | Town of Lowth | Ir. Mon. Poss. | 229 | |
| 1540 | Louthe, Tenants and occupies of 24 cottages in L. | Ir. Mon. Poss. | 233 | |
| 1542 | the late priory of Lowth | Reg. Dowd. | 99 | |
| 1550 | Louthe, rectories and tithes of, | Fiant Edw. | 568 |
Official administrative sources (state) 20th century.
| Year | Reference | Source | Page | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1905 | Lughbhadh, Seosamh Laoide | Post-Sheanchas Cuid I – Sacsbhéarla-Gaedhilg[9] | _ | |
| 1919 21 January | Co. Lughmhaighe Seán Ó Ceallaigh "I láthair" | Dáil Éireann Roll-call[10] | Vol. F No. 1 |
In 1964, the provisional official form 'Lú' was published in Irish: Ainmneacha Gaeilge na mBailte Poist i gCúige Laighean: Liosta sealadach.[11] It was in 1969 that the form Lú was adopted as the official Irish form and was published as such in Irish: Ainmneacha Gaeilge na mBailte Poist.[12]
In 1973, all of the Irish forms published in Irish: Ainmneacha Gaeilge na mBailte Poist, including the form Lú, were given legal status in Irish: An tOrdú Logainmneacha (Foirmeacha Gaeilge) (Uimhir 1, Bailte Poist) / The Placenames Order (Irish forms) (Number 1, Post-towns). In 1977 The Department of Post and Telegraphs published 'Lú' as the Irish name of Louth in Irish: Eolaí an Phoist, the Post Office Guide
In 2003 the provisions of Part 5 of Acht na dTeangacha Oifigiúla / The Official Languages Act, revoked the Placenames Act of 1973. Legal status in An tOrdú Logainmneacha (Contae Lú) / The Placenames Order (County Louth), declared the official version of the barony, parish and village of Louth to be Lú. That same year the Irish version of the name of the county, Contae Lú, was given legal status in An tOrdú Logainmneacha (Cúigí agus contaetha) / The Placenames Order (Provinces and counties).
However, Louth County Council consistently refused to accept Lú as the Irish translation. Contae Lughaí was used on signposts erected on roads entering the county, the Crest of the Council[13] states Chontae Lughaí, and in 2007 Comhairle Chontae Lughaí (Louth County Council) was used in the IPA’s Administration Yearbook & Diary.
In 2006 Louth County Council submitted a proposal to An Príomhoifigeach Logainmneacha, to change Lú to Lughaí. During 2007 the proposal was investigated by Dónall Mac Giolla Easpaig, of An Príomhoifigeach Logainmneacha. The proposal was dismissed in December 2007, with a declaration that Lughaí was fictitious, had no historical significance, and no link to previous Irish lexical. During the Louth County Council meeting held in County Hall, Dundalk on Monday 31 March 2008, no objections to the response, and Lú has since been used as the Irish word for Louth. Minute No. 48/08 of this meeting states: "The correspondence from the Dept of Gaeltacht, Community and Rural affairs and the Placenames Commission regarding the Irish title of County Louth as discussed with members raising no objections to the Placenames Commission recommendation of Lú but requesting that advice be sought on the correct spelling of Lú in its tuiseal ginideach (genitive case) form"[14]