Cundi Plana [Puertolas, Huesca], Unanera [Viniegra de Arriba, La Rioja], and Unamala [Villamediana, Palencia]: Some Outcomes of Latin lacuna in Huesca, Palencia, and La Rioja [Spain]

Three toponyms derivable from Latin lacuna 'pond, pool, cavity, hollow' & attested in the Spanish provinces of Huesca, Palencia, & La Rioja are analyzed: Cundi Plana, Unanera, & Unamala. Latin lacuna is interpreted as a feminine form derived from lacus 'a hollow, lake'. Regular & irregular toponymic formation based on lacuna are identified in all three provinces. It is observed that the fact that lacuna begins with the syllable la- led to the derivation of the three irregular toponyms by deglutination, as this syllable was interpreted by speakers as an article. Additional forms generated by the same procedure are documented in each province. The importance of this study is stressed: it demonstrates how common phenomena can occur in areas separated both by geography & linguistic history. Tables, References. Z. Dubiel