>>>>>>>BTW, it would be quite interesting to spot these classic names (both Greek and Hebrew) as they progress through other languages. For instance, Schmuel - Ismail - Samuilo - Samuel, or Stephan - Štefan - Stevan - Stepa(n) - Stipe - Stipica - Steven - István (ishtvahn, nickname Pista - pishtah) - Esteban - Estevao (is that proper Portuguese?). Or John - Jochann(es), Jean, Giovanni, Jovan, János, Janošik, Jano, Ion(el/ut), Janko, Ivan, Juan, James (is it the same name?).
>>>>>>
>>>>>>Then from James to Jacque in French?
>>>>>
>>>>>Nope, that'd be the Jacob - Jack - Jaša - Giacomo - Jakov - Joaquin(o) - Jacques, a separate line.
>>>>
>>>>Oh, yes, sure - it's John, not James, as in President "Jack" Kennedy.
>>>
>>>FWIW, though Jack is used as a nickname for John in some cases, they really are from different derivations.
>>>
>>>You never know with nicknames. For example, Ted can be Theodore or Edward.
>>>
>>>Tamar
>>
>>In my life I've had many: Tex in school, Te' or Ted in Liverpool, Tell down South (often pronounced Teooow with the Estuary English accent), Tezz in many parts of England, Terrrr with people from Bristol and the West Country. Terence with people who seek to piss me off! :-)
>
>
>Talk about UT thread drift...

How true. But never fear - sooner or later the boat will sink and be forgotten! :)