RV: Tocayo

[CCBtlevine at aol.com]

In a message dated Fri, 7 Jul 2000  7:01:14 PM Eastern Daylight Time, "Jorge de Buen" <jdebuen at caliente.com.mx> writes:

<< Tijuana, B. C., 7 de julio de 2000


tocayo,  in the Spanish literature, had it first appearance in Spain (1820).

I reviewed Simeon's Dictionary and Sullivans Compendium of Nahuatl Grammar.

Sullivan uses the word "tocayo" as an adjective meaning renown or name from tocaitl, name.  Tocaitl seems to have as many meanings in Nahuatl as name has in English.  A person of renown has made a name for him/herself.  Sullivan takes a quote for her illustration from the Florentine Codex Vol X, p.15 lines 12, 13.  It seems reasonable to think that a person who shares your name is renowned or famous because you are well known.  Tocayo! Famoso!