What’s in a name you ask? The death of a daughter of Amar VIAH was recorded in the Parish Register of Saint Peter’s in Virginia. Her name seems to be written as “Nahome”. Was she “Nahome”, “Nohoma”, “Nohome”, “Nohomo”, “Nahoma” or “new born’d” or none of the above? Is there a capital letter missing at the front of her name?
I think she was probably “Nohome”. In Virginia the “h” could have sounded like an “r”, as her surname “VIA” was also “VIAR” and VIAH”. Perhaps it sounded like “Nommie”. In 17th century Virginia, Eleanor and Honora were popular names related to each other. “Nora” was a traditional nickname for both names. And “Nonnie” was often the nickname for “Nora”.
Why did Amer name his daughter “Nahome”?
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Perhaps it’s a misspelling of the Biblical name, Naomi (nay-OH-me), which could possibly be pronounced nay-HO-me.
Comment by Miriam — January 21, 2007 @ 11:14 pm
When I read Nahome, it seemd obvious to me that the writer wrote Naomi incorrectly, phonetically sounded out Naomi with a Virginia accent. Just a thought.
Comment by Tonia — August 6, 2009 @ 8:49 pm