2012 09 15

"La Manche" is from Latin "manica" and "muinchille" or "mainchille" in Irish or Scots Gaelic is from its Latin diminutive "manicula". Geographical features often have more than one name. Isn't it possible that these straits were informally called "the sleeve" and that the word "muinchille" underwent a sound change and was shortened owing to its use by English speakers.