Folk Etmyological Names

Names that have developed from folk tales are classed in this group. No clear examples occur in Prince Edward Island, although there are various tales surrounding the origins of numerous names. It is said that Courtin Island originated in the popularity of this island as a peaceful place for courting couples, but it really is named for a French missionary. Callas Point is given a variety of origins, but the most likely origin is that it was named for a person called Gallant. The story is related that James Wolfe stopped at Cape Wolfe, but this name was given by Samuel Holland, and there would appear to be no evidence to believe Wolfe stopped there. The fact that Moores and Enmans settled at Enmore River is only coincidental, since this name was given by Holland. The fact that a man by the name of Hunter perished at Hunter River does not give the true origin of this name, which is another commemorative name given by Holland. Tea Hill would appear to be a descriptive name rather than having anything to do with vegetation. Barbara Welt River may not be a personal name although its origin is suggested to be an honour for the wife of George Waite. Belfast is definitely named for Belfast, Northern Ireland, and thus is not derived from French “belle face”, or a “bell” stuck “fast” in a swamp.

Euphemistie Names

Classifying a feature something which it is not or giving a name in expec- tation that it will attain to that quality is to give a euphemistic name. None of the names of the Island seem to fit this classification, perhaps attesting to the Scottish, English and Irish desire to be realistic rather than idealistic in choosing toponyms.

OTHER CHARACTERISTICS OF PRINCE EDWARD ISLAND NAMES

Many populated places in Prince Edward Island have had different names for various funCtional services, and thus it might well be asked in such instances whether one service has tended to be dominant in names surviving. There are 13 examples of school names outlasting postal designations, whereas 8 post office names have superseded school names.

TABLE 3 TABLE 4

School Names Retained Postal Names Retained

Postal Names Discarded School Names Discarded School Pas/a! Postal School Dunblane Hawthorne Hampshire Bluefield Little Pond Durell Elliotvale Brothers Road Miminegash Ebbsfleet Burton Mount Pleasant Howe Bay Sailors Hope MacDougall Cross River St. Patricks Lincoln Fairfield St. Columba Springfield West Mattock Farmington Birch Hill Morel] East Marsh Road West Cape Greenhill Melville Beatons Mills Mount Vernon Rona Watervale Monaghan North Wiltshire New Wiltshire North Milton Trilby Pembroke Oak Valley Culloden Selkirk

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