Elsdon Coles Smith

This list is unending and the author has provided every possible avenue of examination in his search among Americans for the roots and derivations of their surnames.

Provides a running account of the origin of the most common American family names, with special attention to the social conditions and customs surrounding the adoption of surnames in England and in Europe in general. Names are treated in four main groups: patronymics, occupational names, nicknames, and place names. Also includes a list of 2,000 most common surnames in the U.S.

An account of the development and meanings of surnames, Christian names, and nicknames, with many anecdotes included.