A Dictionary of English Surnames

by P.H. Reaney, R.M. Wilson

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.

Genres: Reference, Nonfiction, Language, History

580 pages, Paperback

First published September 26, 1991

Reviews

[[ J o ] · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is such a wonderful reference book to have if you are any kind of writer. It chronicles modern English surnames and shows the historical evolution of them. Could be great for anyone also looking to look in to their family history, but as a whole the best use of it is either as a resource of English surnames for your characters, or a just a lovely dip in to the vast and mind-boggling thing that is English history.

Extremely easy to use: just like a dictionary, as one would expect. I think it is excellent considering its simplicity.

[Alison · Rating 4 out of 5]

A solid, and useful dictionary of surnames but only English ones.

May be useful for those doing genealogical or local history research.

Laid out as you might expect, though in this volume some may find the text a little small.

[Katie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a fabulous reference for writers who are looking for inspiration when naming characters.