The Name Maria and its Derivative Forms in Contemporary Polish Chrematonymy (as Exemplified by Hotel Names, Holiday Parks, Villas, Lodges, Private and Agrotourist Quarters, Guest Rooms etc.)

Abstract

This paper examines the secondary use of the name Maria and its derivative forms in the names of guest accommodations, so-called utility (usage) chrematonyms. It also discusses the creation of this category of chrematonyms derived from personal names, as well as their function.
One of the ways in which chrematonyms are created is through the use of female names, both in their full and derivative (diminutive, hypocristic, augmentative) forms. They appear in two forms of inflection: the nominative and the genitive of the singular. The author distinguishes three categories in the analysis of onyms created from the name Maria and its derivatives: 1) names created from the full, official name (certificate) e.g. Maria, Maryla, Maryna; 2) unofficial, derived names (created with suffixes: diminutive and hypocoristic forms, positively valued, usually with suffixes -ka (also with extension -eń-ka), -sia, -’a, e.g. Marylka, Marynka, Marysia, Marysieńka, Marynia, also augmentative forms e.g. Marycha); 3) composite names in the form of prepositional phrases e.g. U Marii, U Marysi, U Marysieńki, U Marychy, U Maryli, U Marylki, U Maryny, U Maryni, U Mani, names with the structure of multi-word expressions, most often connected with the conjunction i e.g. Maria i Helena, U Marysi na Dolinie, U Marysi i Jacka, and combinations consisting of a name with a numerical sign e.g. Maria II, Maria 4, Maria 5.
The names of guest accommodations perform various functions. Names of this type of objects are often associated with the owner’s name, and primarily hold a possessive function by identifying the establishment with its owner. Names which were created from the name of a wife, daughter or other close relatives of the chrematonym creator perform a memorial function. Often, chrematonym creators use names rooted in the national culture or historical names, considering them to hold prestige e.g. Marysieńka, Maria Antonina.
There is a large group of names which are not related to the owner of the object nor with close female relatives. In general, they are carefully chosen for a specific advertising purpose, creating positive associations for potential guests. In such names, the use of unofficial, derivative forms provides guest accommodations with a homely character. The use of the preposition u, both in the official (U Marii, U Maryli, U Maryny) and the hypocoristic versions (U Marysi, U Marysieńki, U Maryni, U Mani) provides connotations of hospitality and welcoming.