Re: OT: Anthroponymics

Dear Joao (or anyone else)
Completely nothing to do with conlanging, but something that has always
bugged me!
Why do so many Brazilian men have christian names that end in -son? (Edson,
Adelson, Nelson, Emerson...) It just
seems such an un-Portuguese thing to do! Is there some historical reason for
it?
Thanks,
Mike

PS - the recent mention of the American with the tremendously long name
immediately reminded me of Monty Python's
"Neglected German Composer" (I'm doing this from memory, so have probably
left some bits out!),
Johann Gambolputty der von
Ausfernschpledenschlittcrasscrenbonfriediggedingledanglebursteinvonknackerth
rashercolensicgranderknotty-
spelltinklekurstlichhimbleeisenbahnwagengutenabendbitteeinnurnburgerbratwurs
tlegerschpurtenmitzweimacheluberhundsfutgumberaber-
schonendankekalbsfleischvonmittelraucher von Hautkopf of Ulm (I think he had
a sister, Sarah Gambolputty....) In the sketch, the composer
had died by the time the interviewer had said his name about four or five
times.

Visit the improved website at:
www.starman.co.uk



This dscussion of given names prompts me to ask a question. What are
the rules for oficially changing one's name in your country? In
Brazil, you must prove to a judge that your name is embarassing or
that it harms your reputation in some way. I remember reading in the
newspapers about a man named Adolf Hitler who succesfully changed his
name on these grounds. Do other countries have similar laws?

João Ricardo de Mendonça







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