Apelativizovaná propria v české zoologické a botanické terminologii
Appellativized proper names in Czech zoological and botanical terminology

Summary/Abstract: The paper focuses on appellativized proper names in Czech zoological and botanical terminology, that is, common names derived from personal proper names. This type of naming represents an interesting example of the interconnection between the linguistic system, cultural and historical realities, and the development of scientific nomenclature. In many appellatives whose link to the original proper name is beyond doubt, the motivation for appellativization has become opaque over time. Therefore, the study examines not only their origin, but also their semantic development and the way in which these names became established in Czech scientific terminology. The aim of the paper is to identify which types of proper names are most frequently used in zoological and botanical nomenclature, what cultural or scientific impulses influenced their appellativization, and how these names subsequently developed within the Czech lexicon. The analyzed material includes Czech names of animals and plants derived from anthroponyms, divided into two main groups: (1) names originating from real anthroponyms – (a) personal names (e.g. otakárek, viktorie), (b) surnames (e.g. dobrman, kamélie); and (2) names derived from secondary anthroponyms – (a) mythonyms (e.g. herkules, narcis), (b) biblical names (e.g. goliáš, daněk), and (c) literature names (e.g. amarylis). The analysis considers both the formal aspects of these names – their creation through direct appellativization or derivation – and their lexical and semantic characteristics. The study also examines the degree of domestic and foreign influence: it includes names that originated within Czech as well as appellativized proper names borrowed from other languages (e.g. herkules, begonie). From a historical and cultural perspective, the research seeks to show how language responded to scientific discoveries, cultural tradition, and international communication in the field of natural science nomenclature. The paper also briefly addresses cases of only apparent appellativization and certain folk names that are loosely connected with proper names. In this way, the study contributes to understanding the processes that shaped Czech zoological and botanical terminology and highlights the role of proper names as a source of lexical innovation.

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