Z505 VJ35 . A^ -^— (" A^ - cn ^ 1^=^ c= 0^ zn 1 6^ 6 m — f— 2 i A ^— ' 4 = — — -c 1 1 T> 2 1 — — — ( 6 = What*s in a Name? THE LIBRARY OF THE UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA LOS ANGELES .■> L WHAT^S IN A NAME? SURNAMES AND THEIE SIGNIFICANCE, LONDON: SWAN SONNENSCHEIN & CO., PATERNOSTER SQUARE, 1SS8. {All rijliis reserved.] THE ABERDEEN UNIVERSITY PRESS: JOHN THOMSON AND J. F. THOMSON, M.A. PKEFACE I HAVE simply to assure my readers that the names made use of in the ensuing i3ages are all hona-fide Surnames, collected from numerous sources. THE AUTHOE. 106732? WHAT'S IN A NAME ? How ridiculous it appears, when one comes to think of it, to call men by such names as Coffee, Bacon, Brawn, Ham, Egg, Butter, Cream, Cheese, Cake, Crumb, Custard, Tart, or Jelly ! And yet, were these denied a place among our family names, the owners of them would (and not unjustly) feel inclined to rise up in rebellion. It would possibly require that the human beings so designated should be the invited guests, say, of Mr. Eichman or Mr. Merryman for them thoroughly to realise how absurd are the appellations by which, through no fault of their own, fate has chosen they should be distin- guished. There are two consolations that may be offered to the proprietors of such queer unmanly titles. In the first place, you do not stand alone, for curious and ludicrous surnames seem to be the rule rather than the exception. Secondly, you 6 are quite at liberty, in these days, to change your name if you wish. You say, " What's in a name after all ? " The reply to those at least who would boast of long hereditary descent, proudly confident that nothing plebeian has ever been connected with the noble name to which you aspire. Be fully convinced (if you can) ivhy the founder of your house was so entitled. The study of etymology is full of interest to those who have time to pursue it, especially that branch of it which treats of geographical names. The search, in many cases, is not laborious, such names as Pontefract, Dartmouth, Barmouth, etc., suggesting at once their origin. The etiology of surnames ought to be equally interesting, if only we had the same amount of information handed down to us respecting them, but, in many instances, no record whatever seems to have been kept to account for the very curious names with which so many people are endowed. It is easily understood how such names as Johnson, Davidson, Robinson, Williamson, etc., came into existence. Surnames taken from simple Christian names are numerous, as Lewis, Gilbert, Godfrey, etc. ; and even more so those with an s added to them, as Williams, Richards, Rogers, Stephens, and so on. And that Fitz, Ap, Ben, and Mc are prefixes implying so7i of, as Fitz-Hugh, Ap-Thomas, Ben-Johnson, McDonald, is known to almost everyone. It has been alleged by an antiquated historian that the Britons had their names mostly from colours, because they painted themselves ; hence Mr. Black, Messrs. White, Green, Brown, Grey, Pink, Yellow, etc. The symbolism of colours, however, may also claim a voice in the origin of these names. Black typifies grief and death ; w^hite, purity ; blue, pity, sincerity ; pale blue, peace and Christian prudence ; green, faith and gladness ; purple, justice and royalty ; violet, penitence ; red, martyrdom, charity, and divine love. In the eleventh century many took their names from a town, village, or city, and it would seem, later, from countries too, for we have Messrs. England, Wales, Scotland, Ireland, France, Spain, China, etc., in addition to Messrs. Rome, Paris, Manchester, Cork, Glasgow, Birmingham, Birken- head, York, Chester, and so forth. 8 The names of English, Irish, Welsh, Turk, Scot, French, Dutch, German, and Saxon were probably first assumed, according to na- tionality, when foreigners came to settle in this country. Names were taken from occupations and pro- fessions as early as the tenth century, so that it is not surprising that the trades and callings are so ftiithfully represented in Messrs. Baker, Butcher, Brewer, Miller, Cowman, Cheeseman, Iloneyman, Cherryman, Jarraan, Salter, Farmer, Hayman, Flaxman, Shearer, Skinner, Saddler, Waterman, Cooper, Turner, Thatcher, Slater, Painter, Tinker, Smithy Arrowsmith, Wright, Cartwright, AVheelwright, Lockman, Leadbeater, Cutler, Potter, Ironmonger, Chandler, Gold- smith, Collier, Pitman, Miner, Shipman, Seaman, Diver, Blower, Mason, Cleaver, Draper, Glover, Hosier, Dyer, Hatter, Capper, Weaver, Workman, Barber, Packman, Pedler, Piper, Penman, Clark, Sexton, Beadle, Bellringer, Fiddler, Harper, Cook, Butler, Waiters, Page, Messenger, even