Aaron
< latin Aaron
<
ancient greek Ααρών | Aaron < hebrew Aharon
< (?) egyptian origin.
Abigail < hebrew Abhigayil
(= [my] father is rejoicing) < abh
(= father) + gil (= rejoice).
Aborigine < latin aborigines
(= the first inhabitants) / ab origine (= from the beginning) < ab (= from) + origo [gen. originis] (= rise, birth) (< orior [inf. oriri] (= arise, be
born)).
Abraham < latin Abraam
<
ancient greek Αβραάμ | Abraam < hebrew Abraham
(= father of a multitude) < abh (= father) + *raham (= multitude) < [previous name] Abram (= high father) < abh + ram (= high).
Adam < hebrew adam
(= man) < adamah (= ground).
Adelaide < french Adélaide [cf. old high german Adalhaid < adal (= noble family) (< proto-germanic *athala-)
+ heit
(= state, rank)].
Africa < latin Africa
[terra] (= African [land], Libya, the
province of Africa, the continent Africa), female of Africus (= of Africa) < Afer [gen. Afris] (=
an African).
Alan < old breton [Saint] Alan.
Alaska < russian Aljaskat
< aleut alakshak (= big country, continent).
Albania < medieval
latin Albania < medieval
greek Αλβανία | Albania < (?) 1. I.E. *alb
(= hill) or 2. I.E. *albho- (= white).
Albert < german Albert < old high german Adalbert
(= noble bright) < adal (= noble family) (< proto-germanic *athala-)
+ proto-germanic *berhta- (= bright).
Alcatraz < spanish / portuguese alcatraz (= pelican, cormorant) < (?) 1. arabic
al-ghattas
< al
(= the) + ghattas (= sea eagle) or
2. portuguese alcatruz (= bucket of a water wheel) < arabic al-qadus
< al
(= the) + qadus (= machine for
drawing water, jar) (< ancient greek κάδος | kados (= jar)) [(?) as a reference to the pelican’s pouch].
Alfred < old
english Ælfræd < ælf
(= elf) + ræd (= counsel).
Algeria < arabic
al-Jazair
< al
(= the) + jazair, plural of jezira
(= island) [in reference to the
islands next to this city].
Alice < old french Aliz < old high german Adalhaid
< adal (= noble family) + heit
(= state, rank).
Alison < french Alison
< Alice
< old french Aliz < old high german Adalhaid
(< adal (= noble family) + heit
(= state, rank)).
Allah < arabic Allah
< al-Ilah
< al (= the) + Ilah
(= God).
Allen < Alan < old breton [Saint] Alan.
Alma Mater < latin Alma Mater (= nurturing mother) [a title given by
Romans to certain goddesses] < alma,
female of almus (= nurturing) < alo [inf. alere] (= nourish, support)) + mater
(= mother).
Alps < french Alpes < latin Alpes
(= the Alps) < (?) 1. altus (= high) or 2. albus
(= white) or 3. celtic source.
Amanda < latin
amanda
(= pleasing), female gerundive of amo [inf. amare] (= to love).
Amelia < latin Amelia
(= laborious) < germanic
origin.
America < modern
latin americanus < italian Amerigo [Vespucci], an Italian geographer [who
claimed first to have discovered a new continent, not the India as Chr. Colombo
believed, and call it New World] < (?) gothic Amalrich
(= work-ruler).
Amsterdam < dutch
Amstel,
a river (< germanic ama (= current) + stelle
(= place)) + [suffix] -dam [in place names].
Andalusia < spanish Andalusia
< arabic al Andalus < al (= the) + Andalus (< (?) late latin
*Vandalicia
(= the country of Vandals) < latin Vandali (= Vandals), a
germanic tribe [settled in southern Spain] < (?) proto-germanic *wandljaz (= wanderer)).
Andrew < old french Andreu
< late latin Andreas
< ancient greek Ανδρέας
| Andreas < ανήρ | anēr [gen. ανδρός | andros] (= man).
Andy < a shortening
of Andrew
(q.v.).
Angle < old
english Angle < latin
Angli
< Angul,
a region (today, Holstein) [so called for its shape like a hook or for their
fishing with hooks] < latin angulus (= angle).
Angus < scottish
Angus,
related to irish Aonghus < celtic oen
(= one) + old irish gus (= ability, strength).
Anna < latin Anna < ancient greek Άννα
| Anna < hebrew Hannah
(= grace).
Annuit Coeptis (words on the Great Seal of the
U.S.A.) < latin [audacibus] annue coeptis
(= [favor (my)] daring undertakings), a phrase from poet Virgil (with a change
of annue to annuit) < annuo [inf. annuere] (= agree to) (< adnuo [inf. adnuere] < ad (= to) + nuo [inf. nuere] (= to nod)) + coeptus,
past participle of coepio [inf. coepere]
(= begin) (< cum (= with) + ap(i)o [inf. ap(i)ere] (=
happen on).
Antarctica < antarctic
< middle english antartyk < old french
antartique
< medieval latin antarcticus < ancient greek ανταρκτικός | antarktikos (< αντί | anti (= against, opposite) + αρκτικός | arktikos (= arctic, of the constellation
Bear [= Ursa major]) < άρκτος | arktos (= bear)).
Anthony < latin Antonius
< (?) etruscan origin.
Apache < (?) american
indian 1. apachewatche (= man of
war) or 2.‘epache (= people).
April < old french avril
< latin Aprilis
< 1. aperio [inf. aperire] (= open) or 2. (?) etruscan
Apru
< ancient greek Αφρώ | Aphrō < Αφροδίτη | Aphroditē, the goddess of love.
Aquarius < latin
aquarius
(= water carrier) < aqua (= water).
Arab < old french Arabi < latin Arabs
< ancient greek
Άραψ
| Araps [gen. Άραβος | Arabos) < arabic ‘arab (= (?) inhabitant of the
desert).
Aries < latin
aries
(= ram).
Argentina < latin argentinus
(= of silver) < argentum
(= silver).
Arnold < old high german Arenwald
< arn (= eagle) + wald
(= power).
Arthur < medieval latin Art(h)urus
< (?) welsh arth (= bear).
Ashley < Ashley / Ashleigh
< old english æsc (= ash tree) (< proto-germanis *askaz) + leah (= open field).
Asia < latin Asia < ancient greek Ασία | Assia < (?) 1. akkadian asu
(= sunrise) or 2. sanskrit usa (= sunrise).
