Tag Archives: Horse

Roswitha

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Gender: Feminine
Origin: German
Meaning: debated
Germ: (hroze-VEET-tah; rōs-vē’tä); Eng (rahz-WITH-uh)

She feels a bit rosy and a bit vintage, once a popular German name now, now considered rather dated in its home country, it may make an appealing choice for American parents looking for a rose themed name, but want something that has more oomph, so to say. Though it has a rosy element, the name in actuality has no relation etymologically to the flower. The meaning is debated, the first part of the name Ros could be a derivative of the old Germanic element hros meaning “horse”, or the old Germanic hrod meaning “fame” and the second element being a derivative of swinþ meaning “strength”. According to Wikipedia as well as to the Catholic Encyclopedia, Roswitha of Gandersheim, attested that her name was Saxon for “strong voice; ” or “mighty voice.” Though a pleasant meaning, I could not find any evidence, (and not saying that its wrong), to back this up. Roswitha of Gandersheim was a Benedictine abbess, (935-1003), who was considered to be the first female poetess and playwright since Antiquity. Though originally a Saxon noblewoman, she wrote mostly in Latin. Her most pieces centered mostly around religious piety in the style of Greek tragedy, one of her most famous pieces was about Emperor Otto I. Till this day, the town from which she hailed from, Bad Gandershaim, is proud to call her their own, and since 1973, has awarded an annual prize called the Roswitha Prize to outstanding female writers. The name appears in older documents in such forms as Hrosvit, Hrotsvitha, and Hrotsvit. Possible nickname option for the parents who dare uses this is Rosie, Rose, Ros, Vita or Vitty. Roswitha of Gandershaim’s feast day is September 5th.

Jogaila, Jogailė

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  • Origin: Lithuanian
  • Meaning: “strong rider.”
  • Jogaila (masc); Jogailė (fem).
  • Pron: yoh-GUY-lah; yoh-GUY-ley)

The name is composed of the ancient Lithuanian elements joti, jotis (rider) and gailas (strong, fierce), the latter element may also mean “remorse; anger; pity; sharp” or “jagged.”

The name was most notably borne by the Polish King, Wladyslaw II Jogiello (1362-1434). Borne as Jogaila, he assumed the Christian Polish name of Wladyslaw II Jagiello after marrying Jadwiga of Poland. He was considered to be the last Pagan ruler of Lithuania, he converted to Catholicism after marrying Jadwiga. Unfortunately his wife died at the age of 29, in child birth, and he ended up assuming the throne of the Polish-Lithuanian commonwealth. His reign lasted 48 years and by all accounts, he was considered a pretty good king. His first name turned surname became a common one among Polish nobility. His wife, Jadwiga, was the foundress of Jagiellonie University in Poland, (Jagiellonie named for their surname).

In Lithuania, Jogaila is used as a first name. Another form is Jogėlas (yah-GAY-lahs), Jogilis. Its feminine counterparts are Jogailė and Jogilė (yah-GUY-lay) (jah-GIH-lay).

It’s designated name day is August 7.

Sources

Éponine

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Gender: Female
Origin: French
Meaning “great mare.”
Pronunciation French (AY-po-NEEN); English (EP-eh-NEEN)

The name is derived from the name of the Ancient Gaulic goddess, Epona.

A goddess associated with fertility, Epona was known as the patroness of horses, donkeys, and mules. She was the only Celtic diety whose worship became popular among Romans, who delegated her as protectress and controller of calvary and chariots. Remnants of her devotion are found all throughout central Europe. One famous artifact is an inscription written by a Syrian, which goes as follows

“Eponina ‘dear little Epona’: she is Atanta, horse-goddess Potia ‘powerful Mistress’, Dibonia, Catona ‘of battle’, noble and good Vovesia.” (1st-Century BC). Rom, Dieux-Sievres, France.

Along with the inscription were found remnants of a cauldron and a sacrificed horse.

Though a popular minor divinity among the Romans, it is now believed that the Celts revered her as a powerful, central figure to their religion. Her story as told by the Celts, is lost to history, but Plutach came up with an interesting allegory regarding the goddess’ beginnings:

reports out of Agesilaus, his third book of Italian matters, that Fulvius Stella loathing the company of a woman, coupled himself with a mare, of whom he begot a very beautiful maiden-child, and she was called by a fit name, Epona…

The name Epona is derived from the Gaulic elements of ekwos, meaning “horse.” Equus is thought to be derived from this, and the term pony is said to be derived from the goddess’ name.

Eponina was an endearing latinized form used to invoke the goddess by devotees.

The horse was a central figure to ancient Celtic religions. There are carvings and paintings of horses found throughout France and the British Isles, thought to have been made by the Celts.

The famed chalk horse of Uffington, England has been associated with an Epona-like diety by scholars and archeologists. It is believed that Epona is related to the Welsh horse goddess, Rhiannon.

In more recent history, Éponine was used by Victor Hugo for his 1862 novel Les Miserables.

Variations of this name include the more pure and ancient form of Epona, the more latinate form of Eponina, and the sweetly feminine and romantic French form of Éponine.

The most popular French nickname for this is Ponette which also happens to be a French term used for a young, female pony.

Ponette was the name of the title character of the 1996 French film by Jacques Doillon.

Other nicknames include, Eppie, Pony, Poe, Nina, & Ninette.