Re: A lot of names mean lion or wolf, why is that?
in reply to a message by Anneza
Lions and wolves (and bears don't forget) are prominent in Indo-European names because they are totems symbolizing military prowess - necessary when every able-bodied person was expected to fight and could expect conflict. The Boar, hound, hawk, eagle and raven are the main other animals found as European name elements in the martial class, but the mythic dragon and giant (long man) round out the "totems". Various words for horse and camel are also popular in different regions, and while there are martial aspects, swiftness and wealth are also connotations driving their popularity. Swan also appears but this my be a misinterpretation of "swain".
Tigers are not pack animals, but lions do have a family unit which hunts as a team. I wouldn't read too much into these names - the lion bear wolf and boar are powerful, dangerous, and known to be capable of attack.
Tigers are not pack animals, but lions do have a family unit which hunts as a team. I wouldn't read too much into these names - the lion bear wolf and boar are powerful, dangerous, and known to be capable of attack.