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ArchivesRe: Pronunciation of -iva (derived from Old English gifu) names
in reply to a message by Cleveland Kent Evans
Thanks for your helpful answer! I guess that also explains the occasional "so-FYE-ah" (Sophia) and "va-RYE-a-bul" (variable).
What about the emphasized syllable? Particularly with Sunniva I have been reading mixed pronunciations varying between the first and the second syllable.
What about the emphasized syllable? Particularly with Sunniva I have been reading mixed pronunciations varying between the first and the second syllable.
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Replies
The emphasis is on the "EE". the first syllable is short and less emphasised, resulting in the reduction of the original disyllabic sunna- to sunn-.
The second element gif- (the ending originally varied by declension) loses the /g/ as this was palatalized to /j/ and merged with the following /i/ (and further contributing to the loss of the /a/ of Sunna-). The modern hard /g/ in give and gift were reintroduced from the continent in Middle English.
The second element gif- (the ending originally varied by declension) loses the /g/ as this was palatalized to /j/ and merged with the following /i/ (and further contributing to the loss of the /a/ of Sunna-). The modern hard /g/ in give and gift were reintroduced from the continent in Middle English.
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Sophia & Sunniva
Yes, Sophia was often pronounced "so-FYE-uh" before the 19th century.
As for the emphasis on Sunniva: since in modern times this really is a Scandinavian name, I think we'd have to consult an expert on Scandinavian languages to know what the custom about that is there. Perhaps it's different in the different Scandinavian countries?
Yes, Sophia was often pronounced "so-FYE-uh" before the 19th century.
As for the emphasis on Sunniva: since in modern times this really is a Scandinavian name, I think we'd have to consult an expert on Scandinavian languages to know what the custom about that is there. Perhaps it's different in the different Scandinavian countries?
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So IN the 19th century, Sophia was pronounced "so fee ya", like today? I am reading a novel set in 1878 where the hero's daughter is named Sophia and I wanted to know how it would be pronounced. I was happy to find this discussion - thank you.
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