Pic for Saab.

The Latin history of the names goes obviously back to the Roman period when the Roman legions marched across Europe around 56 BC. They swept into the islands along with Gaul and made them outposts for trading. Jersey was given the name “Caesarea”, Guernsey “Sarnia”, Alderney “Riduna”, Sark “Sarnica” and the smaller islands being Herm and Jethou, Armia and Sarmia.

When the Bretons arrived around 525 AD Guernsey was given a new name called “Lesia” with Jersey becoming “Angia”. However, the greatest influence was the Vikings who bought with them a new Norse language, which developed along with the islands’ new names with the “ey” at the end of the names literally translating to “island” in Norse. Of course there are variations to Guernsey/ Jersey French but the identity still remained Norse to the present Jersey, Guernsey and Alderney.

So the name “Aurigny” from what I make of it, is just a French word with the English being Aurigny derived from Norse. If you look at some of the French town names you will see some other examples. And so from there you get Aurigny Air Services.

Interesting!

I know there are often similarities between Latin (as the building block of the romantic languages) and French. What is the French for Alderney?

Aurigny is the old Latin word for Alderney. The airline was originally set up to supply Alderney from primarily Guernsey but also Jersey. Nowadays only a small part of the operation is based there (reservations, etc) while the main offices are in Guernsey. The old Latin name for Guernsey is Sarnia but there has already been a Trislander operation under the name Air Sarnia.

i think Aurgny is the French name for Alderney? I remember those Gurnsey Viscounts at gatwick, I think they were leased from BAF?
Aah Gatwick in the 80’s BCAL,Virgin etc Viscounts,CTA Caravelles,Air Europe etc…

What does “Aurigny” mean?

I think Aurigny should be renamed ‘Guernsey Airlines’ too.

Not many people remember this Guernsey based airline so I am glad you have resurrected it from the past. Guernsey Airlines operated services from the Island to a number of UK destinations such as London Gatwick, Manchester, Cambridge etc and I think one or two European destinations also. They operated Viscounts, Heralds and Shorts 330s from the British Air Ferries fleet. The airline was merged into Air Europe Express in 1989.

It is just a number of former Channel Island airlines that sadly have disappeared though it is good to know remember them. Hey, you never know, The States of Guernsey might rename Aurigny to ‘Guernsey Airlines’ now that they are state owned. :p