View Message

[Facts] Anaximandros / Anaximander.
Assuming that Anaximander is a form of Anaximandros, I wonder what the meaning is of the second part of the name ("mandros"). I already know that the first part of the name comes from anax "master, lord, chief."One would think that the second part is related to andros "man", but then the names should have been Anaxandros and Anaxander. An old post by Pavlos in the board archives states that mandros comes from mandra "an enclosed space, usually by walls". He didn't appear to be a 100% certain of this however, as he had said that he would have to look into it some more.Perhaps any of you is able to provide conclusive information? Thank you very much in advance. :)
vote up1vote down

Replies

My information about mandros is the same that Pavlos's one ("an enclosed space, usually by walls"). I have checked at Diccionario de nombres propios by Roberto Faure, a reliable source.
vote up1vote down
Try thishttp://www.etymologica.com/page2.htmAt almost the bottom of the above-linked page is the entry for Anaximandros and Anaximander. The site is Pavlos' baby. He seems more certain now.
vote up1vote down
Hi folks!It could conceivable be from "mandra", i.e., "a ruler in an enclosed space", but common sense suggests that it is probably related to "aner-andras-andreia" (i.e. man, manly, valiant).Think of it: A king confined in walls is not much to write home about, let alone name somebody after, as opposed to a "manly, testosterone-oozing king". Unless my ancient forefathers had a post-modern / Pythonesque sense of humor, which I seriously doubt :)
vote up1vote down
Thank you for your explanation, Pavlos. But I still wonder how the 'm' could have gotten in the names if the second element really comes from andros. Perhaps mandros is an archaic form of andros and the 'm' was later dropped - something like that?

This message was edited 11/2/2007, 5:40 AM

vote up1vote down
Pavlos honey!I was beginning to wonder when you'd ever come back. Nice to see you!And you have mail...:-)
vote up1vote down
Pavlos! Hi :)Just dropping by, or really back?
vote up1vote down