The Encyclopedia of Arda - an interactive guide to the world of J.R.R. Tolkien
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The Tooks were associated with the Shire's Tookland, and especially Great Smials
Pronunciation
Ferdinand is pronounced 'fe'rdinand'
Meaning
The origins of the name Ferdinand are uncertain1

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  • Updated 8 May 2021
  • This entry is complete

Ferdinand Took

A descendant of the Old Took

The son of Sigismond Took, born in the year before Bilbo's famous journey to the Lonely Mountain. Ferdinand belonged to a minor branch of the family of the Thains, being the grandson of Hildibrand, who was eighth of the Old Took's twelve children. Ferdinand was present at Bilbo's 111th Birthday Party, when he would have been sixty-one years old.


Notes

1

There is no doubt that the name Ferdinand emerged from the Germanic language (and was then absorbed by speakers of Romance languages), but there is some doubt about the meanings of its various elements. Most sources prefer a combination of farð 'journey' and nand, 'daring, brave', but others suggest an influence of frið 'peace' or a different meaning of nand, specifically 'ready, prepared'. It's impossible to be sure which combination of meanings applies to Ferdinand Took, but given that his father Sigismond incorporates 'victory' into his name, while his son Ferdibrand includes brand or 'sword', then a name element meaning 'peace' seems rather unlikely.

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About this entry:

  • Updated 8 May 2021
  • This entry is complete

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