Balquhidder | Toponymy | Forum

Balquhidder

My proposal is that this was Pictish/Welsh "bwth- ffyddiwr" until shortly after 850.
Then the Gaelic corruption took the path it did - singly or variously.
Thus the real/original meaning is "the hut/cottage of the religious man" - probably referring to St Angus, apparently the original evangelist in the area.

Here is what has been considered so far (note the examples with an "f"):

https://www.ainmean-aite.scot/placename/balquhidder/
Balquhidder - Both Chuidir: the hut of ‘Cuidir’

In bofuddir: Book of the Dean of Lismore, p. 100 Skene edition
Bochuidir “formerly it was called Buchfuddir” Both-Phuidir Bofuidir: Robertson MS372, 266
A curious instance of p occurs in the place name Balquhidder, the Gaelic of which is Bo-phuidir in Rannoch, Strathtay, and at Loch Tay…. The pronunciation got at Blair is Bo-choidir (oi as short ao).: Robertson Perthshire Gaelic, Transactions, 1897 p. 17
Balquhidder is “Bo-fuidder” or “Bo-fuidir”… It is never by any means “Bail” to a native: Anonymous letter to the Oban Times, 5.3.1910
Both Fuidir, Both Phuidir & Both Chuidir*: Watson in Dwelly
Both Chuidir: Tony Dilworth notes
Braighe Bochuidir: 19th Century, Comhchruinneachta do dh’Òrain Thaghta, Ghaidhealach, 62
Both-chuidir… also Both-phuidir; a Balquhidder man is Puidreach: Watson, Rosg Gàidhlig, 271

https://canmore.org.uk/site/24141/puidrac
A standing stone stands about 4 1/2feet above ground, below Tom na Croich, Balquhidder. It is wedge-shaped, quite flat on top, and was famous as the place where trials of strength took place. A large, round, water-worn boulder, named, after the district, 'Puderag', weighing 2-3cwt., had to be lifted and placed on top of the standing stone. The latter had a ledge on its east side which was used as a resting-place in the lift but it was broken off c.30 years ago. A former minister of the parish is reputed to have had the lifting-stone thrown into the river, due to the danger of the feat, but it is also said to have been built into the manse dyke.
J M Gow 1887.

http://welsh-dictionary.ac.uk/.....c/gpc.html
bwth: hut, cottage
ffyddiwr: one strong in the faith/believer

Ragman Roll (1296)
http://www.rampantscotland.com.....gman_b.htm
Bithweder, Conan de (del counte de Perth).