World of names...........but from where they came

Words from Names

Estimates indicate that at least 50,000 words in our language are derived from names. Words like sandwich, cardigan, and boycott come quickly to mind. Many of these names are so firmly entrenched that many people do not even realize they are derived from names. Many words have a colorful history. Here are a few:

lynch

to execute without due process of law, specifically, to hang. Derived from Charles Lynch (1736-1796), Virginia planter and justice of the peace who used illegal methods against Tories.


pants


Derived from pantaloon which comes from the French pantalon which in turn comes from the Italian pantaloni. Pantaloni is derived from a masked character in Italian comedy which comes from Pantaleone, the patron saint of Venice who apparently wore tight-fitting trousers. Ultimately, the name goes back to the Greek name Pantaleon, meaning all lion. In modern Italian Pantalone can also mean a taxpayer.


shrapnel

Now refers to fragments from a high-explosive shell. Originally developed by General Henry Shrapnel (1761-1842) of the British Army.

Tailor

The occupation of tailor is a common one in many cultures and has become a common surname.












John

The name John comes from the Hebrew, Yochannan, YOE-CHAN-an (the ch is pronounced like the ch in loch as in Loch Lommond) and can be translated as either "Gift of God" or "God has been gracious." John has been the most common name in English-speaking countries for several centuries. Surnames derived from John include: Jackson, Johnson, Jens, Jenks, Jones, Hancock, and many others.

In other countries there are other variations from the original Hebrew, Yochanan. In addition, there may be several variations in the same country. Thus, in Germany we can find Hans, Hansel, Johann, and Johannes.