Author Topic: -bert Names, -red names (Read 4369 times)

Noemon · « **on:** October 13, 2004, 03:22:55 PM »

As I was walking down the steps to my car after work today, the name "Gilbert" popped into my head. No idea why. I got to thinking about names that end in -bert: Cuthbert, Gilbert, Herbert, that kind of thing. My impression is that these are British names, and were more common there about 1000 years ago. Some of these names, lie Herbert, are still in use, but sound strange to my ear.

So, what's the etymology of them, does anybody know? What does the -bert suffix mean?

And for that matter, how about -red as a suffix? That's one that's pretty much completely dropped out of modern naming conventions, with a few rare exceptions, such as Alfred. I'm thinking of names like Ethelred, Edred (is Edward derived from Edred?), Mordred, that sort of thing. What does -red mean?

Are there any reasons that these names have dropped out of usage, or are in the process of doing so? There are quite a few other names from that time period that have disappeared completely (which strikes me as a shame, as I like the sound of a lot of them), and others that sound completely normal to my ear.

Jonathon · « **Reply #1 on:** October 13, 2004, 03:39:26 PM »

This is a very good site for questions like that.

Bert is from the Germanic beraht (with a "hard" h like in loch or Bach), and it meant "bright."

Red (if it's the same in all those names) comes from ræd, meaning counsel. Ward is something different, though—it means "guard."

I really can't say why some stick around and some die. Names are just weird like that. One year, every boy is named Jason, and then a couple years later, it gets old and people find something else.

Annie Subjunctive · « **Reply #2 on:** October 13, 2004, 03:44:27 PM »

I think our generation should bring back all the old anglo-saxon names. Pretty soon, generations of Hildebreths and Engelberts will be thanking us.

Jonathon · « **Reply #3 on:** October 13, 2004, 04:02:31 PM »

So you prefer Anglo-Saxon names and the Latin language? Interesting mix.

Noemon · « **Reply #4 on:** October 13, 2004, 04:55:12 PM »

Hey, somewhat Romanized barbarians weren't an uncommon thing. Seems perfectly natural to me!

I've always loved the name Ethelred. Somehow, though, I think that Christine might be somewhat less than receptive to the suggestion.

I like Gwidion too, but she just sees this as proof of her theory that I shouldn't be allowed to name children.

Jonathon · « **Reply #5 on:** October 13, 2004, 04:59:48 PM »

If you're going to give a kid a name like that, you might as well go all the way and spell it Æðelræd.

Porter · « **Reply #6 on:** October 13, 2004, 05:09:27 PM »

I can't believe nobody has mentioned the name Dilbert in this thread.

pooka · « **Reply #7 on:** October 13, 2004, 06:53:30 PM »

Is that a moustache or just really big nostrils?

I have this elaborate Chinese middle name and very little idea what it means. I finally got the courage to ask my dad a few years ago and he admitte that he couldn't remember. Fortunately, it doesn't matter because apparently "What does that mean?" was just a line RMs use on single women.

Porter · « **Reply #8 on:** October 13, 2004, 07:43:11 PM »

It's a moustache.

*offended, and goes off in a huff*

Sheila · « **Reply #9 on:** October 14, 2004, 10:36:11 AM »

Bill would name children things like Asbestose and Cyanide.

George · « **Reply #10 on:** October 14, 2004, 10:54:02 AM »

Giving a kid a name that ends in bert or red will just about gaurantee he/she gets the crap kicked out of him/her on recess.

I suggest a more common and useful name -- Patrick.

Noemon · « **Reply #11 on:** October 14, 2004, 01:48:53 PM »

::squints::

Naaah, I'm pretty sure those are nostrils. Nostrils on a huge honking nose.

Nice try, but I'm still the evil twin.

Jonathon · « **Reply #12 on:** October 14, 2004, 02:06:20 PM »

Quote

Giving a kid a name that ends in bert or red will just about gaurantee he/she gets the crap kicked out of him/her on recess.

I suggest a more common and useful name -- Patrick.

Oh, yeah, that's way useful. It works for both girls and boys.

Porter · « **Reply #13 on:** October 14, 2004, 03:42:55 PM »

Quote

Giving a kid a name that ends in bert or red will just about gaurantee he/she gets the crap kicked out of him/her on recess.

How about the name Red?

saxon75 · « **Reply #14 on:** October 14, 2004, 04:51:57 PM »

If those are nostrils then he looks like a camel. A French camel.

sarcasticmuppet · « **Reply #15 on:** October 14, 2004, 05:07:51 PM »

gamal fransaui?

pooka · « **Reply #16 on:** October 14, 2004, 08:40:22 PM »

"French Camel" sounds like a euphemism for something that I wish I knew more about.

Noemon · « **Reply #17 on:** October 14, 2004, 10:51:41 PM »

Now that's what I'm talking about Porter. I'm considering myself officially bumped to "Bielebog" status now.

rivka · « **Reply #18 on:** October 15, 2004, 01:08:25 AM »

*grin* So "camel" is the same in Hebrew and Arabic, but "French" isn't? Interesting.

Porter · « **Reply #19 on:** October 15, 2004, 07:48:24 AM »

*takes off hat*

Why thank you.

Jonathon · « **Reply #20 on:** October 15, 2004, 07:59:42 AM »

That avatar just keeps getting better.

Brinestone · « **Reply #21 on:** October 15, 2004, 08:49:00 AM »

You could make little improvements to your avatar too, you know. I'm envisioning little pink and orange Mexican-looking fringe on the cactus and a sombrero lying on the ground next to it. Maybe a giant taco could be swirling in the galaxy too.