to the town Crier ! But it is curious that some of them should be coupled with their respective belongings ; for at 9 the side of Mr. Shepherd we have Mr. Crook, Mr. Carter we see in company with Mr. Cart, and Mr. Driver with Mr. Car ; with Mr. Car- penter, Messrs. Saw, Plane, Wrench, Rule, Screw, Staples, Files, and Glue. Mr. Glazier would have no work if it were not for Mr. Glass ; Mr. Shoe- smith is ever by Mr. Forge ; Mr. Gardener has Messrs. Greenhouse, Seeds, Shears, Barrow, Hoe, Hose, etc., to assist him ; Mr. Forester has Mr. Hatchet ; Mr. Cashman his friend Ledger ; and Mrs. Nurse her helpmate Miss Cradle. Messrs. Osier and Groom we find amona: the Stables and Barnes, where may be seen Messrs. Saddle, Bridle, Rein, and Stiriup ; Messrs. Sack, Wheat, Meal, Oats, Grain, Bran, Stack, Hay, Straw, and Clover, for the use of Messrs. Mare, Steed, and Mules ; while Messrs. Stoker and Guard are mixed up with Danger, Speed, Train, and Funnel. The Pontiff of Rome cannot alone boast of the name of Pope. There is many a King and many a Queen other than those who wear a crown ; as also many a Bishop, Dean, Priest, Monk, Lord, Duke, Earl, Sheriff, Champion, Chamberlain, Sergeant, Chevalier, Knight, Noble, Chancellor, Poett, 10 Prophet, Parson, aud Saint, far from following the professions which their names indicate. Many of these have come down in the world, for Mr. Pope (at Brighton), instead of a carer of souls, is one of dead bodies ; Mr. Dean, a market gardener, and so on. Others have risen. Mr. Butcher now follows the more dignified calling of a teacher of music, though, no doubt, from a remunerative point of view, he often wishes himself at the trade of his forefathers. Of appropriate names and callings we have noticed Truefit, a tailor; Suett, butcher; Heel, bootmaker ; Messrs. Dodge and Wynne, lawyers ; the Rev. Wellbeloved, a minister; and Rev. AUchurch, clergyman. In addition to professions, pastimes are indi- cated by Messrs. Reading, Hunting, Riding, and Bowling, with a Reader, Hunter, Rider, and Bowler to take part in them ; and the recreations of fishing, bathing, smoking, \valking, and music, respectively, by Messrs. Fisher, Hook, Line, Bather, Bath, Smoker, Walker, Organ, Singer, Ditty, Hornblower, and Horn. Very many names were given by the sneers of the vulgar. Proudfoot, Stumbles, Stammers, 11 Swindles, Peabody, Muddle, Winkworth, Allchin, All bones, Rawbones, Catchlove, Flatman, Heavy- side, Deadman, and Slaughter come under this class. The Roman names were often taken from qualities or bodily conditions, which accounts for such names as Merry, Gay, Strange, Rich, Wise, Broad, Small, Stiff, Crisp, Bold, Tough, Sharp, Blunt, Jolly, Fair, Pale, Dear, Dandy, Dainty, Smart, Bonny, Frank, Weary, Idle, Handy, Able, Bent, Brilliant, Quick, Bright, Dull, Dry, Gentle, Meek, Careful, Careless, Moody, Hard, Rough, Cross, Stern, Vile, Just, True, Sterling, Jealous, Pretty, Plain, Wild, Savage, Good, Long, Short, Young, Old, Light, Heavy, Thin, Strong, Manly, Hale, and Peerless. And it is not difficult to understand how these are varied bv Fairchild, Goodchild, Gladman, Wildman, Hardman, Badmau, Fatman, Oldman, Goodson, Graveson, Youngson, Younghusband, Goodbody, Goodwillie, Goodlad, Goodlass, Good- man, Goodsir, Goodfellow, Longfellow, Sweetman, Proudman, Wiseman, Churchman, Freeman Trueman, Tidyman, Strongman, Highman, Red- head, Whitehead, Whitelock, Whiteman, Black- 12 man, Blackbeard, Armstrong, Stripling, and Darling. Names too were often imposed by jest or satire ; and we suppose that Winks, Smiles, Cheers, Sigh, Goforth, Golightly, and Good- speed may have been so given. At Shoreham is a man designated by the name of Whyborn. Was this originally bestowed on some one for ever philosophising on the why and wherefore of his existence ? Did the original Mr. Pennycook, we wonder, suppty the public with delicacies at the uniform charge of one pemi)^? Was the first Mr. Drinkall so nick- named from his intemperate habits and Drink- w^ater from his abstemiousness ? Mr. Alefounder surely claims descent from the founder of our national beverage, and Mr. Goodale from the introducer of a "superior article ". The first Mr. Allday could not have been very expeditious. Mr. Speakman, one would fancy, very