Synopses & Reviews
A Dictionary of English Surnames is an authoritative and enlightening guide to the origins of English surnames and how they developed over the centuries. A comprehensive survey of this popular subject, it provides useful information on 16,000 surnames, giving full sources and dates. Different forms of names are also cross-referenced for ease of use. A valuable historical and linguistic introduction to the subject is included, along with a new appendix on how to trace the origin of a family name.
Synopsis
For anyone interested in tracing a family name or family history in England, this is the standard guide. It provides the origin and meaning of 16,000 English names, including 5,000 added for the current 1990s edition. Variant name forms are fully cross-referenced, and the book contains a wealth of information on early name forms, including dates and sources. A 46-page introduction on English surnames puts the work in context.
About the Author
David Hey is Professor of Local and Family History and Dean of the Faculty of Educational Studies at the University of Sheffield.