[Ger-Poland-Volhynia] Polish record name variations

[Robert Radke]

Karl, the forms of the names as written in Polish that are puzzling you are 
just endings that indicate the grammatical function of the name within the 
sentence. Thus:
Fryderykiem = by or with Friedrich
Wolskim = by or with Wolski
Tarruhnow = of the Tarruhns
Habkow = of the Habkes
Jana = of Johann, Johann's
Samuela = of Samuel, Samuel's
There are different endings for male and female names, and there are 7 
different forms for each name, all indicating a different grammatical 
function.  The system is complex, and if you are serious about learning how 
it works, you should probably get a Polish grammar book.  Look in the back.  
Many of them have a section at the back that gives tables with all of the 
different forms. (And of course, don't hesitate to ask here on the mailing 
list if you get stumped.)

Regarding the Russian record that substitutes Agatha where you expected 
Henriette -- no, these names are definitely not equivalent.  But Russians 
find the name Henriette a little bit awkward to say.  Do you know if Agatha 
was maybe her middle name?

--Bob Radke