HUGUENOTS-WALLOONS-EUROPE-L Archives

From: David and Sue Ellis <>
Subject: [HWE] What's in a name? - Olive
Date: Tue, 05 Dec 2006 15:58:24 +1100

Hi Listers,

I've been wondering if there is any French equivalent of the analysis of
distribution of names that you can find for Irish names (frequency in
Griffith's valuation or the census for example) or England (for example
Guppy's Survey of farmers).

My Olives are well documented at the Walloon church in Canterbury and the
name appears in the register of the Protestant temple at Guines in Pas de
Calais. But where did they come from? Were they locals or had they
emigrated or fled there earlier?

The IGI has early dates for them in Aude. But is that just because Aude is
one of the few places with early dates available? Incidentally the first
site I looked at for the Aude led off with "Cathar country".

Presumably, French names have the same basis as names in the British Isles -
being based on location, occupation or personal characteristics originally.

Is that a clue? Olive in French is olive in English. Olive growing was
brought to the south of France by the Romans and that is where it flourishes
today. Perhaps they were involved in growing olives or making olive oil?
Perhaps they lived near olive groves? Perhaps they had olive complexions -
a Mediterranean characteristic? Lots of speculation, but is it so?

Does anyone know of anywhere I can try to sort this out. Sadly, my French
is very poor. You don't use it for much after you leave school in
Australia. My family has had a definite affinity for the south - south of
Ireland, south of England, southern hemisphere, New South Wales. More
wouldn't surprise me. Along with itchy feet, it's a defining
characteristic.

Is it all just a pile of olive pits or is it the good (extra virgin olive)
oil?

Any help appreciated.

Sue Ellis

This thread:

• [HWE] What's in a name? - Olive by David and Sue Ellis <>