Changes in Naming Patterns in 19th Century Estonia. Discarding the Names of Parents and Godparents
Abstract
There were extensive changes in names and naming patterns during the 19th century. In Estonia, in addition
to other significant changes, the names chosen for children were less and less influenced by the surrounding
community. In other countries, the practice of giving children their godparents’ name has been researched
by Smith-Bannister (1997); Garðarsdóttir (1999); Hacker (1999); Sangoï (1999); and van Poppel,
Bloothooft, Gerritzen, and Verduin (1999). Social relationships played a far bigger role in the city than in
the rural areas; thus the tradition of giving children their godparents’ names was preserved better in the
cities. The parents’ choice was not regulated by the Lutheran church either. In Estonia, the practice of
giving children double names spread only at the end of the 19th century; thus the emergence of modern
names removed the names of the parents, grandparents and godparents from usage, especially in the case of
girls’ names.
to other significant changes, the names chosen for children were less and less influenced by the surrounding
community. In other countries, the practice of giving children their godparents’ name has been researched
by Smith-Bannister (1997); Garðarsdóttir (1999); Hacker (1999); Sangoï (1999); and van Poppel,
Bloothooft, Gerritzen, and Verduin (1999). Social relationships played a far bigger role in the city than in
the rural areas; thus the tradition of giving children their godparents’ names was preserved better in the
cities. The parents’ choice was not regulated by the Lutheran church either. In Estonia, the practice of
giving children double names spread only at the end of the 19th century; thus the emergence of modern
names removed the names of the parents, grandparents and godparents from usage, especially in the case of
girls’ names.