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Help[Facts] Re: It really bothers me so many names submitted under the "Jewish" category are just Yiddish or Ashkenazi names
in reply to a message by Mike C
Thank you, Mike!
However, I have a couple of doubts. What is the difference between Judeo-Spanish and Jewish (Sephardic) names? Does the former refer to medieval names (e.g. Aljohar (https://www.behindthename.com/name/aljohar/submitted)) while Sephardic can be applied to contemporary names?
Besides, I assume that a name such as Mordehaj (https://www.behindthename.com/name/mordehaj/submitted), which has been recorded in Kosovo, Serbia and Poland, can be listed as an Ashkenazi name. However, can the same term be applied to 20th-century Polonized Jewish names (e.g. Dwora (https://www.behindthename.com/name/dwora/submitted))? Or do those fall under the "Jewish (Polonized)" category?
“Dear optimist, pessimist, and realist – while you guys were busy arguing about the glass of wine, I drank it! Sincerely, the opportunist!”
-Lori Greiner
Rate my PNLs: https://www.behindthename.com/pnl/215535/145665
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However, I have a couple of doubts. What is the difference between Judeo-Spanish and Jewish (Sephardic) names? Does the former refer to medieval names (e.g. Aljohar (https://www.behindthename.com/name/aljohar/submitted)) while Sephardic can be applied to contemporary names?
Besides, I assume that a name such as Mordehaj (https://www.behindthename.com/name/mordehaj/submitted), which has been recorded in Kosovo, Serbia and Poland, can be listed as an Ashkenazi name. However, can the same term be applied to 20th-century Polonized Jewish names (e.g. Dwora (https://www.behindthename.com/name/dwora/submitted))? Or do those fall under the "Jewish (Polonized)" category?
“Dear optimist, pessimist, and realist – while you guys were busy arguing about the glass of wine, I drank it! Sincerely, the opportunist!”
-Lori Greiner
Rate my PNLs: https://www.behindthename.com/pnl/215535/145665
https://www.behindthename.com/pnl/215535/145666
1
Replies
History nitpick: Kosovo and Serbia were part of the Ottoman Empire, you can expect Sephardic Jews there since many of them sought refugee in the Ottoman empire after 1492/1496 (the two dates apply for Spain and Portugal respectively)
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another nitpicking: Sephardic names were also found in Medieval Europe as well, specifically in Germany, this is how German German Jews were introduced to names like Sasson, Simcha, and Sprinze (Esperanza)
the line between what was defined as Sephardi or Ashkenazi was very thin in the Middle Ages.
I believe that the information was said somewhere in Alexander Bieders's research "A Dictionary of Ashkenazic Given Names"
the line between what was defined as Sephardi or Ashkenazi was very thin in the Middle Ages.
I believe that the information was said somewhere in Alexander Bieders's research "A Dictionary of Ashkenazic Given Names"
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Judeo-Spanish could be applied to names that are linguistically Judeo-Spanish/Ladino. Jewish (Sephardic) could be applied to names that are not Judeo-Spanish, but are for whatever reason used by Sephardic Jews (perhaps picked up in the diaspora to North Africa -- I am not currently familiarized with Sephardic names).
Additionally, there is no Judeo-Portuguese category, so Jewish (Sephardic) could be used for those.
I think for your example, Dwora, the category Jewish (Polonized) would fit well.
For more traditional Jewish names from Eastern Europe, if they were/are used by Yiddish speakers I would categorize them as Yiddish. Otherwise Jewish (Ashkenazi) could be used. There is also a Judeo-Slavic category which might be useful. It is currently defined as a synonym of Knaanic, which sort of limits it geographically to the West Slavic region, but I could "broaden" it to refer to all Slavic areas.
Additionally, there is no Judeo-Portuguese category, so Jewish (Sephardic) could be used for those.
I think for your example, Dwora, the category Jewish (Polonized) would fit well.
For more traditional Jewish names from Eastern Europe, if they were/are used by Yiddish speakers I would categorize them as Yiddish. Otherwise Jewish (Ashkenazi) could be used. There is also a Judeo-Slavic category which might be useful. It is currently defined as a synonym of Knaanic, which sort of limits it geographically to the West Slavic region, but I could "broaden" it to refer to all Slavic areas.
This message was edited 11/1/2024, 12:18 PM
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Judeo-Slavic only refers to names borne by Ashkenazi Jews living in medieval Slavic Europe. Jewish (Ashkenazi) would be more accurate for contemporary names.
Once again, thanks.
Once again, thanks.
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