Anthroponymic Identification Formulas Based on Directional Relation versus Place-Name Surnames. Based on the Material of Historical Anthroponymy of the Peasant Class in the Area of Brańsk in Podlasie Region

Abstract

The present article discusses the problem of the development of place-name surnames of the peasant class in the area of Brańsk in the Podlasie region, which were identical with the surnames of the local gentry. Special emphasis was laid on the issue of identification formulas based on directional relation and on their possible effect on the formation of the pattern of place-name surnames among peasants. The paper also seeks to show the ways in which surnames of that type spread in the studied area. On the basis of the excerpted source material, the study shows how, within one family, often during a long period, there was a co-existence of place-name surnames, occupation-based names, and nickname anthroponyms derived from appellative or first-name bases.