Gender: Masculine
Origin: Lithuanian
Meaning: “one who is smart.”
(gahl-MAHN-tahs)
The name is derived from the Lithuanian elements gal-(galeti, gali) meaning “can, to be able to” and mant-(mantus, surmanus) smart. The designated name-day is September September 18. Feminine form is Galmantė.
Gender: Feminine
Origin: Lithuanian
Meaning: “all-seeing.”
(VEE-tay)
The name is derived from the Lithuanian element vyt-(vyt/vyd) +-en–meaning “seeing.” Its designated name-day is September 21st.
Gender: Masculine
Origin: Lithuanian
Meaning: “smart; hope.”
(mahnt-VIL-ahs)
Not sure if this name is suppose to make sense, the meaning that is. It is composed of the Lithuanian elements mant (mantas) meaning “smart” and vil-(viltis) meaning “hope.” Its designated name-day is September 21st and its feminine form is Mantvilė. Another masculine form is Manvilius.
Gender: Feminine
Origin: Lithuanian
Meaning: “all-enduring.”
(vis-KIN-tay)
The name is composed of the Lithuanian elements visas/visai meaning “all” and kint-/(kinteti) meaning “endure.” Its designated name day is September 21st. Its masculine form is Viskintas.
Gender: Feminine
Origin: German/Old Norse
Meaning: “battle enclosure.”
(HIL-deh-GARD)
The name is derived from the ancient Germanic elements hild meaning “battle” and gard meaning “enclosure; garden; farm.” The name is borne by several important female personages in Medieval European history. It was borne by Hildegard, wife of Emperor Charlemagne, (758-783). It is also borne by the famous German mystic Hildegard of Bingen (1098-1179). Hildegard of Bingen also known as St. Hildegard and Blessed Hildegard was a fascinating woman, not only was she known for her impressive visions from heaven, but she was a prolific songwriter, poet and play-write. She is even credited with inventing the earliest known constructed language known as Lingua Ignota. In the modern world, it is borne by German opera singer Hildegard Behrens (1937-2009).
Poor Hildegard doesn’t get much love these days, she is considered dated in places like Germany and Sweden, where the name used to be quite prevalent at the turn of the century. I don’t believe you will ever see an English speaking parent consider this for their daughter. However, with the revival of Mathilde and Matilda, it is entirely possible. A more melodic alternative is the Finnish form Hillevi (HIL-leh-VEE). There is also Hellevi and Hilla. Estonian forms are Hille, Hilli, Ille and Illi. It’s French form is Hildegard (EEL-deu-GAHR). Nicknames include Hilde, Hilda, Hildi and Hilly. Its name-day is September 17.
Gender: Masculine
Origin: Hebrew
Meaning: “Gift from Yahweh.”
A bit dull and overused, he sits in the U.S Top Ten. He is quite a hit in other English speaking countries as well. Just over the border in Canada, he comes in even higher at # 6. Down under in Australia, he comes in at # 16. While in Great Britain and Ireland he sits at # 24. Over in Bonnie Scotland # 9 and in the Republic of Northern Ireland he comes in at the highest at resting at # 2. Matthew may seem to be just the ordinary every day guy type of name, but the name itself has avery long and rich history. Matthew is the English form of the Latinization Mattheus a translation of the Greek Μαθαιος (Mathaios). Mathaios is a vulgar Greek transliteration of the Aramaic diminutive name Maty or Mattay מתי which is ultimately derived from the Hebrew name Matatyahu or Mattathias מתתיהו. Other Biblical forms of the name include Matanyahu מתניהו and Netanyahu נתניהו. Yehonatan, the original form of Jonathan, is an anagram Netanyahu. The name was introduced into the Western World through the veneration of St. Matthew the Evangelist. He was one of the 12 Apostles of Christ and is credited by most Christian denominations as the author of the Gospel of Matthew. In the Western Churches, St. Matthew’s feast is held on September 21, while in the Eastern Calender it is set for November 16th. We cannot forget the different variations the name has spun off over the centuries. Including the following:
You are probably wondering why I have not mentioned Mathias or Matthias. Though Mathias/Matthias are related etymologically to Matthew, I felt that they deserved a post all of their own. Therefore, stay tuned, and I will further discuss them in a future installment. An older English form of the name includes Mathew. Matt is the most popular diminutive form used in the English speaking world.
I know I haven’t been posting as much, that’s because I have been researching some very interesting names that I recently ran into. Don’t despair. I am not going to tell you what these names are, but just as a hint, some of these names are currently very popular in Switzerland.