Did you know that Batts, may have had stout ancestors? That Dennes could be descended from swineherds? That Herons might come from thin men with long legs? How much do you know about the origin of your own surname? This fascinating dictionary covers the origin and meaning of over 16,000 surnames, giving detailed information on early name-forms and how names have changed over the centuries. Alternative forms of names are cross-referenced to make it easy to find variants. Popular names such as Brown, Clark and Smith are all covered, alongside rarer names from Clapper to Cutterbuck, Stocking to Twitchen. An authoritative introduction sets in context the popular topic of name-studies, and guides the reader through the history of English surnames. The dictionary also includes an appendix in which the distinguished family historian, Professor David Hey (author of the Oxford Companion to Local and Family History) gives advice on how to locate the home of a family name. He explains, with examples, how to discover the current distribution of a name in the UK, and how to trace its origins.
Quirky and interesting, informative and accessible, this is an excellent guide for anyone with an interest in English family names.
Edited by:
Reaney, Wilson Imprint: Oxford University Press Country of Publication: United Kingdom Edition: New ed of 3. Revised ed Dimensions:
Height: 197mm,
Width: 129mm,
Spine: 28mm
Weight: 618g ISBN:9780192806635 ISBN 10: 0192806637 Series:Oxford Quick Reference Pages: 592 Publication Date:01 December 2005 Audience:
General/trade
,
ELT Advanced
Format:Paperback Publisher's Status: Active
Preface to the Third Edition Preface to the Second Edition Preface Introduction Abbreviations Dictionary Appendix
