ACADEMY OF SAINT GABRIEL REPORT 1231 http://www.s-gabriel.org/1231 ************************************ 26 Sep 1998 From: Braddon Giles Greetings from the Academy of Saint Gabriel! You asked us for assistance in constructing a man's name in German, in the period 900 to 1600. You were interested in the patronymic , with given names either , , , , , or . You also wanted a device with a wolf. This is what we found. We would like to compliment you for the completeness of your research. This gives us a clearer view of your requirements, and we hope that we are able to respond better to your question. Your choice of surname, the patronymic , is a good one. Indeed, we have found a slightly earlier example than yours, a in 1257 [1]. We have found the given name , and can trace some of its variants up to 1050. However, the surname doesn't fit that period, and you said that you don't want to change it. In addition, 1050 is earlier than the first known heraldic arms, and you said that you were interested in using arms. Therefore, we cannot recommend the combination of and [2]. All of your other choices would make fine names in combination with . Your second choice, , would be a good late period name, from the 15th or 16th centuries. At this time armory was well developed, so you will have many options in designing your arms. Your other choices would be appropriate in the 14th century. We can confirm your dates for these names: 1332, 1383, 1369, and 1387 [3]. You asked us to suggest some heraldic designs using a wolf. Naturally there is a multitude of possibilities. However, we have two specific suggestions that are typical of the heraldry of your culture. Argent, a wolf passant atop a mount gules. A white field with a red mount rising from the base. The mount is stylized, sort of a half-oval. A red wolf is walking in profile at the top of the mount, standing on three legs, with one foreleg raised. Argent, a wolf passant gules atop a mount vert Like the previous design, but with a green mount. As far as we can tell, you could register either of these designs with the SCA College of Arms. I hope this letter has been useful. Please to write us if any part of the letter has been unclear or if you have other questions. I was assisted in researching and writing this letter by Zenobia Naphtali, Arval Benicoeur and Talan Gwynek. For the Academy, Giles Leabrook 23/09/98 --------------------------------------------------------------------- References. [1] Brechenmacher, Josef Karlmann, _Etymologisches Worterbuch der deutschen familiennamen_ (Limburg a. d. Lahn, C. A. Starke-Verlag 1957-1960), s.n. . [2] Morlet, Marie-Therese, _Dictionnaire E/tymologique des Noms de Famille_ (Librairie Acade/mique Perrin, 1997). [3] Talan Gwynek, "Medieval German Given Names from Silesia" (WWW: SCA, Inc.,1998). URL:http://www.sca.org/heraldry/laurel/names/bahlow_v.htm