As a general rule German family names are retained in their original
form in all sections where the German language held its own among the
colonists. This is especially true where such names offer no difficulty
in their pronunciation to people having Portuguese as their mother
tongue. On the other hand, where such names could not be readily
pronounced by Luso-Brazilians,[47] they underwent changes to greater or
less extent even in communities where the German element is most
strongly represented. Where the German language disappeared the German
family name as a rule disappeared with it, or was retained in such a
form as to be hardly recognizable.
By way of example a number of modifications in surnames are noted below;
first, from a section where the German language has almost entirely
given way to Portuguese[48], and second, from one of the strongest
German-speaking sections of Brazil.[49]
1)
Emmich became _M'_. The Portuguese could not pronounce the "-ich" and
consequently it dropped off, resulting in the formation of what is
probably one of the shortest family names in existence.[50]
Felippoffsky became _Felippe, Franz,_ or _Franço_. In this instance one
branch of the family adopted the first part of the original family name
and other branches made surnames out of the Christian name of the first
immigrant, i.e., Franz Felippoffsky.
Glaser became _Frittenmaku_. The first immigrant was Fritz Glaser. One
of his characteristics was lameness. The new family name is equivalent
in meaning to "der lahme Fritz."
Gottfried became _Gottesfried, Gottesfrid_ or _Gottesfritz_.
Helfenstein became _Helfestein_.
Hessel became _Essel_.
Klein became _Cleene_. In this instance a German dialect variant of the
original became the new family name.
Reinberg became _Remberg_.
Rochenbach became _Rocumbak_ or _Rocumbaque_.
Roschel became _Rocha_.
Toll became _Doll_ or _Doro_.
Weisshaupt became _Sapateiro_. In this instance the first Weisshaupt was
a shoemaker. The trade name translated into Portuguese became the family
name.
Züllich became _Sills_.
2)
Wächter became _Walter_.
Werner became _Vierne_.
From the above examples it will be noticed that the new family names
show, as a general rule, an adaptation of the original to Portuguese
pronunciation.