Surnames from nicknames nobody has any more (blog.plover.com)

Article summary

The article discusses how English surnames are often derived from patronymic names, where a person's surname is based on their father's name or nickname. Many of these nicknames are no longer in use, making it difficult to determine the origin of certain surnames. The article provides examples of surnames that are derived from obsolete forenames or nicknames, such as Watson from 'Wat', a nickname for Walter. The author welcomes further examples and discussion on the topic.

Main themes

• Patronymic names
• English surnames
• Etymology
• Nicknames
• Icelandic naming conventions
• Linguistic traditions

What commenters say

• Icelandic surnames are not family names in the classical sense, but rather patronymic names that change with each generation.
• The use of diacritical marks in languages like Icelandic and German can affect how letters are considered separate or not.
• The concept of a 'first name' can be culturally and linguistically relative, and may not always refer to a single given name.
• The distinction between a 'family name' and a 'surname' can be important in certain contexts, such as genealogy and passport documentation.
• The use of patronymic naming conventions can lead to interesting and complex surname patterns, as seen in Icelandic and some Slavic cultures.
• The evolution of language and naming conventions can result in surnames being derived from obsolete forenames or nicknames, making etymological research challenging.
• Different languages and cultures have varying approaches to naming conventions, including the use of diacritical marks, patronymic names, and surname fields in official documents.