from L. calvus (bald), whence E. Calvin, Calvary, Calaveras (County), Chauvinism
Latin calvus yields Spanish calvo, from which descend Calavario (Calvary) and calavera (skull). English Calvary comes straight from the Latin, but Calvin (surname and given name...originally a Roman nickname) is borrowed from the French.The famous philosopher John Calvin was born in France as Jean Chauvin. Another Chauvin, a legendary soldier in Napoleon's Grande Armee named Nicholas Chauvin, was so devoted to the Emperor that his surname became associated with exaggerated, blind patriotism. Fr. Chauvinisme resulted, whence E. chauvinism.
Copyright © 2007 - Jerry Schnell - All rights reserved
2 comments:
That is fascinating. Coming from Nottingham our county is also famous for a story that may or may not be true.
I'm sure you are familiar with the tales of Robin Hood and his Merry Men?
There is also a tea room in Nottinghamshire called Mintons Tea Room that is next to a church. Apparently they got their name from a reference in a fiction book by D H Lawrence. If you are ever in Nottinghamshire the tea room is well worth a visit.
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