A Dictionary of English Surnames [Paperback]

P. H. Reaney (Author), R. M. Wilson (Author), David Hey (Contributor)

Book Description

Publication Date: August 21, 1997 | ISBN-10: 0198600925 | ISBN-13: 978-0198600923 | Edition: 3 Rev Sub

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.

Editorial Reviews

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.

Product Details

• Paperback: 592 pages
• Publisher: Oxford University Press, USA; 3 Rev Sub edition (August 21, 1997)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0198600925
• ISBN-13: 978-0198600923
• Product Dimensions: 7.7 x 5.1 x 1.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 14.7 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 3.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (9 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,573,029 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

20 of 22 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The standard work on the subject, June 8, 2000

By 

Mark Howells (Puyallup, Washington State, USA) - See all my reviews
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Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: A Dictionary of English Surnames (Hardcover)

The introduction alone outstanding through its clear explanations of the four main groups of surnames: local surnames; surnames of relationships; occupational surnames; and nicknames. Brief pages about regional surname patterns are also enlightening.

The meat of the book is the alphabetical listing of some 16,000 English surnames, their variations, probable origins, and notes on early occurrences in the written records.

The cross-referencing between variant spellings is excellent and makes for easy navigation between variants.

A first rate resource for English genealogy and local history.

15 of 16 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Goes far beyond Smith!, September 2, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: A Dictionary of English Surnames (Paperback)

This book is so detailed in the origion of English Surnames, I never feel lost when I'm trying to place a character in a certain time period. Also, to call it only English Surnames is a bit misleading since England is made of of those who conquered and invaded it or that they conquered themselves. There are Surnames that decend from Norway (Vikings), Germany, France, not to mention Ireland, Wales, Scotland and the Isle of Man.

10 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Fascinating and well-documented, June 22, 2001

By 

Wendi Dunlap "That was pretty good. Now how '... (Seattle, WA USA) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: A Dictionary of English Surnames (Paperback)

The Dictionary of English Surnames is wonderful -- tons of information about surnames both common and rare, with many dated examples of early spellings. Sources are always given. This is an excellent resource for anyone interested in the origin of English surnames, especially re-enactors and others interested in names that would have existed in the late medieval/Renaissance period. Since the examples are dated, it is easy to find names from a particular time.