ACADEMY OF SAINT GABRIEL REPORT 2988 http://www.s-gabriel.org/2988 ************************************ 20 Feb 2005 From: Aryanhwy merch Catmael Greetings from the Academy of S. Gabriel! You wanted to know if is an appropriate name for an Englishman living in the early to mid 15th century. Here is the information we have found. You've picked a fine name for your place and period; we'll recommend only minor spelling modifications. We found in 1491 and sometime in the 15th century. [1] These represent the usual vernacular pronunciation in the Middle Ages [3], though the modern spellings and are found in the 15th century as well. [4] In vernacular contexts, forms beginning with seem to have been more common than those beginning with or at least into the 14th century. By the 15th century, however, both types seem to have been quite common. The modern surname derives from a place of the same name, in Kent in the south of England. We found the surname in 1419; it is a lovely choice. [2] and vocalic were still completely interchangable in your period, so is also a reasonable spelling; we find it in 1505 and 1548. [5,6] We hope that this letter has been useful to you and that you won't hesitate to write us again if any part was unclear or if you have further questions. Research and commentary on this letter was provided by Arval Benicoeur, Mari neyn Brian, Talan Gwynek, Maridonna Benvenuti, Margaret Makafee, and Gunnvor Silfraharr. For the Academy, -Aryanhwy merch Catmael, 20Feb05 -- References: [1] Withycombe, E.G., _The Oxford Dictionary of English Christian Names_, 3rd ed. (Oxford: Oxford University Press, 1988). s.n. Philip [2] Julian Goodwyn, "Brass Enscription Index" (WWW: SCA, Inc., 1997) http://www.sca.org/heraldry/laurel/names/brasses/ [3] Reaney, P. H., & R. M. Wilson, _A Dictionary of English Surnames_ (London: Routledge, 1991; Oxford University Press, 1995). s.n. Philip [4] "Corpus of Middle English Prose and Verse" (http://www.hti.umich.edu/c/cme) has: , in "Alphabet of tales: an English 15th century translation of the Alphabetum narrationum of Etienne de Basanc,on", from Additional MS. 25,719 of the British Museum. , in "An Anthology of Chancery English", 1462 C146/C273 Devonshire Indenture ("Phillip Courtenay knyghte", "to the said Philip knyghte", "the sayd sir Philip") [5] Duncan, L.L., transcriptor, "JOHN CAMBERTON, Will 26 May 1505" (WWW: Kent Archaeological Society, 2003) http://www.kentarchaeology.org.uk/Research/Libr/Wills/Bk47+48/page%20027.htm [6] Duncan, L.L., transcriptor, "THOMAS HAYTE, Will 18 April 1548" (WWW: Kent Archaeological Society, 2003) http://www.kentarchaeology.org.uk/Research/Libr/Wills/Bk47+48/page%20080.htm