Audrey < Aldreda < Etheldreda
< old english Æðelðryð < æðele (= noble) + ðryð (= strength, might).
August < latin Augustus,
in honor of emperor Augustus Caesar < augustus (= venerable) < augur (= augurer, diviner).
Austin < old french Aousten
< Augustine
< latin Augustinus, a diminutive of Augustus
(= venerable) < augur
(= augurer, diviner).
Australia < modern
latin [Terra] Australis
(= southern [land]) < australis
(= southern) < auster
[gen. austris] (= south wind, south).
Austria < medieval latin [Marchia] austriaca (= eastern
[borderland]) [from the german point of view, cf. german Österreich
< old high german ostar (= eastern) + reich (= kingdom)] < auster [gen. austris] (= east, [later] south).
Azores < (?) portuguese
açores, plural of açor (= vulture).
Aztec < spanish Azteca < nahuatl aztecatl
(= coming from Aztlan).
Bahamas < (?) spanish
baja
mar (= low sea) [in reference to the shallow water in these islands].
Baldwin < old french Baldoin
< related to old high german Baldawin (< bald (= bold) + wini (= friend))].
Barcelona < spanish
Barcelona < mauritanian Barjalunah
< phoenician [Hamlicar] Barca, the Carthaginian
general [who is supposed to have founded this city].
Barnard < old
english bera (= a bear) (< proto-germanic *bero (=
a bear)) + old english heard (= severe, harsh) (< proto-germanic *hardu- (= hard, bold).
Barney < a shortening
of 1. Barnard (q.v.) or 2. Barnaby < ancient greek
Βαρνάβας | Barnabas < aramaic Bar-nebhua (= son of consolation).
Bart < a shortening
of Bartholomew
< old french Barthelemieu < latin Bartholomeus
< ancient greek Βαρθολομαίος | Bartholomaeos < aramaic Bar-tolmai (= son of Tolmai).
Basel < german Basel
< late latin Basileia < ancient greek βασιλεία
| bassiloea (= royal) <
βασιλεύς
| bassilefs (= king).
Basque < french Basque
< spanish Vasco < Vascon < latin Vascones
< (?) Eskualduna, the people’s name.
Bastille < french Bastille
(= fortress, gate tower) < old
french bastir (= build).
Bauhaus < german Bauhaus
< Bau
(= building, construction) (< old high german buan
(= dwell)) + Haus (= house) (< proto-germanic *husan).
Bavaria < latin
Bavaria
< Baiuvarii,
Celtic tribes.
Beatrice < french Béatrice < late latin beatrix
[gen. beatricis] (= who makes happy) < beatus (= happy,
blessed), past participle of beo [inf. beare] (= make happy, bless).
Beijing < chinese
Beijing
(= southern capital) < bei
(= north) + jing (= capital).
Beirut < hebrew Beirut
(= the wells) < be’erot, plural of be’er (= a well, spring).
Belgium < latin Belgium
< Belgæ,
a Celtic tribe < (?) celtic
volca (= active, changeable).
Benjamin < hebrew Binyamin
(= son of the right hand / son of the
south) < ben (= son of) + yamin
(= right hand / south).
Berenice < latin Berenice < ancient greek Βερενίκη | Berenikē, Φερενίκη | Pherenikē (= [she] bringer of victory)
< φέρω | pherō (= bring)) + νίκη | nikē (= victory).
Bermuda < spanish
[Juan de] Bermudez, an explorer who
discovered these islands.
Bern < german Bern
< 1. old high german bero (= a bear) or 2. I.E.
*ber-
(= marshy place).
Bernard < german Bernhard
< old high german bero
(= a bear) + harti (= hard, bold).
Betty < Bet, a shortening of Elizabeth
< late latin Elisabeth < ancient greek Ελισάβετ | Elissabet < hebrew Elishebha
(= God is abundant | God is an oath).
Bible < αnglo-latin biblia
< old french bible (= the Bible) < late
latin biblia (= the Bible) [neuter plural as feminine singular] < biblia [sacra] (= [holy] books) < ancient
greek βιβλία [‘άγια] | biblia [haghia] (= [holy] books) < βιβλία, neutral plural of
βιβλίον | biblion (= papyrus, scroll, book) < βύβλος | byblos [female] (= papyrus) < Βύβλος | Byblos < phoenician Gebhal
(= (?) frontier town / mountain
town), a Phoenician city [from which was exported the elaborated Egyptian
papyrus].
Big Ben < big
+ Ben, a shortening of Benjamin [Hall]) [under whose supervision this bell was cast for the
Parliament tower of London in 1861].
Blanche < french Blanche < old french blanc
(= white) < frankish *blank
(= white, gleaming).
Bob < a shortening
of old french Robert < old high german Hrodberht < hrod-
(= fame, glory) + *berth (= bright).
Bohemia < middle french Boheme
< latin Boiohaemum
< Boii, a Celtic tribe (
< celtic bhoi (= war)) + proto-germanic *haimaz (= home).
Bonaparte < french
[Napoleon] Bonaparte < italian
Buonaparte < buona (= good) [female]
(< latin bonus, -a, -um (= good)) + parte
(= part, share) (< latin pars [gen. partis] (= part, piece)).
Boston < Botolph's
stone [(?) from the name of a
landowner] < Botolph (< old english Botwulf) + stone.
Bradley < old english brad
(= broad) + leah (= open field) (< læch < proto-germanic
*lauhaz).
Brazil < 1. portuguese Brazil
< brasa, a type of red wood used in making dye < middle
german bras (= metal, tin) or 2.middle english brasile
(= brasil red-dye wood) < medieval latin brasilium
/ old french bresil < (?) germanic
origin.
Brenda < scottish
Brenda
< old norse brandr (= sword, torch).
Bridget < irish Brighid,
a goddess (of fire, spring, fertility, healing, smithcraft and poetry) < brigh (= strength) < celtic *brig-o-
(= strength).
Britain < middle english Breteyne,
the island of England, Wales and Scotland <
old french Bretaigne < latin Britannia < Brittania < Brittani (= the Britons)
< celtic *Brittos,
Celtic natives of Britain [before the Anglo-Saxon invasion].
British < old english Bryttisc
(= relating to Britons) < Bryttas
(= the Britons) < celtic *Brittos,
Celtic natives of Britain [before the Anglo-Saxon invasion].
