latinised english terms

Dear all,

In geology, (chrono-)stratigraphic units are frequently named after
localities, areas, local tribe names etc., e.g. Famennian from the
belgium Famenne. Other examples are Westphalian, Stephanian, Ladinian
etc.. As you can see, these terms are latinised (?) with the sufix -
ian. What confuses me, is that also the suffix -ean is sometimes used
instead.
I wonder if there are any formal rules for latinising scientific
terms? I am particularily interested to learn if it would be possible
to identify the stem of such a term (e.g. Famenn-).

best regards,
Robert

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