ACADEMY OF SAINT GABRIEL REPORT 1673 http://www.s-gabriel.org/1673 ************************************ From: "Brian M. Scott" 21 Mar 1999 Greetings from the Academy of S. Gabriel! You asked whether or would be an authentic 13th or 14th century English feminine name. The name or was quite rare until about 1300, but occurs as early as 1199, and we found four other instances of the name (in one form or the other) between 1182 and 1272. [1, 2, 3] is the Latin form of the name. Since most documents at that time were written in Latin, it is the form usually found. It is likely that , on the other hand, represents the spoken form. is a Middle English spelling of the Old Norse name . This name seems to have remained in use through the 13th century, at least in Yorkshire, for in 1297 we find there mention of 'William son of Ravenild'. This may even be the same person as 1276, whose byname most likely signifies that he was the son of a woman named . [2] To sum up, is an excellent late 13th century name. It strongly implies that its bearer is the daughter of a woman named . In an official record it would very likely have been written or . I hope that this quick letter has been useful; if you have any further questions, please don't hesitate to write us again. For the Academy, Talan Gwynek 20 March 1999 ===== References: [1] Nicolaa de Bracton, "A Statistical Survey of Given Names in Essex Co., England, 1182-1272", Known World Heraldic Symposium Proceedings 1995 (SCA Inc.) http://www.geocities.com/Athens/Acropolis/5145/names.html [2] Reaney, P.H., & R.M. Wilson. A Dictionary of English Surnames (London: Routledge, 1991; Oxford University Press, 1995); s.nn. Dambell, Ravenhall. [3] Withycombe, E.G. The Oxford Dictionary of English Christian Names. 3rd ed. (Oxford: Oxford University Press, 1988); s.n. Ann.