A Dictionary of Surnames

by Patrick Hanks (Author), Flavia Hodges (Author)

34 ratings

ISBN-13: 978-0192115928

ISBN-10: 0192115928

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A unique reference work, this international dictionary is a systematic, comparative survey of the origins and meanings of some 100,000 currently used surnames of European origin, as they are presently found throughout the world. With the help of consultant editors in specific
areas--particularly for Jewish, Spanish, and Gaelic names--the authors present information about the language or region in which the surname originated, major events in the history of noted names, the original meaning, peculiarites of regional distribution, and in some cases the form, date, and
location of early instances of the name. Uniquely organized to allow comparison between names that share the same etymology, the dictionary groups together within a single entry many different cognate and variant forms, including diminutives and patronymics. A comprehensive alphabetical index
allows easy cross-referencing. Summarizing a wealth of historical and etymological information in a clear and concise manner, the dictionary will be interesting and accessible to the general reader, and an essential reference tool for historians, genealogists, philologists, and local family history
societies.

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Editorial Reviews

From Library Journal

Unlike most other surname dictionaries that focus on specific nationalities, this work's 100,000 entries come from throughout Europe, Australia, North America, and the British Isles. Names are treated as a cultural and linguistic phenomenon and chosen on the principal of frequency and on the basis of available information. The methodology of selection, classification of names, and background for each nationality as well as Jewish family names are thoroughly covered in the introduction. The most common spelling of a name is listed in an alphabetical arrangement, with variant spellings in "nested groups" under main entries. An index leads the user to variant spellings within entries. A surname's derivation, name type, meaning, noncognate equivalents, and earliest use are typically provided. This scholarly work, the most comprehensive surname dictionary to date, will be welcome in most public and academic libraries. Stanley P. Hodge, Ball State Univ. Lib., Muncie, Ind.
Copyright 1989 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Review

"One of the best single-volume reference works on British and European surnames and is highly recommended for all types of libraries."--American Reference Books Annual

A Dictionary of Surnames is one of the best of the single-volume reference works on British and European surnames and is highly recomended for all types of libraries."ARBA

"As...Hanks and Hodges remark in their prefatory material, 'surnames studies are sadly neglected in most of the countries of Europe; the number of reliable reference works is remarkably small.' Based on well-structured methodology and sound research, The Dictionary of Surnames makes an excellent
contribution toward filling this reference vacuum....Immediately becomes the standard reference source for the information it contains."--Booklist/RRB

"An entertaining book and, for genealogists, onomasticians, and historians especially, a useful reference work."--Language

"This scholarly work, the most comprehensive surname dictionary to date, will be welcome in most public and academic libraries."--Library Journal

"Probably the most inclusive surname dictionary available not limited to the names of a particular country, this would be a welcome addition to academic collections at any level and to public and special libraries serving genealogists, social historians, historical linguists, family historians,
demographers, etc."--Choice

Publisher ‏ : ‎ Oxford University Press (February 23, 1989)
Language ‏ : ‎ English
Hardcover ‏ : ‎ 880 pages
ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 0192115928
ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-0192115928
Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 3.82 pounds
Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 7.88 x 1.91 x 10 inches

Best Sellers Rank: #337,397 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
- #276 in Genealogy (Books)
- #1,175 in Reference (Books)

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Joey Latunski

Good Source Material -- But A Little Disappointing.

Reviewed in the United States on July 11, 2018

Verified Purchase

For my Name Research Library (Surnames and First Names), this is an extensive reference source and belongs on any shelf. However, I was disappointed in that it over-concentrated on German/Askenazaic Jewish, seemingly rare English, Russian names, etc. and when trying to find some of the commoner names in America, they weren't there. Yes, I do live in a predominately Norwegian/German settled town in SD, but still, could only find about 10% or less when doing a quick search.

2 people found this helpful

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V. Goldberg

What I needed

Reviewed in the United States on August 7, 2021

Verified Purchase

I've been looking for a source for surnames to assist in my research. This is not 100%; however, nothing could ever cover all different types of surnames. This is an excellent beginning.

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G. Faria

Fascinating

Reviewed in the United States on October 27, 2017

Verified Purchase

We are avid genealogists and have enjoyed finding the origins of surnames. I love that it includes all the different spellings. Lots of information, very happy!

One person found this helpful

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J. Ho

A Classic comes back to life

Reviewed in the United States on December 6, 2013

Verified Purchase

This book was out of print for a long time, and during that period, a paperback copy could cost you around $280 or so. Believe it or not, it was well worth it even at that price. This re-relased edition is a hard back and that makes it even better. For those with specialist needs this book is irreplaceable. It is perhaps the most comprehensive and unique work that exists on the subject of surnames, their derivation, variations across countries, etc. Great for writers, but a lot of fun for simple browsing, too.

One person found this helpful

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Taylor Worthington Gilchrist

... book on my surname and this dictionary was highly recommend by a member of the Guild on One Name ...

Reviewed in the United States on April 18, 2018

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I am working on writing a book on my surname and this dictionary was highly recommend by a member of the Guild on One Name Studies. It is a wonderful resource.

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