Lithuanian First Names in brief

Lithuanians, historically, have been too conservative to develop "weird" sounding names.
However, they have adopted, taken names of celebrates, like Vytautas for Vytautas the Great who was responsible to the expanse of The Grand Duchy of Lithuania.

Or, taking other names of Grand Dukes Like Gediminas andAlgirdas.

Then additional names spun off like Vytas, Vyte [f] and more as you will see at
http://www.thelithuanians.com/names/name22v.html#Section3


There are other names that have a rich ancient history. Remember, before there were surnames [last names] their were only first names. So, in a village, people wanted to be unique and parents gave children different names. This is how first names developed.
Take a look at over 3,500 I put together some years ago.
http://www.thelithuanians.com/names/name.html


The Etymology of VYTAUTAS
http://www.thelithuanians.com/names/name2v.html

All these are accepted genuine Lithuanian first names. Throughout Lithuanian history names developed. Read the brief history in the right hand column of the above link.

It was the first names that also helped in the development of last names of which there now over 50,000 names.

There is a lot more on names that you can read about on our website
LIBRARY tab
FIRST NAMES
http://thelithuanians.com/bookthelithuanians/node10.html

Then follow the link to
SURNAMES

So, you see name development is not a new phenomenon. Lithuanians have been at it for 4, 000 to 5,000 years, ethnic names being the oldest. Read some more.

You will notice that there have been periods when new names developed, like after Lithuania adopted Christianity.

Now, since the re establishment of Independence [and just prior] another period of new names is beginning, but these names have not yet established their place yet.

Interesting story about my Uncle Juozas. He was born in Siberia where Grandfather, Grandmother and my Aunt were exiled to. He is 8 years younger than me. In 1958 they all came to Lithuania.

Grandfather instilled a tremendous amount of Patriotism in all his children.

Uncle Juozas named his children, Vesta, Vytis and Laisvis [boys are twins]. Daring names in Soviet times.

Vytis after Vytautas, of the symbol of Lithuanian Freedom - you may notice the Vytis in several places on the website - Grey chevron with Vytautas the Great on a Stallion. Vytautas defeated the Teutonic Knights and gave the Russians a real scare, the first one.

Laisvis name is really in your face to the Soviets. Laisve means Freedom.

Vesta name from ancient Rome, a fire goddess.

This tells you much about two quiet unassuming men, very characteristic of many Lithuanians.

However, there are exceptions and I may fall in the extrovert area. But, ...

But this may give you a capsule history of Lithuanian First Names.
Oh, I also put up a YouTube video on Lithuanian First Names.
http://raymondbalta.blogspot.com/2008/03/lithuanian-first-names.html

At the Blogspot and website there are a subtle Search Windows where
you can search the SITE - just use KEYWORDS in the SEARCH BOX
THE LITHUANIANS
BLOGSPOT tab
http://thelithuanians.com/

Working on the new Internet Book ... not ready for a while... this one will be full of new resources. Look for it at the.
LIBRARY tab


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