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HelpRe: Current obession
in reply to a message by hello_1234
I would like to learn about the origin and usage of the spelling Jeffrey. As far as I know, this spelling has existed for a long time. And with this, I would like to know when the change in spelling of existing names began. (And actually, I'm planning to ask about this on the fact message board soon.)
This message was edited 3/2/2024, 9:12 PM
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I’ve done a lot of work on medieval names so I can help with that if you like :)
One thing to remember is that until printing became commonplace there was no such thing as the “correct” spelling in English; and until compulsory education was widespread it was still very fluid. People spelt things however seemed best to get their sound across.
Additionally, names were frequently recorded in a Latinised form on official documents whereas they would use a vernacular form in everyday life. For example, a girl might be christened Matildis, and that name recorded in the parish register, but she would only ever have been called Matild in daily life.
So, spelling variations have been with us for a long time!
One thing to remember is that until printing became commonplace there was no such thing as the “correct” spelling in English; and until compulsory education was widespread it was still very fluid. People spelt things however seemed best to get their sound across.
Additionally, names were frequently recorded in a Latinised form on official documents whereas they would use a vernacular form in everyday life. For example, a girl might be christened Matildis, and that name recorded in the parish register, but she would only ever have been called Matild in daily life.
So, spelling variations have been with us for a long time!
Thank you. So the spelling Jeffrey also comes from this background.
This message was edited 3/2/2024, 10:10 PM
Yes, that’s right.
You might find this interesting: the DMNES entry for Geoffrey, which has a whole raft of recorded spellings with their locations and dates. https://dmnes.org/name/Geoffrey
You might find this interesting: the DMNES entry for Geoffrey, which has a whole raft of recorded spellings with their locations and dates. https://dmnes.org/name/Geoffrey
Thank you for the interesting information.