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Re: Allegedly
Probably they are thinking in lind(e), originally meaning "lime tree" and by extension "flexible, smooth, soft, tender" (later, it meant also "shield" because the shields were often made of lime tree wood). I can understand that somebody interprets "gentle" as extension of "tender", interpreted in a figurate sense or as a personal virtue and not in the actual material sense, but "peace" or "peaceful"? This interpretation goes far away from what I can imagine.
Lumia
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This message was edited 3/20/2009, 2:46 PM

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"peaceful"Connectiong the "peaceful" interpretation that aren't related to etymology,I can hazard two guesses. First, Lime in Europe refers to the Tilia family of trees, otherwise known as Lindens (and Basswood in North America). The flowers and fruit of Linden trees contain a medicinal compound that calms and soothes and has a pleasant taste and odor. The flower has a similiar smell to citrus lime flower but they are unrelated plants.In European history, lime trees were often symbols of love and peace. Probably because they were so common, smelled good, and provided an excellent source of nectar for honey bees. There's a famous street in Germany that is lined with lindens---in Berlin I think, but I'm not up to research right now.
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Yes, probably someone has taken a symbolism or association related to the tree and has applied that to the Old German element because the notion of "peace" is very attractive as meaning and some names websites and books seem to embellish, or just made up, the meanings.It would be, in that case, another example of confusion between meaning (etymology) and association (history), which I have found several times with Tania, for instance, explained as "fairy queen".
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If they're looking at it like that, that's some serious extrapolation (on Babynamer's part, not yours). The Emma/Irmen and Amalia connections are so much simpler. If it works, though, that's great for ConsideringEmmeline. I know what it's like to want a name with several potential meanings to be one in particular, and more concrete. This is interesting. Thanks. =)
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Oh wow! That is so helpful! :)
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tender home?So is this possible? lol:)
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