diffident, and Mr. Sayless in all probability either an inveterate chatterer himself or a denouncer of other people. We can imagine Mr. Doolittle a very idle fellow. The persons first 13 named Bywater and Bytheway must both have been found in these localities, unless the latter used the expression so incessantly as to cause him to be thus oddly nicknamed. Borrowman and Forget are suggestive enough, and we can understand how there could be Bookless persons. Goodwin is sound advice, but Conquergood seems a very ambiguous admonition, until we look into the root of the matter and find that the expression really signifies to go in quest of good. Names did not become hereditary until about the year 1000, and only fully established among the common people in the reign of Edward II. We wonder if the family of Blood came to in- herit so unfortunate a name on account of some murderous deed perpetrated by one of their ancestors. It is to be hoped that those who have had bequeathed to them the name of Coward have long ceased to deserve the title, although some individuals seem to inherit, along with their names, the merit of them ; for one signing himself Lamb certainly looks very sheepish, and another named Greedy could not have a better epithet. 14 It is gratifying to find that Tlioroughgood people existed nearly three centuries ago. May those who are the happy possessors of the name, in the present day, never cease to deserve it. In the Isle of "Wight is a man Toogood, and in the north of England a man of the same name seems to have married Miss Goodenough. Other curious matrimonial alliances we have noticed are Mr. Long to Miss Little, and Mr. Lane to Miss Bridge. Then there are the Misses Angel and Wings, Messrs. Sleep and Wake, a Spooner and Lover to be seen in the neighbourhood of Lovegrove, often in the company of Miss Moon. In the time of the Puritans it was customary to christen children from the titles of religious and moral virtues, etc., whence have sprung Christian, Grace, Prudence, Forethought, Honour, Eight, Eeason, Pride, Worth, Virtue, Vice, Liberty, etc. ; and also from events, as Flood, Con- quest, Goodyear, etc. The custom still exists (though now only in reference to Christian names) of naming infants from the particular time they are born, which has given us Dawn, Day, Noon, Munday, Friday, 15 Middleweek, May, Holiday, Christmas, Easter, Winter, Spring, March, etc. The conditions of weather are, no doubt, connected with this idea, for we have Messrs. Frost, Snow, Storm, Rain, Gale, Breeze, Fogg, Thunder, Tempest, Rainbow, Merryweather, Fairweather, Dewfall, etc. We find a great variety of animals, birds, and fishes among our names, represented by Mr. Lion, Mrs. Fox, and Mrs. Wolfe ; Messrs. Hogg, Hart, Bull, Bullock, Griffin, Antelope, Hare, Rabbits, Doe, Deer, Calf, Lambkin, Badger, Bear, Beaver, Goat, Collie, Catt, Ratt, and Mole ; Bee, Moth, Fly, etc; Messrs. Bird, Sparrow, Starling, Finch, Lark, Swallow, Swift, Woodcock, Nightingale, Dove, Robins, Wren, Partridge, Quail, Pigeon, Jay, Heron, Martin, Hawkes, Eagle, Raven, Crow, Rook, Stork, Wildgoose, Gosling, Gander, Swan, Drake, Peacock, Chicken, Capon, Henn, etc, ; Mrs. Fish, Messrs. Whale, Salmon, Pike, Place, Brett, Herring, Roach, Whiting, Trout, Cockle, Sole, Turtle, Tunny, Ray, Seal, etc. This is attributable, in some measure, to the fact that many animals in olden times were held sacred. The Romans held in especial regard all animals covered wdth wool. 16 The Egyptians Teiierated the wolf because they thought Osiris sometimes disguised himself in this form. The cat was to them a symbol of the moon, while to the Greeks the hawk was a symbol of the sun. The hare and rabbits are symbols of Spain and Sicily, the crow of Minerva, the dove of love, the peacock of Juno and the month of May, also supposed to carry the souls of princes to Heaven. All fowls, hares, and geese were sacred among the Britons. The pigeon was a symbol of Syria, the bee of Ephesus, the cock an emblem of cour- age, and the swan of music. The crocodile was the sacred symbol of Divinity. The ox was typical of St. Luke, the lion of St. Mark, tlie eagle of St. John, and for St. Matthew the more ethereal name of Angel. The Eomans nicknamed uninvited guests " flies," not on account of their diminutiveness, but because, like those insects, they intruded themselves everywhere. But in these days to address a heavy muscular man as " Mr. Fly " seems hardly