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ArchivesRe: Edrit//Etrit/Atrit (m) (Medieval English name of Anglo-saxon origin)
in reply to a message by (Is-rah-el) Israelle
Yes, it’s likely that the name is made up of ed (meaning 'wealth' or 'fortune') and ric (meaning 'ruler' or 'power'). So, the name could mean something like 'wealthy ruler' or 'prosperous ruler.'
This combination of elements is common in Anglo-Saxon names, like Eadric ('happy ruler') or Alaric ('all-powerful ruler'). Even though we don’t find Edrit or Etrit in many records, the structure fits well with the naming patterns of the time, so it seems like a good guess that it comes from these elements.
This combination of elements is common in Anglo-Saxon names, like Eadric ('happy ruler') or Alaric ('all-powerful ruler'). Even though we don’t find Edrit or Etrit in many records, the structure fits well with the naming patterns of the time, so it seems like a good guess that it comes from these elements.
This message was edited 11/25/2024, 2:51 AM
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Replies
Close but no cigar. First the compiler divides his names into Latin/Biblical, Anglo Saxon, and Welsh. But the scribe is not using Anglo Saxon forms, but late East Germanic forms you'd see in Gothic Italy, Vandal north Africa and finally Burgundy. Gu for W, t for d, and i for e. The second element is not OE Ric, but Burgundian rit, cognate with OE read/ræd/red counsel. This is common. Scribes never ask "how do you spell that", they just use the spelling and pronunciation of their own dialect.
This message was edited 11/27/2024, 1:38 PM
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That makes sense—scribes often adjusted spellings based on their own dialects, so the variations in spelling are understandable. The idea that the second element could be rit ('counsel') from the Gothic or Burgundian influence seems reasonable, and it fits with the shift from ric ('ruler') to rit.
So, the name could be interpreted as 'wealthy counselor' or something similar, rather than 'wealthy ruler.' The regional influences help explain the different spellings.
So, the name could be interpreted as 'wealthy counselor' or something similar, rather than 'wealthy ruler.' The regional influences help explain the different spellings.
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These kind of dithematic names are rarely if ever a noun phrase (adjective + noun) that have a unified semantic meaning, they should be treated instead separate elements of distinct meaning joined together. Like Maryanne. So wealth/fortune + counsel, not lucky advice. If the combination makes too much sense you have to question whether it is a name or an occupation (e.g Wealhstod) or nickname.
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Can any of you give me a "specific" answer regarding the possible etymology of this name? (if it's possible of course)
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The name has been somewhat obscured by the Latin scribe who uses Burgundian styling. But the elements seem to be Aud- wealth (OE Ead-) related to a verb Audan- (Eaden-) grant, give; and redaz ( often with umlaut to rad) thought, advice, from a root meaning think, arrange, (put in) order. It's earliest onomastic uses rad may have had indo-Iranian influences in which what is put in order is not ones thoughts but ones estate.
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