Brittany < middle english Britaine
/ Brutaine,
a region in the north France, where the Romano-Celtic refugees settled there
[Little Britain / Less Britain], after the Anglo-Saxon invasion of [Great]
Britain) < old french Bretaigne < latin Britannia
< Brittania < Brittani (= the Britons)
< celtic *Brittos,
celtic natives of Britain [before the Anglo-Saxon invasion].
Bronx < [Jonas] Bronck, a Scandinavian
immigrant [who settled there in 1641].
Brooklyn < dutch
Breukelen,
a township near Utrecht < old high german bruoh (= moor,
marshland).
Brussels < french Bruxelles
< old german Broca-cella / Bruoc-cella < brocca
(= marsh) + sali / sella (= room, building) (< latin cella
(= room, house)) [because it was founded as a fortress on an island of the
river Senne].
Budapest < hungarian
Budapest
< Buda
(= (?) water [cf. old church
slavonic voda (= water)]) + Pest (< slavic pest
(= furnace, oven, cove)), the two
cities on opposite shores of the Danube river.
Buddha < sanskrit Buddha
(= awakened, enlightened) < budda,
past participle of budh (= awake, perceive).
Bulgaria < medieval latin Bulgaria
< 1. burgarii [plural] (= guards of castle) < latin burgus
(= small tower) or 2. Bulgari [plural] (= the men from the river Volga) or 3. old
german bulgha (= mixing) or 4. latin bulga (= leather sack).
Byzantine < late latin Byzantinus
< Byzantium, original name
of Constantinople < ancient greek Βυζάντιον | Byzantion,
a settlement there < Βύζας | Byzas [gen. Βύζαντος | Byzantos], the founder of the city [who
came from Megara, a town near Athens].
Cadiz < spanish
Cadiz
< latin Gades
< ancient greek Γάδειρα | Gadoera < phoenician gadir
(= fort, enclosure).
Caesar < middle
english Cesar < Cæsar < latin [Caius
Julius] Caesar, a title of emperor of Rome {> german Kaiser, russian tsar} < Caesar, a surname of the Julian gens
in Rome < (?) 1. caesus, past participle of caedo [inf. caedere] (= to cut) [because Caesar was said to have been delivered
surgically (by caesarian section)] or 2. caesaries (= head of hair) [because
he was said to be born with a full hair] or 3. caeruleus (= cyan-gray)
or 4. caesius (= bluish-gray) [because of the color of his eyes].
Cairo < arabic [al-]Kahira (= [the] victorius / [the]
strong) [the new city built north of the old egyptian Khere-ohe / Khreri-aha (= place
of combat)].
Calais < gaulish Caleti,
a Celtic people [who lived there].
Calcutta < sanskrit Kali,
a Hindu goddess < kali (= black).
California < spanish
California
< (?) a compound of caliente fornella (= hot
cauldron) < latin calidus
(= warm) + fornus (= oven).
Cambridge < old
english Grontabricc (= bridge
on [river] Granta) < celtic Granta (= crooked) + old english brycge (<
proto-germanic *brugjo).
Cameron < gaelic camshron
(= wry or hooked nose).
Camilla < latin Camilla,
female of Camillus < camillus
(= young man in service of a priest) < (?) etruscan origin.
Canada < iroquoian
(= a village of huts).
Cannes < french
Cannes
< (?) pre-I.E. *kan (= height).
Capitol < latin Capitolium,
temple of Jupiter on the Capitoline hill in Rome < caput [gen. capitis] (= head).
Capricorn < latin
capricornus
(= horned like a goat) < caper [gen. capri] (= goat) + cornu (= horn).
Caribbean < spanish Caribe < arawakan Carib
(= strong), the natives of the islands of Caribbean < (?) kalin(ag)o (= brave / strong men) [cf.
cannibal].
Carl < old norse karl
(= man, male) / middle high
german Karl (= man, husband)
< proto-germanic *karlon-
(= man, husband).
Carol < medieval latin Carolus
< middle high german Karl
(= man, husband) < proto-germanic *karlon- (= man, husband).
Carthage < latin Carthago [gen. Carthaginis] < phoenician
quart
khadash (= new town).
Casablanca < spanish Casablanca
(= white house) < casa
(= house) (< latin casa (= hut, cottage)) + blanca,
female of blanco (= white) (< frankish *blank
(= white, gleaming)).
Catherine < french Catherine [(?) by influence of folk etymology
from ancient greek καθαρός | katharos (= pure)] < medieval latin Katerina < latin Ecaterina < ancient greek Αικατερίνη | Aekaterinē.
Caucasian < latin Caucasus < 1. hittite kaz-kaz, a nation of Black Sea or 2. pelasgian
*kau-
(= mountain).
Cecil < latin Caecilius
< caecus (= blind).
Charles < french Charles < medieval latin Carolus
< middle high german Karl
(= man, husband) < proto-germanic *karlon- (= man, husband).
Charlie < Charles
(q.v.). Especially:
1. Charlie (= Japanese soldier) slang from World War II < Charlie (= Asian man) [1930] < Charlie Chan, fictional Chinese detective.
2. Charlie (= Vietcong soldier) slang from Vietnam War [1965] < (?) Victor, Charlie, from military communication code for letters V,
C, as an abbreviation for Viet Cong.
Chelsea < middle
english Chelchuthe < old english Chelchede < Celchyth
< Caelichyth
< cealc (= chalk) + hyth
(= landing place).
Cherokee < Chorakae,
natives of North America < iroquoian
tsaragi.
Chester < middle english Cestre
< old english Legacæstir
(= city of the legions) < latin legio
(= legion) + old english ceaster
(= [Roman] town) (< latin castrum
(= fort, fortified place) < proto-italic
*kastro-
(= part, share)).
Chicago < canadian french Chicago
< 1. algonquian /sheka:ko:heki/ (= place of the wild
onion) or 2. ojibwa shika:konk (= at the skunk place).
China < (?) sanskrit Cina-s
(= the Chinese) < chinese
Qin
/ Ts’in,
an old dynasty of China.
Chloe < latin Chloe
< ancient greek Χλόη | Khloē < χλόη | khloē (= greenery,
grass).
Chris < a shortening
of 1. Christopher or 2. Christine / Christina.
