Antroponímia, poblament i immigració a la Catalunya moderna : l'exemple dels comtats de Rosselló i Cerdanya (segles XVI-XVIII)

The fabric of modern Catalonia, particularly within the historical confines of the Rosselló and Cerdanya counties between the sixteenth and eighteenth centuries, reveals itself through the intricate tapestry of its names, its people, and the currents of migration that shaped its very essence. This period, marked by profound political shifts, witnessed a dynamic interplay of demographic forces and linguistic evolution, etched into the very anthroponyms that identified its inhabitants.

One delves into the historical-demographic landscape, observing the ebb and flow of population across these northern Catalan lands. The significance of Occitan migrations emerges as a powerful undercurrent, continuously enriching and reshaping the local communities. These movements were not mere shifts of people, but conduits for cultural and linguistic exchange, leaving an indelible mark on the identity of the region.

The philological aspect of this journey unveils itself through a meticulous examination of patronymic material. Local anthroponyms become windows into the past, reflecting the diverse linguistic evolutions that characterized the Catalan language in this specific geographical and temporal context. Each name, a small linguistic artifact, contributes to a larger understanding of the spoken and written traditions of the era.

A vast archive of parish registers, preserved with remarkable completeness, forms the bedrock of this exploration. From these meticulous records, a comprehensive database has been constructed, encompassing over 95,000 individuals and their spouses between the years 1737 and 1790. This rich dataset allows for a granular analysis of population dynamics, offering insights into family structures, marriage patterns, and the very fabric of daily life.

To gain a fuller perspective, this raw data is then interwoven with complementary instruments: ancient censuses, household surveys, and the detailed records found within notarial archives. Through this triangulation of sources, a more complete picture of local populations, the weight of immigration, and the broader patterns of settlement across North Catalonia, from the regional to the most intimate local levels, begins to coalesce.

The study also grapples with the profound impact of political change on the linguistic landscape. As the region navigated shifting allegiances and, eventually, the imposition of French as an official written language, tangible and subtle transformations in local onomastics became evident. The very names people bore, and the forms in which they were recorded, began to reflect these external pressures, highlighting the resilience and adaptability of linguistic identity.

One discovers, for instance, the distinct Rossellonisms embedded within the patronymic heritage, revealing unique regional characteristics. Names like Tixador, Camú, or Peyrer are not just labels, but echoes of a specific cultural and linguistic patrimony. These linguistic fingerprints attest to the enduring local flavor amidst broader influences.

Ultimately, this exploration illuminates how human movement, naming conventions, and the forces of history are inextricably linked. It presents a vivid panorama of a region in flux, where the simple act of bearing a name became a testament to generations of settlement, migration, and the continuous shaping of a unique Catalan identity through centuries of transformation.