A Dictionary of English Surnames by Reaney

A Dictionary of English Surnames by Reaney

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Summary

An authoritative and enlightening guide to the origins of over 16,000 English surnames and their development over the centuries. Different forms of names are cross-referenced for ease of use. Includes a fasinating historical and linguistic introduction to the subject, and an appendix on tracing the origins of family names.

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A Dictionary of English Surnames by Reaney

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.

P. H. Reaney is the author of The Origin of English Surnames (RKP, 1980). R. M. Wilson is Professor Emeritus of English Language at Sheffield University.

SKU Unavailable
ISBN 13 9780192806635
ISBN 10 0192806637
Title A Dictionary of English Surnames
Author Reaney
Series Oxford Quick Reference
Condition Unavailable
Binding Type Paperback
Publisher Oxford University Press
Year published 2005-09-08
Number of pages 594
Cover note Book picture is for illustrative purposes only, actual binding, cover or edition may vary.