Christ < old english Crist
< latin [Jesus] Christus < ancient greek [Ιησούς] Χριστός | [Iēssous] Khristos (= [Jesus] the Anointed) < χρίω | khriō (= to rub, anoint).
Christmas < old english Cristes
mæsse < Christ
+ mæsse
(<
vulgar latin *messa (= eucharistic service) < late
latin missa (= dismissal) < missa, past participle of mitto
[inf. mittere] (= let go, send)).
Christopher < late
latin Christophoros < ancient
greek Χριστοφόρος | Khristophoros < Χριστός | Khristos (= the Anointed) (< χρίω | khriō (= to rub, anoint)) + φόρος | phoros (= bearer) (< φέρω | pherō (= to carry)).
Cinderella < french Cendrillon < cendre (= ash) < latin cinis
[gen. cineris] (= ash).
Cindy < Cynthia
< latin Cynthia < ancient
greek Κυνθία | Kynthia, an epithet of goddess Artemis,
born on mountain Cynthus [of Delos island]
< Κύνθος | Kynthos (= Cynthus).
Claire < french claire,
female of clair (= light,
bright) < latin clarus
(= clear, bright, distinct).
Clara < latin Clara
< clara, female of clarus (= bright, shining, clear).
Clarisse < a diminutive
of Clara
< latin Clara < clara, female of clarus
(= bright, shining, clear).
Clark(e) <
middle english Clark(e) < middle
english clerk (= priest) (< old
english cleric < late latin clericus (= priestly)
< ancient greek κληρικός | klērikos (= of the clergy) < κλήρος | klēros (= a lot, allotment of share)).
Claude < french Claude
< latin Claudius < (?) claudus (= limping, lame).
Cleopatra < ancient
greek Κλεοπάτρα | Kleopatra < κλέος | kleos (= fame) + πάτρα | patra (= homeland).
Clothilde < french Clothilde
< german Klothilde
< old high german *klod
(= famous) + hild (= battle).
Cohen < hebrew kohen
(= priest) < kihen (= he acted as
priest).
Colin < french Colin
< Col
< a diminutive of Nicolas < latin Nic(h)olaus
< ancient greek Νικόλαος | Nikolaos < νίκη | nikē (= victory) + λαός | laos (= people).
Colorado < spanish
[Rio] Colorado (= [river] Reddish) < colorado (= colored, reddish) < colorado, past participle of colorar (= to color, dye,
paint) < latin coloro
[inf. colorare] (= to color, to get
tanned) < color (= color of the
skin, color, appearance) < old
latin colos (= a covering).
Colosseum < medieval latin Colosseum
< colosseum,
neuter of colosseus (= gigantic)
< latin colossus (= gigantic statue) [(?) a
reference to a gigantic statue of Nero next to this building] < ancient greek κολοσσός
| kolossos (= gigantic statue) [e.g. ο κολοσσός της ‘Ρόδου (= the colossus of
Rhode)].
Confucius < modern
latin Confucius < chinese K’ung Fu-tzu (= K’ung the
philosopher / the master).
Connecticut < algonquian
/ mohican quinnitukqut (= at the long tidal
river) < *kwen- (= long) + *-ehtekw
(= tidal river) + *-enk (= place).
Connor < Conner
< old english cunnere (= examiner, inspector).
Conrad < old high german Kuonrat
< kuon (= bold) + rat
(= counsel).
Constantine < latin
Constantinus < constans [gen. constantis] (= steadfast, faithful) <
constans,
present participle of consto [inf. constare] (= stand together)
< com (= with, together) + sto [inf. stare] (= to stand).
Constantinople < medieval greek Κωνσταντινούπολις | Kōnstantinoupolis < Κωνσταντίνου
πόλις
| Kōnstantinou polis (= Constantine’s city) < Κωνσταντίνου, genitive of
Κωνσταντίνος
(= Constantine [q.v.]), the Roman emperor [who transferred the capital from
Rome to the city of ancient Byzantium] + πόλις (= city).
Copenhagen < danish
København
(= merchant’s port) < danish køber
(= merchant) + havn (= port).
Cordova < spanish Córdoba
< phoenician qorteb
(= oil press).
Cox < middle english Cocks
< 1. cock (< old english cocc (= male bird,
rooster)) or 2. cook (< old english coc < vulgar latin *cocus (= a cook) < latin coquus (= a cook) < coquo
[inf. coquere] (= to cook)) or 3. welsh
coch
(= red).
Creole < french créole
< spanish criollo
(= native to a locality) < portuguese
crioulo,
a diminutive of cria (= raised person)
< criar (= to raise, bring up)
< latin creo [inf. creare] (= make, build, produce, bear).
Crimea < modern
latin Crimea / french
Crimée < russian Krimm / Krym < mongolian
(of Tatars) kherem (= strength).
Cynthia < latin Cynthia
< ancient greek Κυνθία | Kynthia, an epithet of goddess Artemis,
born on mountain Cynthus [of Delos island]
< Κύνθος | Kynthos (= Cynthus).
Cyprus < middle
english Cipre(s) < ancient
greek Κύπρος | Kypros.
Cyrus < ancient
greek Κύρος | Kyros < old persian Kurush.
Czech < czech Český
(= Bohemian, Czech) < (?) četa (= army).
Dalai Lama < mongolian dalai
(= ocean, “big”) [in contrast to the Panchen
Lama (< tibetan pandi-tachen-po (= great learned one)] + lama
(< tibetan blama (= chief, high priedt).
Daniel < ancient
greek Δανιήλ | Daniēl < hebrew Daniyél
(= my judge is God).
Danish < middle english Danish
< old english Denisc (= people of Denmark) < danish Daner
/ medieval latin Dani < (?) proto-germanic
*den-
(= low ground).
Danny < Daniel
< ancient greek Δανιήλ | Daniēl < hebrew Daniyél
(= my judge is God).
Danube < late latin Danubius
< latin Danuvius < celtic *danu(w)-yo- < I.E. *danu- (= river).
Daphne < ancient greek Δάφνη | Daphnē < δάφνη | daphnē (= laurel, bay tree).
David < ancient
greek Δαυίδ | David < hebrew Dawidh
(= darling, beloved friend).
Deborah < hebrew
Deborah
(= bee).
December < old english December
< old french Decembre < latin December [mensis]
(= tenth [month]) [of the old Roman calendar, which began with March] < decem (= ten) + [suffix] -ber
(< -bris).
