Georgian Surnames Of One Type In The Abkhazian Muhajirs’ Lists Of 1867 And The Etymology Of One Of The Abkhazian Folklore Character’s Name
Abstract
In 1867 the Russian Empire officials drew up lists of the Abkhaz families, who had to be deported to the Ottoman Empire. In these lists were confirmed more than dozens of surnames with Georgian origin, including 32 such Georgian surnames, from which were removed away -ia< -ian surname-formingendings. For example, in the village Jampal the surname Гуардал [Gwardal] is based on the Georgian anthroponym Gordel, which isfound in current rare Georgian surname Gord-el-ava, and Georgian surnames: Gordel-a-dze and Gord-i-švil-i. Abkhazian form Gwardal derivated from Georgian Gordel-a-va was adopted in Abkhaz language in full compliance with the word adoption rules.
Taking into account the systemic nature of such change process of Georgian surnames, makes it possible to solve issues of anthroponyms history of some Abkhazian and Georgian surnames.
The study also considers the etymology issues of the most important monument of Abkhazian folklore, the main character’s name of Abrsk’il’s legends. The following conclusions were made:
1. The name Abrsk’il is the Georgian surname Bulisk’iria adapted in Abkhazian language, which in its turn was taken from Megrelian syntagma Buliš skiri “cherries’s (plant name) son.”
2. Taking into account that the Abkhaz legend Abrsk’il 50 years ago was common only in Ochamchire district of the Autonomous Republic of Abkhazia, and the story takes place in the same region, we assume that the legend was created in this region before XVII century by the Georgians residing there, and then it was adopted by the Abkhazians, who came here later.
This assumption is supported by the lists dated of 1867compiled by the Russian officials, where are recorded variants of the Abkhazian names adopted from the Georgian name Bulisk’iria: Брескилъ (Bresk’il), Брискелъ (Brisk’el), Брислекъ (Brislek’), Крыскелъ (K’r∂sk’el), Брыскелъ (Br∂sk’el), Блескиръ (Blesk’ir), Блескеръ (Blesk’er).
