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Archiver > QUEBEC-RESEARCH > 2005-02 > 1109440984


From: "Gary Boivin" <>
Subject: Re: [Q-R] Names
Date: Sat, 26 Feb 2005 11:03:04 -0700
References: <13c.dd3ef42.2f51ed36@aol.com> <001601c51c1a$852eee60$68d03818@computer>


French will rarely shorten a person's name into a nickname.
"Why give someone a name if you aren't going to use it" was the
response one of my teachers gave.

There are exceptions...
But they are usually pet names within the family... Example:
Albert is often Bert --- Usually 'Ti-Bert when young ( Tsee-Bert)
My brother-in-law is still called 'Ti-Bert even though he's in his
40's and is 6 feet tall
- 'ti is short for "petit" (small) and has an invisible S in it ( TsEE )

Chrysostome probably looks like a mouthful to an Anglophone.
I will admit that I had a friend with this name but I never knew
how to spell it until I was in high school <grin>.

He lives in the Sudbury, Ontario area and he usually introduces
himself to Anglophones as "Tom" or "Thomas" (formal)

One I know in Sault Ste Marie, Ontario calls himself Chris.

When I meet them I call them Chrysostome...
They smile... Cuz they don't hear it often.
And I remember from school.
A teacher told us that our own name is the most pleasing word.

PS...
Family nicknames often have nothing to do with their name.
Sometimes the names can seem insulting by strangers but they are
a term of endearment to the child.
To many, their eyes water when they remember their father or
mother giving them a big hug and saying "Ma 'tite Crotte / Chou".
"Crotte" = Turd
"Chou' = Cabbage
My 10 year old daughter is watching what I'm typing and asked me
to add that she is called "Brat" by my Anglophone mother and she
just loves it. She says it makes her feel warm inside.. loved.

Many French names that are shortened are often from the end.
Albert = Bert
Chrysostome = Tom
Names ending in "line" or "lina" become Lynn or Lina
Micheline = Lynn or Lina
Adeline = Lynn or Lina
Names ending in "delie" or "delia"
Odelie = Delie or Delia
Cedelie = Delie or Delia
Names beginning with Euph... will often drop the EU.
Euphronie = Fronie or Ronie

Isn't just FUN trying to find our French ancestors!
<grin>
----- Original Message -----
From: "Sharon Warner" <>
To: <>
Sent: Saturday, February 26, 2005 8:47 AM
Subject: Re: [Q-R] Names


> Are there any variants or common nicknames for Chrysostome?
>
> Sharon
>
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