What's in a name?
A look at the German name 'Ludwig', its origins and meanings.
Ludwig is a venerable and ancient name.
Beginning in its Frankish form 'Chlodwig', the name Ludwig spread across the German Lands. Like most names, it has a meaning.
Its two Old High German root words are 'hlut', meaning 'Loud' (and by inference, 'famous'), and 'wig' meaning 'war' or 'struggle'.
So an approximate translation of 'Ludwig' would be 'Famous Warrior'.
Besides composers and kings, the name 'Ludwig' has been the distinguished appellation of architects, writers, politicians and philosophers.
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The historical and linguistic background to Beethoven's given name is strikingly revealing don't you think?
Beethoven as a 'Famous Warrior' image is very appropriate because his whole life and artistic development and terrible deafness, epitomized struggle.
[This message has been edited by Amalie (edited December 22, 2003).]
Ludwig is a venerable and ancient name.
Beginning in its Frankish form 'Chlodwig', the name Ludwig spread across the German Lands. Like most names, it has a meaning.
Its two Old High German root words are 'hlut', meaning 'Loud' (and by inference, 'famous'), and 'wig' meaning 'war' or 'struggle'.
So an approximate translation of 'Ludwig' would be 'Famous Warrior'.
Besides composers and kings, the name 'Ludwig' has been the distinguished appellation of architects, writers, politicians and philosophers.
******
The historical and linguistic background to Beethoven's given name is strikingly revealing don't you think?
Beethoven as a 'Famous Warrior' image is very appropriate because his whole life and artistic development and terrible deafness, epitomized struggle.
[This message has been edited by Amalie (edited December 22, 2003).]
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