Surnames (classified)

On this subpage, we offer insights into the structure of the atlas. The table shows the planned structure and uses examples to illustrate which topics are covered in which atlas section.

Part I: Grammar

Graphemics / Phonology

Example 1: diphthongized and non-diphthongized writing variants to MHG. î. Weiss, Pfeiffer, Reichen – Wyss, Pfyffer, Richen
Example 2: tenues shift /k/ > /x:/ in the inlaut: Ackermann – Achermann, Amacker – Amacher, Stark – Starch

Morphology

Example 1: surnames beginning with Ca- < roman. casa 'house', type Caflisch, Cahenzli, Cajochen
Example 2: surnames with weak genitive / ending on -en, type Karlen, Wyssen, Schären

Syntax

Example 1: phrasal names (univerbation with verbal component), type Nievergelt, Hablützel, Achtnich
Example 2: univerbations with prepositions, type Abbühl, Amrein, Imobersteg, Zenzünen

Part II: Lexis and naming motifs

Example 1: locational surnames based on slope designations (basic lexemes e.g.: Flueh, Gefälle, Halde, Stalden, Stutz, Rain; Ital., Engad. Costa)
Example 2: occupational nicknames based on metalworking trades, type Hammer, Nagel, Kesseli

Part III: Swiss history reflected in surnames

Example 1: religious history reflected in patronyms based on saints' names (e.g. Denz, Thöni, Tung, Cantieni and others based on Antonius)
Example 2: immigration from Germany and Austria reflected in allochthonous formation patterns (-sen: Jansen, Petersen; -l: Bartl, Dietl, Wachtl)