English Surnames: Their Sources and Significations
English Surnames: Their Sources and Significations by Charles Wareing Endell Bardsley
A 19th century book with an overview. In a few places, the history it discusses is dated. However, it's mostly a good history of names. In places, it turns into lists (which may be useful for someone looking for names). Mostly medieval since that was the origin.
Starts with the longest, those derived from personal names and their various origins. Patronymics and the rarer but present metronymics -- "Tillson" is not a form "William's son," but of "Matilda's son" -- and you can't really tell whether a name derives from John or Joan.
Places names, mostly local ("Atwater" -- at water, "Hawkhurst" - by a wood with hawks), some from towns, mostly small, some from foreign countries.
Names of offices, and occupations both rural and town -- he divides up the last two to reflect the differences.
Finally, nicknames such as "Fairhair" or "Black."
A 19th century book with an overview. In a few places, the history it discusses is dated. However, it's mostly a good history of names. In places, it turns into lists (which may be useful for someone looking for names). Mostly medieval since that was the origin.
Starts with the longest, those derived from personal names and their various origins. Patronymics and the rarer but present metronymics -- "Tillson" is not a form "William's son," but of "Matilda's son" -- and you can't really tell whether a name derives from John or Joan.
Places names, mostly local ("Atwater" -- at water, "Hawkhurst" - by a wood with hawks), some from towns, mostly small, some from foreign countries.
Names of offices, and occupations both rural and town -- he divides up the last two to reflect the differences.
Finally, nicknames such as "Fairhair" or "Black."