On 15th century registers of the Várdais’ estates

Comments on the study “Serf-names in the Várdais’ estates in the mid-15th century” by András Mező and on some data of the „Dictionary of Old Hungarian Family Names”

Abstract

On 15^th century registers of the Várdais’ estates. Comments on the study “Serf-names in the Várdais’ estates in the mid-15^th century” by András Mező and on some data of the „Dictionary of Old Hungarian Family Names”

Despite the publication of the “Dictionary of Old Hungarian Family Names. 14^th–17^th centuries)”, which presents the results of a nationwide survey, comprehensive analysis of 15^th century personal names requires the interpretation of various regional registers of taxpayers. It is vitally important for researchers to be able to use the data found in these registers adequately and not to be misled by them, so the correction of distorted name forms in 15^th century registers published in the collection of documents of the Zichy family is by all means desirable. By collating the printed versions with the original charters the present author has proved that certain name forms quoted in the “Dictionary of Old Hungarian Family Names” on the basis of the Zichy collection reflect misreading. As a result, the existence of the family name Baja in the Middle Hungarian period is rather doubtful since the correct transcription of the only quoted data is Baxa instead of Baya, hence being an early appearance of the family name Baksa. Apart from identifying distorted name forms the author has managed to give the date of origin for each register under discussion and the relationship of the three investigated registers is also clarified.