If we allow for a liberal interpretation of the term "gentilic", then, perhaps:Typically a gentilic refers to a person of a specified place.
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Are there credible examples in which "the gentilic came before the toponym"?
If we don't allow for a liberal interpretation of the term "gentilic", then "a gentilic that came before the toponym" is oxymoronic.The Polans [...] were a West Slavic and Lechitic tribe, inhabiting the Warta River basin of the contemporary Greater Poland region starting in the 6th century. [...] According to Zygmunt Gloger, their name was derived from the word "pole" meaning "field", thus denoting them as "men of the fields"
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In the 9th century, the Polans united several West Slavic (Lechitic) groups to the north of Great Moravia. The union led by the Piast dynasty developed into the Duchy of Poland, whose name derives from that of the Polans.
Statistics: Posted by Prophanius — Wed Jan 01, 2025 1:49 pm