Someone recently mentioned that there is not a "W" in the Czech language. Where did the name Wenzel originate? Nancy

This might be one of those "urban legends", but I remember corresponding with a instructor in Slavic Languages many years ago who told me that "old" Czech (perhaps old Slavic) did have a "W" and it was the same as a "V". The modern Czech language does not use the "W", but it is still carried on in many names. For example, look at any list of surnames in the Czech Republic and one will see the "W" used a lot and interchangeably with "V". Part of my Czech family came from Moravia near the Slovak border and the incidence of names beginning with a "W" is much greater in that region than around Prague. As for Wenzel and Vaclav, I think Wenzel is German and Vaclav is uniquely Czech. Wenceslas is English for Wensel/Wenzel and there is no English equivalent for Vaclav. And no, James does not equal Vaclav! For a better understanding: http://www.lmp.ucla.edu./profiles/profc02.htm Ron Mlejnek At 07:05 PM 05/19/2004, you wrote: > Someone recently mentioned that there is not a "W" in the Czech >language. Where did the name Wenzel originate? > >Nancy > > >==== CZECH Mailing List ==== >The mailing list is configured to reply only to the list. If you are >making a personal reply to a poster, it will be necessary to delete the >list address and add the individual's address.