Topónimos y advocaciones

LA INFORMACIÓN HISTÓRICA EN LOS NOMBRES DE LAS PARROQUIAS RURALES GALLEGAS

Abstract

This work aims to reflect on the possibilities and limitations offered by the names of Galician rural parishes (formed by a place name and church dedication) for historical territorial studies. We will try to show how crucial is to set up a joint, comparative and interrelated analysis, consistent with the character of network (or system) that characterizes the parishes, and always as a complement to other historical sources. For doing this, the example of the comparative study of the parishes of Nendos territory (near A Coruña) and Terra de Celanova (southwest of Ourense) will be considered. Specifically, place names substrates and meanings, temporal relative sequences and dating of the beginings of different saints dedications will be analyzed. Finally, some avenues of historical interpretation will be discussed.