Latin version of names

+3 votes
168 views

In 17th and 18th baptismal and other Austrian Catholic records I have often seen Latin versions of names such as Paulus and Martinus meaning, of course, Paul and Martin. However, in those same registers, but in different handwriting, I also see names that appear to be Paulg or Marting. I think these convert to the usual Paul or Martin. Names such as Georgius, meaning Georg (or George, both are also seen in these same records), sometimes appear to be written as Georgig.

The script is not Kurrent.

The question is “Am I reading these names correctly?” Or, could what I am reading as “g” actually be “us?”

in Genealogy Help by George Fulton G2G6 Pilot (626k points)

4 Answers

+1 vote
 
Best answer
You are right that the "g" is actually an abbreviation for "us," the nominative ending of a name in Latin.  It is also used in German sometimes.
by Daniel Bly G2G6 Mach 8 (83.5k points)
selected by George Fulton
I had wondered if this might be the case. If I transcribe these records, should I transcribe as “g” or as “us”?
Since it is an abbreviation and not the letter "g", you should use the full name.
Thanks.

I did a google search and found a little book that lists many, many Latin abbreviations and symbols used in medieval Latin (this is much earlier than the time period I am looking at now).

In the process I’ve learned a bit about the different declensions (1st, 2nd, 3rd), and the various cases. Some names are declined (not all are in the same declension!), and some are not. A bit of this I knew, but now know more.
+3 votes
I would assume those are actually Paulii written as Pauly and then mistranscribed as Paulg. At least that's the case, when actually something like "Paul's daughter" is meant. Can you link an example?
by Florian Straub G2G6 Pilot (192k points)
I am reading the originals.

I occasionally see “iÿ” but not “ii”.

The “g” appears only where “us” would normally be, ie,  Paulg instead of Paulus.
+1 vote
Might very well be feminine names in the genitive case, like Paula -> Paulæ (of Paula) or Martina -> Martinæ (of Martina). Sometimes in Latin script the æ gets written similar to a modern "g" with the "e" of the æ dipping below the "a".
by Frank Santoro G2G6 Mach 5 (54.2k points)
The common feminine names are Rosina, Marina, Marianna, and are always like that. Elisabeth and Judith are mostly, but not always, given as  Elisabetha and Juditha. I have not seen “ae” as the ending of a name.
+1 vote
I would like to thank all who have replied to my question with helpful insights.

My understanding of Latin and its orthography continues to improve!
by George Fulton G2G6 Pilot (626k points)

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