Saint Thomas Christian names

The Saint Thomas Christian names are the names given to Syrian Malabar Nasranis who are also known as Saint Thomas Christians. These names are passed on from one generation to the next. Thus their names are both biblical and inherited. The male names are patronymic and the female names are matronymic. Usually a person’s name will include the names of their parents and grand parents or that of a very close blood relative. This pattern of giving the name is visible in almost all Malankara Syrian Christian denominations. At the same time, these names will not have the names of saints or of great religious or of political leaders or of foreign names. Sometimes family names are also included but they are always Malayalam word(s). Foreign family names are shunned. So a Nasrani can easily be identified by the name, from among the other Christians of Kerala.

History

Though the names of ancient generations are unknown, it can be well assumed that they were also following a similar pattern as is given in this article.

Before the arrival of the Portuguese in May 1498, Saint Thomas Christians of Kerala were known to belong to the Margam, a word when translated is ‘The Way’.

At the Synod of Diamper, Catholic Archbishop Alexio-de-Menezes decreed that they should not use the names that were in use in the Old Margam. They were specifically told that they should not use the name Easow because it was holy..But the synod was attended only by those in and near the kingdom of Cochin. Mar Thoma Christians who lived in other areas of Kerala did not care for these decrees and continued with their customs which they follow even today.

During the twentieth century some names were created by joining two or more syllables. For example Abey (AB), Aji (AG), Bibi (BB), Biji (BG), Jessy (JC) and so on. But by twenty first century biblical names began to reappear. Thus names like, Isaac, Joshua, David, Ezekiel, Timothy, appeared on the scene. Generally they still follow the system detailed below.

Formation of a name

A name will include the first name (generally the person is called by that name ) and the name of the father. Examples are given below.

Male name

As an example, the name, Thomas Mathew is similar to Shimon bar Jona. which means Shimon son of Jona. In the same way, Thomas Mathew means Thomas son of Mathew. Thomas Mathew is to be addressed as Thomas and not by his father’s name.

Here the correct spelling is ‘’’Mathew’’’ and not ‘’’Matthew’’’ as in English.

Female name

As an example, the name, Rachel Mathew, means Rachel daughter of Mathew. After marriage, father’s name is replaced by the husband’s name. Rachel Mathew is to be addressed as Rachel and not by her father’s name.

Use of initials

When initials are used, abbreviations of the family name or house name (name of the plot where the parents of the child live at the time of birth) and the father’s name are given before the given name. For example, the name P.M. Thomas means Palakkappillil (house name), Mathew’s (father’s name) son, Thomas (given name). His sister’s name will be P.M. Rachel.

Other forms

When family name or house name need to be used, it comes first followed by the given name. As an example, P.M. Thomas is, Palakkappillil Thomas Mathew or Palakkappillil P.M.Thomas.

Hypocoristic

Hypocoristic (Pet names) are often used in a familiar and friendly manner in informal situations. In more formal situations, the given name is to be used instead. This alludes to the fact that using a person's pet name betokens familiarity.

Order in giving names

For Boys

Male names are patronymic.

The first born is given the name of his paternal grand father.

The second born is given the name of his maternal grandfather.

The third born is given the name of one of his uncles.

For girls

Female names are matronymic.

The first born is given the name of her paternal grand mother.

The second born is given the name of her maternal grant mother.

The third born is given the name of one of her aunties.

Changes

The last name (father’s name) changes with each generation. The house name would also change as generations move out of their consanguineal family homes with the changing ownership of property upon the death of the patriarch.

When they are in a western country, sometimes the house name will be taken as family name or as surname.

Common names

The mother tongue of Nasranis is Malayalam. So the names given in the following lists are in phonetic spelling. But the first one, given under ‘’Other names,’’ shows how that name is usually written in English. The two lists include the names of a few common names that are in use, and they are not comprehensive. To know the correct pronunciation of these names, see Malayalam script or Tiberian vocalization.

Male Names

Female names

All the above names are sometimes expanded by adding koch, kunju, kutty and mol before or after each name.

Names are sometimes selected from Malayalam language, and are used as pet names, like

Baby, Chinnamma, Kunjamma, Pennamma, Ponnamma, Thankamma.

Table of kinship terms

See also

Malayalam script

Tiberian vocalization

Name

Given name

Hebrew name