Wurdsneuperijen. 88. Nijfrysk heit

Abstract

In this article a new etymological explanation is given of the Frisian word ‘father’, heit. The word is to be equated with Old Frisian *hêta, an agentive noun in -a, derived from the verb hêta 'order, command' (cf. Gothic haitan). The original literal meaning of heit must therefore have been 'he who gives orders; ruler, lord'.