Delhi < (?) hindi
delhi
(= threshold) [as the boundary between the rivers Ganges and Indus].
Delilah < hebrew Delilah
(= delicate, amorous) < semitic d-l-l (= to hang down, to languish).
Denmark < middle english
Denemarke < old
english Dene-mearce < Dane (< danish Daner < (?) proto-germanic *den- (= low ground)) + mark
(= border).
Dennis < french Denis
< latin Dionysius < ancient greek
Διονύσιος | Dionyssios, a saint < Διόνυσος | Dionyssos, the god of wine.
Detroit < french détroit
(= strait) < old french destreit < latin districtus, past participle of distringo
[inf. distringere] (= draw apart) < dis- (= un-, apart)) + stringo
[inf. stringere] (= draw tight).
Dexter < 1) [as a
proper name] < latin dexter (= on the right hand), 2) [as
a surname] < middle english deister (= a dyer) < deie
(= dye) + [suffix] -ster.
Diana < middle
english Diana < late latin Diana, a goddess < old
latin Jana.
Dick < Rick < a shortening of
Richard
< middle english Rycharde < old french Richard
< old high german Ricohard < proto-germanic *rik- (= ruler) + *harthu
(= hard).
Dietrich < old high german Theodric < theuda (= folk) + rihhi
(= rule) (< proto-germanic *rikja (= rule)).
Dolores < spanish [Maria de los] Dolores (= [Mary of the] Sorrows) < dolores, plural of dolor < latin dolor
(= pain, sorrow).
Dominic < latin
dominicus
(= pertaining to a lord) < dominus (= lord, master,
owner) < domus (= house).
Donald < scottish Dofnald
/ Dufenald
< (?) gaelic Domhnall / old irish Domnall
< proto-celtic *Dubno-valos
< old irish domun
(= world) + proto-celtic *walos (= ruler).
Donna < italian Donna
(= lady) < latin domina (= lady) < latin domus (= house).
Donovan < irish Donndubhan
(= dark brown).
Dorothy < french Dorothée < latin Dorothea < ancient greek Δωροθέα | Dōrothea < δώρον | dōron (= gift) + θεά | thea (= goddess), female of θεός | theos (= god).
Douglas < middle
english Douglas < gaelic
Dubh
ghlais (= dark water), a place in Lanarkshire.
Dublin < irish dubh
(= black) + linn (= pool) [from the dark waters of the river Liffey].
Duncan < 1. gaelic donn
(= brown) + ceann (= head) or 2. old gaelic Donnchad (= brown
warrior).
Dutch < middle english Dutch
< middle dutch duutsch < old high german duitisc < proto-germanic *theudō
(= popular, national) < I.E.
*teuta-
(= tribe).
Easter < old english Easterdæg < Eastre (< proto-germanic *austron-
(= dawn, a goddess of spring) < *aust- (= east)) + old english dæg
(= day) (< proto-germanic *dages- (= day)).
Ecuador < spanish
Ecuador
(= equator) [because the equator runs through this country] < medieval latin aequator
[diei et noctis] (= equalizer [of day
and night]) < latin aequo [inf. aequare] (= make equal) <
aequus
(= level, flat).
Eden < middle english Eden
< hebrew Edhen (= (?) pleasure, delight).
Edgar < old english Ead-gar
< ead (= wealth,
prosperity) + gar (= spear).
Edinburgh < celtic [Din] Eidyn (= (?) [fort] on a slope) + old english burh
(= fort).
Edith < old
english Eadgyð < ead
(= wealth, prosperity) + guð (= war).
Edmund < old
english Eadmund < ead
(= wealth, prosperity) + mund (= hand, protector) < proto-germanic *mundo-.
Edward < old english Eadweard
< ead (= wealth,
prosperity) + weard (= guardian).
Edwin < old english Ead-wine
< ead (= wealth,
prosperity) + wine (= friend, protector).
Egbert < old english Ecg-beorht
< old english ecg (= edge, sword) + beorht
(= bright).
Egypt <old
english Egipte < french
Egypte < ancient greek Αίγυπτος
| Aegyptos < akkadian Ha(t)-ka-ptah (= temple of
the soul of Ptah) [the name of the ancient city Memphis] < ha(t)
(= temple) + ka (= soul) + Ptah (= [god] Ptah).
Eire < old
irish Eriu < old celtic *Iveriu < (?) I.E.
*pi-wer-
(= fat, fertile) < *peie-
(= be fat, swell).
Eleanor < provençal Alienor
< alia
Aenor (= [the] other Aenor) [a queen of Aquitaine, so called to
distinguish her from hers mother with the same name, Aenor] < latin alia,
female of alius (= other) + old
germanic Aenor.
Electra < ancient greek Ηλέκτρα
| Ēlektra < ήλεκτρον | ēlektron (= amber) <
ηλέκτωρ | ēlektōr (= shining, bright).
Elias < ancient
greek Ηλίας | Ēlias < hebrew Eliyahu
(= God [is] Yah[weh]) < El (= God) + Yah / Yoh,
a shortening of Yahwah / Yahweh (= God).
Eliot <old
french Eliot, a diminutive of Elias < ancient greek Ηλίας | Ēlias
< hebrew Eliyahu (= God [is] Yah[veh]) < El
(= God) + Yah / Yoh, a shortening of Yahwah
/ Yahweh (= God).
Elizabeth < late latin Elisabeth < ancient greek Ελισάβετ | Elissabet < hebrew Elishebha
(= God is abundant / God is an oath).
Ellen < french Hélène < latin Helena < ancient greek ‘Ελένη | hElenē (= Helen).
Elsa < german Elsa,
a diminutive of Elisabet < late
latin Elisabeth < ancient
greek Ελισάβετ | Elissabet < hebrew Elishebha
(= God is abundant / God is an oath).
Elvira < spanish Elvira
< germanic (?) ala (= all) + wer (+ true).
Elysium < latin Elysium < ancient greek Ηλύσιον
[πεδίον] | Ēlysion [pedion] (=
Elysian [field]) []a place where heroes dwell after their death].
Emil < german Emil < french Emilé < latin Aemilius
< aemulus (=
rivaling).
Emma < german Emma < Erma < Ermentrude
< old high german Ermentrudis < ermin
(= whole) + trut (= dear).
Emmanuel < ancient greek Εμμανουήλ
| Emmanouēl < hebrew ‘Immanu’el (= God with us) < ‘immanu
(= with us) (< ‘im
(= with)) + El (= God).