courteous. The significance and svmbolism attached to flowers are too well known to need more than a passing notice. Trees and plants are illustrated by Mr. Tree, and Mrs. Leaf, Messrs. Maple, Birch, Oak, Ash, Vine, Palm, AVillows, Myrtle, Elms, Hawthorn, Thorn, Heath, Reed, Bramble, Moss, Fern, Ivy, Bush, Gorse, Bloom, Bunch, Garland, Flowers, Primrose, Lavender, Rose, and Nettle ; and their existence is accounted for by the ancients having consecrated trees, etc., to various gods. In Ireland, even of late years, old thorns have been preserved with as much care as the mistletoe, oak, or apple of the Druids. The bean was abhorred by the Pythagoreans and Egyptian priests. The myrtle was sacred to Venus. The olive is well known as a symbol of peace. The rowan tree was deemed a preserva- tive against fascination and evil spirits. A species of leek was a supposed defence against thunder and lightning. Lavender was an emblem of affection, and so forth. The footman who was so reluctant to announce Mr. BuUey at an evening party immediately after Mr. Cowie was justified, we think, in fancying his fellow-sers^ant, by whom the name 18 was passed on, must be making game of him ; and we wonder if he could have brought himself to announce in succession the gentlemen honoured (or dishonoured) by the manly epithets of Honey, Rice, Curry, Raddish, Bean, Veal, Mutton, Game, Spice, Mace, Cloves, Ginger, Sage, Pepper, Salt, Pickles, Onion, Leek, and Parsley. (It may be observed that the last-named was worn in the classical and middle ages as a token of victory. ) These remind us of such culinary names as Fry, Bake, Boiling, etc. Drinks are represented l)y Messrs. Waters, Port, Sherry, Beer, Porter, Stout, and Perry. Fruit by Messrs Orchard, Apple, Pear, Lemon, Orange, Pine, Peach, Plum, Figg, Almond, Olive, Cherry, etc. We wonder if physiology were a favourite study of the father of the race of persons blessed with such names as Body, Shoulder, Back, Bones, Leg, Foot, Heel, Arms, Hands, Finger, Head, Eyes, Brain, Tooth, Tongue, Forehead, and Beard. Among the Egyptians all parts of the human body were worshipped as divinities. Fingers seem to have had particular honour given to them by 19 the Romans, for when a Roman died in battle or abroad, it was customary to send home hkjinger, which received all the obsequies which the corpse itself would have done. Messrs. Doctor, Quack, Physic, and Pill seem provided for Messrs. Faint, Panting, Chill, Cramp, Pain, Corns, Wens, and Burns, and, in the absence of Mr. Cure, is Mr. Death, attended on occasion by an Irishman of the name of Wakes, followed by Mr. Bierman and Messrs. Bier and Coffin, to lead us to Churchyard and Graves. Messrs. Sew^ers, Robe, Silk, Mantle, Coat, Cotton, Twist, Muslin, Plush, Trimming, Ribbon, Lace, Feathers, Braid, Cuff, Hem, Stitch, Button, Band, Hood, Vail, Boots, and Stockings must surely be the offsprings of a family of Costumiers. Precious stones seem few and far between, the most common being Messrs. Diamond, Ruby, Garnet, Sapphire, and Pearl. It is interesting, in passing, to notice the symbolism of stones. A diamond is typical of faith, a sapphire of hope, an amethyst of humility, a sardonyx of sincerity, etc. Then among the ancients, stones and gems w^ere credited with the 20 power of curing diseases, of rendering persons invincible, and of detecting poison by changing their colour. An amethyst was thought to pre- vent intoxication. An opal, wrapped in a bay leaf, was supposed to render a man invisible, and, according to Pierre de Boniface, the agate of India to make a man eloquent, prudent, amiable, and agreeable, the cornelian supposed to appease anger, tlie hyacinth to provoke sleep. Of aquatic names, Pond, Lake, Eivers, Ford, Float, AVells, Spray, and ^Yaterfall are noticeable. In metallic names we find Gold, Silver, Brass, Iron, Tin, Steel, etc., and in w\arlike names Armour, Blades, Spears, Arrow, Dart, Gunn, Sword, Dagger, Cannon, Shield, Booty, Fray, Quarrell, etc. The name of Quarrell may have signified dis- pute, but it is not unlikely that it was originally intended to specify the short stout arrow^ used in the crossbow. It w\as in the time of Pope Paul II. that the Latin Literati began to assume classical names, a society being formed by them for the research of antiquities, and, as a love of the antique developed, we can easily conceive 21 how names of animals and inanimate objects, however inapplicable in the