Names: and Their Meaning; A Book for the Curious

This work explores the origins and meanings of names across many domains, using etymology to link words to historical, geographical, and social causes. It surveys personal names—including surnames, sobriquets, pseudonyms, nicknames, class names, and professional designations—alongside place-names from countries and seas to counties, streets, districts, and public buildings, with special attention to London. Also treated are names of religious sects, political factions, inns and taverns, and everyday objects. Short etymological explanations and illustrative anecdotes show how names preserve traces of former peoples, occupations, landmarks, and cultural contacts.