LL-L: "Names" LOWLANDS-L, 24.AUG.2001 (02) [E]

[Lowlands-L]

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 L O W L A N D S - L * 24.AUG.2001 (02) * ISSN 189-5582 * LCSN 96-4226
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 A=Afrikaans, Ap=Appalachian, D=Dutch, E=English, F=Frisian, L=Limburgish
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From: "margaret" <margareida at leaco.net>
Subject: Translation needed

I am looking for the Low Saxon and Frisian translation and pronunciation of
my maiden: Mehlhop
Our family came from the Bremen area of northwest Germany.
My grandfather thought: "mehl" was meal in English and "hop" was a place
His believed that the first Mehlhop came from a place where meal was made
or where there was a grist mill.
More recently a Mehlhop relative in Oldenberg said:
"mehl" was a swamp or marsh and "hop" was a high place.
He believed an early Mehlhop came from a high place on the marsh.

I have heard the following pronunciations:
mel hop; mel up; male up; meel hope

I would appreciate your ideas.
Margaret Mehlhop Reid
Dexter, New Mexico, USA

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From: R. F. Hahn <sassisch at yahoo.com>
Subject: Help needed

Margaret,

My first inclination is to assume that the name Mehlhop is Low Saxon (Low
German) and comes from Mehlhoop (pronounced ['me:lhoUp], the last part
pronounced with a diphthong like English "hope"), literally "Flour Heap".
_Mehl_ (non-German spelling _meel_) denotes 'flour', or 'meal' in the sense
of "ground grain" (not in the sense of "food").  Perhaps Mehlho(o)p was an
alternative for Möller (= German Müller = Dutch Molenaar = English Miller),
or it denoted a grain vendor.  These are just guesses.  Let's see what
others have to say.

Regards,
Reinhard/Ron

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