Namnkomplexet Sighvast och Silvester under medeltiden och tidigmodern tid i Sverige

Ett exempel på ett namnkomplex i Sverige på medeltiden samt på inlånade namns påverkan på onomastikonet

Abstract

This study shows how the Runic Swedish name Sighvast, the borrowed name Silvester, and the Old Swedish name Silvast (that emerged from the latter) merged into one name during the late Middle Ages. Sighvast, and different names within a group of names around it, were more common in Sweden in the 14th century, but Silvester and Silvast became more common in the 15th century. By the end of the 15th century, all the names in the name group around Sighvast except one, Sævast, ceased to be used as they merged with Silvast and/or Silvester. The only name to survive was Sævast, which had emerged from Sighvast during the Middle Ages. This name is still in use in Sweden 2024, albeit to a very small extent.