Abstract
This article discusses whether the relationship between the names of male patron saints of local town churches and name usage in a region is as obvious as is often suggested. The focus is on a small geographical area of Zealand in Denmark, and the data are taken from the census of 1787, which – given the lack of mobility, and a reliance on traditional naming practices – can be regarded as largely representative of the names used in the Middle Ages. The first part of the article deals mainly with hagiolatry and the reasons for giving names after saints. The second part reviews the use of names related to four dedication names in the area studied, and here the suggested relationship is not clearly in evidence.
| Translated title of the contribution | The significance of church dedications for name usage: A study of the impact of local dedication names on naming in an area of central and western Zealand |
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| Original language | Danish |
| Journal | Studia Anthroponymica Scandinavica |
| Volume | 33 |
| Pages (from-to) | 51-77 |
| Number of pages | 27 |
| ISSN | 0280-8633 |
| Publication status | Published - 2015 |