View Message

This is a reply within a larger thread: view the whole thread

[Facts] Re: Germanic "berts"
Elbowin's "freely combining" is important to remember - the themes can stand on their own and even be contradictory. Words meaning "bright, shining" are common name elements from Gaelic to Kuchean and everywhere in between (even monothematic Italic languages). The references are to the bright sky>>divinity, and glory/fame (typically achieved by feats of valor). The raven is a North Western name element, common to Celtic and Germanic. The Celtic references are to the raven god of war, the Germanic are more totemic. It's still associated with war, but also intelligence and good fortune (if you're seeing the ravens gather, then lucky you, it's some other guys who died in battle). So "bright" because you want your kid to be celebrated, and "raven" because ravens are just cool man.
vote up4vote down

No replies