SYRIAN CHRISTIAN
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As examples of Old and New Testament names occurring, in a changed form, among Syrian Christians, the following may be cited: —
- Abraham, Abragam.
- Joshua, Kōshi.
- Peter, Puthrōs, Ittiyerah, Itte.
- Paul, Powlos.
- John, Yohan, Sonanan, Chōna.
- Titus, Tetōs.
- Matthew, Mathai, Māthen.
- Philip, Philippos, Papi, Eippe, Eapen.
- Thomas, Thōma, Thommi, Thommen.
- Joseph, Ouseph.
- Jacob, Yacob, Chāko.
- Alexander, Chandi.
- Samuel, Chamuel.
- Mary, Maria, Mariam.
- Sarah, Sāra.
- Susannah, Sosā.
- Rebecca, Rābka, Rācā
- Elizabeth, Elspeth, Elia, Elachā.
- Rachael, Rāchi, Rāghael, Chācha.
Syrian Christians take the name of their father, their own name, and that of their residence. Whence arise such names as Edazayhikkal Mathoo Philippos, Kunnampuram Thommen Chāndi, and Chandakadayil Joseph Chommi.
I have seen some Syrian Christian men tattooed with a cross on the upper arm, and a cross and their initials on the forearm.
In conclusion, I may, for the sake of comparison, place on record the averages of the more important physical measurements of Northerner and Southerner Syrian Christians and Nāyars.
