Wolf in place names

Authors

  • Svavar Sigmundsson Árni Magnússon Institute for Icelandic Studies Author

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.33112/ordogtunga.22.8

Abstract

The article deals with the place name úlfr ‘wolf’ in Iceland and Faroe Islands. There is no evidence that the species has ever existed in Iceland, and the most likely
explanation for the use of the word in farm names is that they refer to a person. Also, in names of rivers, it is possible that first part úlfr refers to some sort of danger caused
by nature.

Author Biography

  • Svavar Sigmundsson, Árni Magnússon Institute for Icelandic Studies

    Research professor emeritus

     

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Published

2020-06-30

Issue

Vol. 22 (2020): Orð og tunga 22

Section

Non-refereed Short Papers