Nederlandsche Doopnamen: Naar Oorsprong en Gebruik

This study explores the tradition of giving children baptismal names in the Netherlands, tracing how the Church’s recommendation to honor saints intertwines with families’ desire to preserve ancestral and regional identity. Drawing on centuries of liturgical guidelines, parish records, and linguistic research, the author examines the delicate balance between Latin saint names and native Dutch or Frisian forms. Readers will discover why certain names persist, how they were adapted over time, and what the choices reveal about local culture and faith.

The book also surveys historic attempts to match indigenous names with their saintly counterparts, from a 17th‑century clerical list to modern linguistic scholarship by German experts. By presenting concise tables and clear explanations, it offers a practical guide for parents, clergy, and anyone curious about the evolution of personal names in a Catholic context. Its modest length makes it an accessible reference for both scholars and everyday listeners interested in the roots of Dutch naming customs.