Abstract

This paper analyses the origin of German surnames to determine their structure and identify derivative names (structuralist method). It also seeks to determine the language phenomena within the sphere of vocalism and consonantism, and note the presence of selected dialects and the effect of foreign languages to determine whether the surnames under study were still present in Warmia in the 18ᵗʰ century. Surnames with a single motivation include those derived from first names, nicknames, the place of origin, the place of residence and one’s profession or office occupied. The majority of the names in Frombork under analysis are non-derivative. The linguistic phenomena involved include delabialisation, vowel exchange, contraction, and consonant doubling for no reason. Approximately 36% of the names did not survive to the 1770s.

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