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

Re: Anatye
I agree that your Dutch explanation is more plausible. However it let me point out that "Anatole" became a man's name in the west by some French misunderstanding. Both East (Anatole) and West (Dyse) are of feminine gender in mah neck of da woods.
vote up1vote down

Replies

And the French are very good at misunderstandings, ne c'est pas? Up in my daddy's back 40 (eastern Scotland) we had something similar. Until about 1820, both Christian and Nicholas were considered wimmen's names exclusively.Oh course, if the residual BabyNuke lot we have left have their way, every name on earth will be used for females within the next few decades (and misspelt to boot). Then ALL of us guys will have to get our names from Norwegian kids' books.
vote up1vote down