England < old english Engla
land (= land of Angles) < Engle (= Angles) + land
(= ground, soil, territory) (<
proto-germanic *landja-).
English < old
english Englisc (= of the
Angles) < Engle (= Angles).
Ephraim < ancient
greek Ε(υ)φραίμ | E(f)phraem < hebrew Ephrajim
(= productive, fertile) < parah (= was fruitful).
Erasmus < latin Erasmus
(= beloved) < ancient greek
εράσμιος | erasmios (= lovely) < ερώ | erō (= to love).
Eric < old norse Eirikr
< proto-germanic *aiza-
(= honor) + *rik- (= ruler).
Ernest < french Ernest
(= earnest, serious) < proto-germanic *er-n-os-ti-
{> old high german Ernust / german Ernst (= earnestness)}.
Eros < middle english Eros
< ancient greek Έρως | Erōs, the god of love < έρως | erōs (= love) < ερώ | erō
(= to love).
Eskimo < danish Eskimo
/ middle french Esquimaux < (?) algonquian 1.
eskimants
(= eats raw [meat]) [< eski (= raw) + mants (= he eats)] or 2. askimo
/ ashkimeq (= eaters of
raw [meat]) [< proto-algonquian *ask- (= raw) + *-imo
(= eat)] or 3. (= snowshoe-netter).
[Their native name is Inuit, plural
of inuk (= human)].
Esmerelda < spanish Esmerelda
(= emerald) < medieval latin esmaraldus < latin smaragdus
< ancient greek σμάραγδος | smaragdos (=
emerald) < semitic baraq
(= shine).
Essex < old
english East-Seaxe (= East Saxons).
Esther < ancient greek Εσθήρ
| Esthēr < hebrew Ester < persian sitareh
(= star).
Ethan < hebrew ethan
(= strong, permanent).
Ethel < a shortening
of old english Etheldred / Ethelinda < æðele (= noble) + bryht
(= bright).
Ethiop < middle english Ethiop
< latin Aethiops (= Ethiopian) < ancient greek Αιθίοψ | Aethiops (= Ethiopian, “sun-burned”)
< αίθω | aethō (= to burn) + ωψ | ōps (= face).
Etna < latin Aetna < sicilian *aith-na
(= the fiery one) < I.E.
*ai-dh-
< *ai-(2) (= to burn).
Etta < a shortening
of Henrietta
< french Henriette, female of Henri
< latin Henricus < german Heinrich
< old german Heimerich < heim (= home) + rihhi
(= ruler).
Eucharist < middle english Eucharist
< old french eucariste < late latin eucharistia < ancient greek
ευχαριστία | efkharistia (= thanksgiving) < ευχάριστος | efkharistos (= grateful) < ευ | ef (= well) + χάρις | kharis (= favor, grace).
Euclidean < ancient greek Ευκλείδης
| Efkloedēs, ancient geometer < ευ | ef (= well) + κλέος | kleos
(= fame).
Eugene < french Eugène < latin Eugenius < ancient greek Ευγένιος
| Evgenios < ευγενής | evgenēs (=
nobleman, gentle) < ευ | ef, ev
(= well) + γένος | ghenos
(= parentage).
Euphrates < old
english Eufrate < ancient
greek Ευφράτης | Efphratēs <
(?) 1. akkadian Ufratu < u (= much) + pratu
(= wide) or 2. old persian Ufratu < avestan huperethuua
< hu- (= good) + peretu-
(= ford).
Europe < latin
Europa
< ancient greek Ευρώπη
| Evrōpē < 1. ευρύς | evrys (=
wide) + *ωψ | ōps [gen. ωπός | ōpos]
(= face, eye) or 2. phoenician ‘ereb (= evening) / akkadian
erebu
(= go down, set), hence “west”.
Euxine < latin [Pontus] Euxinus < ancient greek Εύξεινος [πόντος] | Efxoenos [pontos] (= hospitable [sea]) (< ευ | ef (= well) + ξένος | xenos (= host, guest, stranger)), an euphemism for [the dangerous,
for the ships, Black Sea with the original name] Άξεινος [πόντος] | Axoenos [pontos] (= inhospitable [sea]) < (?) old persian axshaina
/ akhshaena
(= dark) [a similar-sounding with ancient
greek άξεινος | αxoenos], the name for this sea,
because of its dangerous waves or its black color in the bottom.
Evan < welsh
Evan
(= John) [(?) by influence of welsh ieuanc (= young man) < celtic *yowanko-].
Eve < ancient
greek Εύα | Eva <
hebrew Hawwah (= a living
being, life) < hawa
(= he lived).
Evelyn < 1. Eve
(< ancient greek Εύα | Eva <
hebrew Hawwah (= a living
being, life) < hawa
(= he lived)) or 2. french Aveline < old high german Avelina < Avila < avi (=
(?) desired).
Everest < [George] Everest, a Welsh surveyor and geographer in India (< french Devereux
< Evereux, a place in France < celtic name of a
tribe [in latin Eburovices] < Ebura, a river).
Ezekiel < late latin Ezechiel < ancient greek Ιεζεκιήλ
| Iezekiēl < hebrew Yehezqel
(= God strengthens) < hazaq (= he strengthened)
+ El
(= God).
Faroese < faroese Føroyar
(= sheep-islands) < før (= sheep) + oyar,
plural of oy (= island).
Farrell < irish Fearghail
(= man of valor).
Fata Morgana < italian Fata (< latin fata,
neuter plural of fatum (= oracle, fate) <
fatum,
neuter past participle of for [inf. fari] (= to speak)) + Morgana (< anglo-french
Morgan
[le Fay], the sister of King Arthur,
in poetry, located in Calabria of Italy < welsh Morgan
(= sea-dweller)).
Fay < 1. middle
english fei / old french fei (= faith) or 2. fay
(= fairy).
February < middle english February < latin februarius
[mensis] (= [month] of purification) [in reference to expiatory rites when
this month was the last month of the ancient Roman calendar] < februo [inf. februare] (= to purify) < februa (= expiatory
rites), plural of februum (= expiatory offerings).
Felix < latin felix
[gen. felicis] (= happy).
Ferdinand < germanic Ferdinand
< (?) proto-germanic *fardi-nanth- (= adventurer) < (?) *fardiz
(= journey) + *nanthiz (= risk).
