Biblical Names in the Eastern Churches

[Thomas48]

Hello Friends,

How do the names of the biblical/religious figures translate over for the Eastern Churches? It is interesting to see how these names have evolved and established from their point origin.

Examples in the St. Thomas Christian Tradition:

Male Figures:
Peter: Patros
Paul: Paulose
John: Yohanon
Thomas: Thoma
Matthew: Mathai
Judas: Yudha
Isaac: Isahaq
Jacob: Yacob
Stephen: Esthapanos
Philip: Philipose
Mark: Markose
George: Geevarughese
Joseph: Ousep

Females Figures:
Mary: Mariam/Mariamma
Susan: Shosha/Shoshamma
Rebecca: Raca/Racamma
Sara: Saramma
Elizabeth: Elia/Eliamma
Ursula: Oshala/Oshalamma
Mary Magdalene: Magdala Mariam
Anna: Anna/Annamma
Eve: Hawa

It should be noted for the St. Thomas Christian tradition these names are all slightly changed at times when honorifics are added. For example when adding a male superior/elder honorific, Thoma becomes Thomachan. When adding a female inferior/younger honorific, Mariam becomes Marikutty.

 

[SyroMalankara]

Hi my friend. Been a long time. I hope you are well.

All the names you listed are straight imports from the Syriac Churches, but we do have local Indian variants that are strictly to our community and not found anywhere else.

Cherian = Zachariah
Mammen = Thomas
Varkey = George
Oommen = Peter

 

[Thomas48]

Hi my friend. Been a long time. I hope you are well.

All the names you listed are straight imports from the Syriac Churches, but we do have local Indian variants that are strictly to our community and not found anywhere else.

Cherian = Zachariah
Mammen = Thomas
Varkey = George
Oommen = Peter

I am fine, I hope you are doing fine as well!

These are great examples. A few more would be

Chandy=Alexander
Mani=Emmanuel
Koshy=Joshua
Scaria=Zachariah
Chacko=Jacob

I have noticed there also is somewhat of a East/West Syriac split when it comes to our naming prevalence as well. In my personal experience I’ve found that the West Syriacs use more often Susan/Shosha and all its variants as well as George/Varughese. Where as Syro Malabars have a more prevalence in Alexander/Chandy and Anna/Annamma. However this could simply be with the population I have come across.

 

[adamhovey1988]

I actually know a priest named Cherian, so it’s good to know what that means know. Very cool.