The name "Moscow" has its roots in the Georgian language, a connection that can be demonstrated through a detailed linguistic analysis.
The renowned Russian linguist Grigory Ilyinsky proposed that the name of the Moscow River derives from a Proto-Slavic root mosk, meaning "viscous" or "swampy," reflecting the river’s marshy environment. However, Ilyinsky’s hypothesis raises a critical question: does a language exist where mosk genuinely carries this meaning? The answer lies in Georgian, where the word mosko (მოსქო) directly corresponds to "viscous." The full form, moskelo, further solidifies this connection, as it is derived from the fundamental Kartvelian root skeli (სქელი), meaning "thick" or "viscous." The prefix mo- in Georgian is a versatile marker often used to modify verbs or nouns, reinforcing the Kartvelian structure of the word.
The suffix -va in Moskva also finds its origins in Kartvelian languages, specifically in Megrelian, a language closely related to Georgian. In Megrelian, the suffix -ua or -va is a common masdar ending with a collective meaning, often used to form nouns. This suffix explains the transformation of mosko into Moskva, embedding the name within a Kartvelian linguistic framework. Thus, the "Proto-Slavic" source posited by Ilyinsky appears to be a misidentification of what is, in fact, a Georgian etymology.
Furthermore, the form "Moscow"—as opposed to Moskva—can also be explained through Kartvelian influence, specifically the Old Megrelian genitive suffix -ou, seen in words like chkhou, bzhou, and didou. This suffix, over time, contributed to the emergence of the -ov suffix commonly found in surnames across Greek, Bulgarian, Ukrainian, and Russian naming traditions, such as Ivanov or Petrov.
In light of this evidence, the name "Moscow" not only reveals a deep Kartvelian linguistic heritage but also underscores the broader influence of Kartvelian languages on regional nomenclature, challenging traditional Slavic-centric interpretations of the city’s origins.
0 Comments