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Help[Facts] Re: Margherita
in reply to a message by Bear
Here is where we get problems by using present tense when discussing etymology. "Pearl" is what the Greek word that Margaret is based on meant in ancient times. The Greek word wasn't exactly "Margaret", it was "margarites". The meaning of "pearl" is really all in terms of historical derivation; "margaret" is not the word for "pearl" in any present language that I am aware of.
On the other hand, "marguerite" is the word for "daisy" in modern French (probably being derived somehow from the given name, just as the English flower name "marigold" was derived from the given name Mary), and "margherita" means "daisy" in modern Italian. So really the present tense is appropriate for Marguerite and Margherita "meaning" daisy, though of course it's not true for Margaret.
I worry sometimes that when we use the present tense "means" instead of the past tense "meant" that we make it too easy for people to try to turn etymology into a form of astrology or numerology, where they assume that the original "meaning" of name is really going to affect the sort of person their child turns out to be. I certainly have read some articles by people who seem to believe that.
Oh well, off my soapbox. :) Language is a complex thing, and the term "meaning" itself obviously can mean several different things!
On the other hand, "marguerite" is the word for "daisy" in modern French (probably being derived somehow from the given name, just as the English flower name "marigold" was derived from the given name Mary), and "margherita" means "daisy" in modern Italian. So really the present tense is appropriate for Marguerite and Margherita "meaning" daisy, though of course it's not true for Margaret.
I worry sometimes that when we use the present tense "means" instead of the past tense "meant" that we make it too easy for people to try to turn etymology into a form of astrology or numerology, where they assume that the original "meaning" of name is really going to affect the sort of person their child turns out to be. I certainly have read some articles by people who seem to believe that.
Oh well, off my soapbox. :) Language is a complex thing, and the term "meaning" itself obviously can mean several different things!
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