Fergus < gaelic Fearghus
/ old irish Fergus (= man-ability) < latin
vir
(= man) + old irish gus (= ability) (< celtic
*gustu-
(= choice)).
Ferris wheel < [George] Ferris, an American
engineer [who designed it in Chicago in 1893] (< Ferrers < Ferrières, place in
Normandy).
Finn < old english finnas < old norse finnr.
Florence < latin
Florentia
{> italian Fiorenze / Firenze}, female of Florentius
(= blooming) [so called from the many gardens of this city] < florens [gen. florentis], present participle of floro
[inf. florere] (= to flower) < flos [gen. floris] (= flower).
Florida < spanish
[Pascua] florida (= flowering [Easter]) [because it was
discovered on Easter of 1513] < latin floridus (= flowery) < flos [gen. floris] (= flower).
Floyd < Lloyd
< welsh Llwyd
(= gray).
Francis < french François < old french Franceis
(= noble, free, French) < medieval
latin Franciscus (= Frankish)
< Francus (= Frank) < frankish
*Frank.
France < old english France
< old french France < medieval latin Francia < Francus (= Frank) < frankish
*Frank.
Frank < old english franc
(= freeman, noble, Frank) < medieval
latin Francus < frankish *Frank.
Franklin < middle
english Frankeleyn < anglo-french
fraunclein
(= freeholder) < old french
franc
(= free, Frank).
Frederick < french Frédéric < german Friedrich < old high german Fridurih < proto-germanic *frithu-rik < *frithu- (= peace) + *rik-
(= rule).
French < middle english frensh
/ frenche
< old english frencisc
(= of the Franks, French) < Franc
(= Frank) < medieval latin
Francus
< frankish *Frank.
Friday < old english frigedæg
(= Frigga’s day) < *Frigu
(= Frigga), a germanic goddess of married love + dæg (< proto-germanic
*dages- (= day)).
Friedrich < german
Friedrich
< old high german Fridurih < proto-germanic *frithu-rik < *frithu- (= peace) + *rik-
(= rule).
Fritz < german
Fritz
< Friedrich
< old high german Fridurih < proto-germanic *frithu-rik < *frithu- (= peace) + *rik-
(= rule).
Gabriel < ancient
greek Γαβριήλ | Gabriēl < hebrew Gabhri
el
(= man of God) < gebher (= man) + El (= God).
Gallagher < irish Gallchobhar
(= foreign-help).
Gallic < latin Gallicus
(= pertaining to Gaul) < latin
Gallus
(= Gaul) < celtic origin.
Gary < [old norse geiri
/ old danish geri (= spear)] < proto-germanic *gaisa- (= spear).
Gaul < french Gaule < latin Gallia < Gallus (= Gaul).
Gemini < latin
gemini,
plural of geminus (= twin).
Geneva < latin Genava
/ Geneva
/ Genua < (?) 1. I.E. *gen- (= bend) [as a reference to its situation]
or 2. janua (= gate) or 3. Janus, a Roman god, having two faces
(cf. January).
Genevieve < french Geneviève
< late latin Genovefa < (?) celtic
origin.
Genoa < italian
Genova < latin Genava
/ Geneva
/ Genua < (?) 1. I.E. *gen- (= bend) [as a reference to its situation]
or 2. janua (= gate) or 3. Janus, a Roman god, having two faces
(cf. January).
George < french Georges
< late latin Georgius < ancient greek γεωργός | geōrgos (= farmer) < γη
| gē [gen. γεώς | geōs] (= earth) + έργον | ergon (= work).
Gerald < old french Giralt < old high german Gerwald
(= spear-wielder) < proto-germanic *girald < gar / ger
(= spear) + waltan (= to rule).
Gerard < old french Gerart
< germanic gar / ger (= spear) + hart
(= hard).
German < latin Germanus.
Geronimo < italian / spanish
Geronimo
< ancient greek ‘Ιερώνυμος | hIerōnymos < ‘ιερός | hieros (= holy) + όνυμα | onyma (= name).
Gertrude < french Gertrude
< old high german Geretrudis
< gar
/ ger
(= spear) + trut (= beloved).
Gib < an
abbreviation of Gilbert < 1. old
french Guillebert < old high german Williberht (= bright
will) or 2. old french Gilebert < Gisilbert (=
bright pledge) < old high
german gisil (= pledge) + beorht (= bright).
Gibraltar < arabic
Jebel
el
Tarik
(= Mountain of Tarik) < Tarik, a Saracen leader [who
captured this place in 710].
Gilbert < 1. old french Guillebert
< old high german Williberht (= bright will) or 2. old
french Gilebert < Gisilbert (= bright pledge) < old high german gisil
(= pledge) + beorht (= bright).
Giles < old french Gilles < latin Aegidius
/ Egidius
< ancient greek αιγίδιον
| aegidion (= kid) < αιξ | aex [gen. αιγός | aegos] (= goat).
Gillian < french Juliane < late latin Juliana,
female of Julianus (= of
Julius) < latin Julius.
Gioconda < italian Gioconda,
female of Giocondo < late latin jocundus (= pleasing, pleasant) < latin
jucundus
(= pleasant).
Giza < arabic Er-ges-her (= beside the high [i.e. the
Great Pyramid]).
Glasgow < gaelic Glasgow
< glas (= green) + cau
(= hollow).
Gloria < latin gloria
(= glory, fame, great honor).
Golgotha < latin
Golgotha
< ancient greek Γολγοθά | Golgotha < aramaic gulgulta (= [place of the] skull).
Gondwana < sanskrit gondavana < vana (= forest) + Gonda
(= fleshy navel, outie belly-button),
a Dravidian people.
Goth < old english Gota
< late latin Gothus
< ancient greek Γότθος
| Got-thos (= Goth) < gothic *Gutos.
Granada < spanish
Granada
< 1. latin granatum (= pomegranate) < granum
(= grain, seed) or 2. moorish karnattah (= hill of strangers).
Greek < old english Grecas
[plural] (= Greeks) < latin
Graeci
< ancient greek Γραικοί | Graikoe, a name used by Illyrians for the Greeks < Γραίοι | Graeoe, native name of the people in
Epirus, or in a town of Boeotia, both regions of Greece.
Greenland < old
norse Groenland [named by its discoverer to attract settlers to go to
an island with such a good name] < groene (= green, growing, living) + land
(= ground, soil, territory) (<
proto-germanic *landja-).
