Sunday, January 31, 2016

West Frisian Surnames

Accama
Tadema
Beninga
Bergsma
Boonstra
Brandsma
Bylsma
Dykstra
Donia
Elgersma

As can be seen most West Frisian surnames end with the letter 'a.' These names are fairly common throughout The Netherlands and obviously predominate in the northern state of Friesland. There is also an East Frisian Language spoken in the nearby German state of Lower Saxony and various North Frisian dialects are spoken in areas close to the Danish border. Neither East Frisian nor North Frisian surnames are any different to other local names.

Ten Placenames In The Czech Republic Of German Origin

Kynžvart
Kynšperk
Perštejn
Rumburk
Varnsdorf
Krompach
Frýdlant
Frýdštejn
Adršpach
Kamberk

These placenames are quite rare in the Czech Republic, but there are still a few dozen of them. Additionally, many castles and palaces have this type of name.

Placenames In Normandy With A Norse Origin

Cherbourg
Le Havre
Honfleur
Cabourg
Orbec
Clitourps
Hague
Varenguebec
Barfleur
Ectot

Norse names are quite common in Normandy. This is because the Normans are descended from Vikings who settled in the area in the ninth century. There are also some placenames in Normandy and other parts of northern France which are of Anglo-Saxon origin.

Interestingly for me, the name 'Clitourps' has exactly the same etymology as 'Cleethorpes' a coastal resort not too far from where I live.