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I've encountered this feminine name a number of times. It seems to have been somewhat common among Phanariot Greek women during the late 1700s and early 1800s, as I've found quite a few women with the name from Phanariot families such as the Mavrocordatos, Rallis, and Rodocanachis families. Does anyone here know its etymology?
I've also noticed a number of other Greek feminine names ending in -ou (such as Rallou and Vierou) most of which seem to come from the same time period as Zambelou. I think they might be diminutives. If anyone here can speak Greek or knows about early modern Greek history, I'd really appreciate the help!
I've also noticed a number of other Greek feminine names ending in -ou (such as Rallou and Vierou) most of which seem to come from the same time period as Zambelou. I think they might be diminutives. If anyone here can speak Greek or knows about early modern Greek history, I'd really appreciate the help!
This message was edited 5/22/2016, 2:53 PM
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If it helps any, I take Ancient Greek and I believe in Modern Greek the masculine genitive (= possessive) case is the same, which means it ends in -ou; so my interpretation is that these names would literally mean "of Zambelos/Rallos/Vieros*", who would be her father.
* These might not be their actual forms, as there are other forms that might take -ou as the genitive case... These are just the most common.
* These might not be their actual forms, as there are other forms that might take -ou as the genitive case... These are just the most common.
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Can't help, I'm afraid, but I can give you a web address that might be useful. The man who runs it used to use these boards frequently and was much respected. If possible, I imagine he'd be likely to respond to a direct query.
https://etymologica.org/
Good luck
https://etymologica.org/
Good luck
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I tried all of the below at the Bing Translator to no avail.
- Ζαμβηλου
- Ζαμβελου
- Ζαμβηλωυ
- Ζαμβελωυ
This message was edited 5/22/2016, 11:20 PM
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