Greenwich < old english
Gronewic
/ Grenewic
(= green harbor / green trading
place) < grene / groene (= green, growing, living) + wic (=
house, village, town).
Gregory < late
latin Gregorius < ancient
greek Γρηγόριος | Grēgorios < γρηγορώ | grēgorō (= be watchful, be
awake).
Grenoble < latin Gratianopolis
< [Flavius] Gratianus, a Roman
emperor + ancient greek πόλις | polis (= town).
Greta < Gretchen
(q.v.).
Gretchen < german
Gretchen
< Greta
< a diminutive of Margaret < late latin Margarita
< ancient greek μαργαρίτης [λίθος] | margaritēs [lithos] (= pearl [stone]).
Griffith < welsh Gruffydd
< (?) latin Rufus < rufus (= red).
Griselda < italian Grishelda
< german Grishilda < old high german grisja hilda
< grisja
(= gray) + Hilda (= battle-maid) (<
hild (= war, battle) < proto-germanic *hildiz
(= battle).
Guatemala < american
indian 1. Quauhtemellan (= land of the eagle) or 2. Uhatzmalha (= mountain
where water gushes).
Guy < french Guy, related to italian Guido.
Gypsy < gypcian
< Egypcien
(= Egyptian) [the “Little Egypt” was
the supposed origin of this people] (< Egypt < old english
Egipte
< french Egypte < ancient greek Αίγυπτος
| Aegyptos < akkadian Ha(t)-ka-ptah, the name of
the city Memphis < ha(t) (= temple) + ka
(= soul) + Ptah (= [god] Ptah)).
Hague < dutch [Den] Haag < Gravenhage
(= count’s hedge).
Haiti < arawak
haiti
(= land of mountains).
Halifax < late
Halifax < old english halh
(= secluded spot, nook of land) + feax (= rough grass).
Halloween < Hallow-e’en
/ Hallow
e’en
< scottish Holy Eve < a shortening of Allhallow-even
(= Eve of All Saints [the last night of the year in the old celtic calendar, a
night for witches] < all + hallow + even.
Hamburg < german
Hamburg
< (?) 1. old high german hamma (= ham) or 2. middle high
german hamme (= enclosed area) + Burg (= fort).
Hannah < hebrew Hannah
(= graciousness) < hanan (= he was gracious).
Hannibal < punic (semitic) Hannibha’al (= my favor is with Baal).
Hanover < german Hannover
< middle low german hoch
(= high) + over (= ridge).
Hans < a shortening
of german / dutch Johannes < medieval latin Johannes
< late latin Joannes < ancient greek Ιωάννης | Iōannēs < hebrew Yohanan (= God is gracious) < Yah / Yoh,
a shortening of Yahwah / Yahweh (= God) + hanan
(= he was gracious).
Harlem < dutch
[Nieuw] Haarlem (= [New] Harlem)
< Haarlem,
a city in Netherlands < (?) haar (= height) + lem
(= silt).
Harold < old
norse Haraldr / old
swedish Harald < proto-germanic
*harja-waldaz
(= army commander).
Harris / Harry < middle english Harry
< Henry < french
Henri < late latin Henricus < german Heinrich < old high german Heimerich
(= ruler of the house) < heim
(= home) + rihhi (= ruler).
Harvey < old
french Hervé / old breton Hærviu (= battle-worthy).
Hawaii < hawaiian
Hawai’i < proto-polynesian *hawaiki
/ owhyhii
(= place of the gods) [a
reference to two volcanoes of these islands, Mauna Kea and Mauna Loa, as houses
for the gods].
Hebrew < old english Hebrew
< old french Ebreu < latin Hebraeus < ancient greek ‘Εβραίος | hEbraeos < aramaic ‘ebhrai
< hebrew ‘ibhri (= Israelite).
Helen < french Hélène < latin Helena < ancient greek ‘Ελένη
| hElenē.
Helga < old norse Helga
(= holy) < proto-germanic *hailaga < *kailo- (= whole,
uninjured).
Henry < french Henri < late latin Henricus < german Heinrich < old high german Heimerich
(= ruler of the house) < heim
(= home) + rihhi (= ruler).
Herbert < old french Herbert
< frankish *Hari-berct
/ *Her(e)-bert (= army-bright).
Hercules < latin Hercules
< ancient greek ‘Ηρακλής
| hĒraklēs < ‘Ήρα
| hĒra + κλέος
| kleos (= fame).
Herman < german Hermann
< old high german Hariman (= warrior) < hari (= army) + man
(= man).
Herzegovina < old serbian hercegov
(< herceg (= duke) + [ending] -ov) + -ina
(= country).
Hezekiah < hebrew Hizqiyya
(= the Lord has strengthened) < hazaq (= he strengthened)
+ Yah
/ Yoh, a shortening of Yahwah / Yahweh (= God).
Hilary < late latin Hilarius
(= cheerful) < latin hilaris (= cheerful, merry) < ancient greek
‘ιλαρός | hilaros
(= merry, joyous).
Hilda < german
Hilda
(= battle-maid) < old high german hild (= war, battle) < proto-germanic *hildiz
(= battle).
Himalaya < sanskrit
himalayah
(= abode of snow) < hima (= snow) (< I.E. *ghi-mo- < *gheim- (= winter)) + alayah (= abode) (< layate
(= sticks, stays) < I.E.
*(s)lei-
(= sticky)).
Hiroshima < japanese Hiroshima
< hiro
(= broad) + shima (= island).
Holland < dutch Holland
< (?) old dutch holt lant (= wood land).
Hollywood < holly
(= a kind of holm-oak) (q.v.) + wood.
Hong Kong <
cantonese Hong Kong < chinese
Xianggang
(= fragrant port).
Honolulu < hawaiian Honolulu
< hono
(= port) + lulu (= calm).
Honoria < latin Honoria,
female of Honorius < honor
(= honor, reputation).
Hubert < french Hobert
< old high german Hugubert < hugu (= mind) + beraht (= bright).
Hugh < old french Hugues
/ old french Hue < frankish source (= heart, mind).
Humphrey < old english Hunfrið
< (?) proto-germanic *hun (= strength) + old english
frið
(= peace).
Hungary < middle english Hungary
< medieval latin Hungaria (= (?) land of the Huns (< latin Hunni (= Huns)).
