Common Latin Words
This is nothing more than a very short list of words that are commonly found in parish registers. It is just to help you identify the type of entry if you are new to using old parish registers. Latin Dictionaries are available in bookshops and libraries. If you want to buy a good small book which explains many Latin words you could do worse than buy, "A Latin Glossary for Family and Local Historians" by Janet Morris, published by the FFHS, ISBN 0 907099 89 0
| Latin Word | Translation |
|---|---|
| Agricola | Farmer, Husbandman |
| Armiger | Esquire |
| Baptizatus | Baptised, Christened |
| Baptizi | Baptised |
| Bastardus | Illegitimate |
| Clericus | Clergyman, Clerk |
| Cognatus | Relative |
| Emeritus | Retired |
| Et | And |
| Episcopus | Bishop |
| Eques | Knight |
| Faber | Smith |
| Filia | Daughter |
| Filius | Son |
| Fuit | He, she |
| Funera | Funerals |
| Gemini | Twins (Gemine for female) |
| Humatus | Buried |
| Illegitimus | Illegitimate |
| Incognito | Unknown |
| Mater | Mother |
| Matrimonium | Marriage (often abbreviated to 'Matri') |
| Morbus | Ill or sick |
| Mors | Death |
| Nihil | Nothing |
| Nuptus | married (often abbreviated to 'Nupt') |
| Parochia | Parish |
| Patri | Father |
| Relicta | Widow |
| Reputis | Reputed |
| Sepultus | Buried (You will often see this as 'Sepulta fuit') |
| Subsidium | Payment, basically a tax |
| Tumulatus | Buried |
| Uxor | Wife (often 'uxoris') |
| Vidua | Widow |
| Viduus | Widower |