present age, as sur- names, became adopted simply from their classic association. If there be Lawless people, this naturally involves a Constable and Judge, Messrs Law, Court, Case, and Fee. There are names of action, such as Speak, Eead, Sing, Dance, Jump, Gallop, etc. In close connection with Messrs. Bills, Bond, Sell, and Pay may be found Messrs. Money, Purse, Till, Cash, Halfpenny, Penny, Pence, Tanner, and Pound. For the sake of classification we might style such appellations as Empty, Grill, Bushell, Gallon, Halfyard, and Furlong names of measure. In these days we could hardly do without so important a personage as Mr. Press, or Messrs. Postage and Stamps ; but at what date to fix their advent as surnames is puzzling. (The last of the trio is supposed to be a contraction of the French Estampes.) Mr. Flint aud Mr. Spark evidently existed before the invention of matches. Of amusing and sensible combinations in names we observe Ink- 22 pen, a name dating back some three liundred years, Keylock, Winecup, Appleyard, Hollyoak, Broomhead, Moneypenny, Tugwell, Pitchforth, Cordwell, Twopenny, Glasspole, Leatherbarrow, Goodacre, Shillinglaw, Sandbank, Cornfield, Oat- field, Sort well, Playfair, Turnbull, Barn wall, Henshell, Freeland, Sweetlove, Truelove, Love- lady, Lightbound, Lightbody, Lightfoot, Cornfoot, Broadfoot, Broadbridge, Broad wood, Threadgold, Goldstraw, Goldsack, Eedrobe, Sheep wash, Ditch- fiekl, Dryden, Badcock, Fallowfield, Lakeland, Cheeseborough, Stonebridge, Redstone, Stonewall, Stonestreet, Woodgate, Woodhouse, "Waterhouse, Salthouse, AVhitehouse, Gatehouse (the lodge of the Romans), Greenwood, Greenfield, Greengrass, and Greenleaves. But what can be the meanmor of such a contradiction as Goodbad or Brickwood '? It is not unusual to hear of a thing being atone-dead ; but why our great African explorer should have adopted a final e and turned his name into the ambiguous combination of a Living- stone we cannot imagine. It is a pity that people do not see the wisdom of adhering to the original spelling of their 23 names, for a deviation from it often perverts the meanins; of a rational idea into an absurd and meaningless one. Mr. Littlemore has nothing to do with the expression little more. His name signifies a little moor, from the Anglo-Saxon root mor. A Gladstone is not the misnomer it at first sight appears, for the word glad is presumably derived from the Icelandic root glathr, meaning smooth, polished, and a polished stone is a natural and familiar term. The name Featherstone (from the Latin root foedus, a treaty) is of historic interest, in com- memoration of the federal stone at which the covenants of the ancient courts baron were made. Although Mr. Stillman may be quiet and still by nature, yet the more probable origin of his name is that of a distiller, Mr. Teinpenny is of Scotch extraction, we surmise, and his name indicative of the tithing penny paid to the sherifi" for the charge of keej^ing courts. Mr. Tiffen we suppose to be an Anglo-Indian. As the word dod claims the definition ill-humour or suUenness, the natural conclusion to come to, is that the first Mr. Dodsman must have been a sullen person. The name Self needs no explaining. ./ , 24 It is onlv fair to remind the reader that many words admit of more than one signifi- cation. We will give Mr. Brawn the benefit of the doubt, and presume that his name is indicative of onuscular strength, rather than the tcisty breakfast dish of that name, which, however, was an article of diet even in the middle ages. Ham signifies a home, and Bacon, it is asserted, is a local name, as also Cotton. And it must not be foro-otten that some names had originally meanings which have now be- come obsolete. Most noticeable of these is Death, which meant deaf, the following quo- tation from a work on antiquities illustrating the fact : " He is enfermed by deathnesse ". The cardinal points are each represented in Messrs. North, South, East, and West ; yet what significance they bear as names, except locality, is difticult to determine. As Ward implies a guard or keeper, the meanino- of Woodward, Millward, Havward, etc., is apparent. Upward and Downward, as applied to persons, are difiicult to define. The lexicon informs us that the former indicates 25 the top, and that the latter means grovelling, or stooping to baseness. We are tempted to place Mr. Scones among our cakes and confections, but refrain, lest he should resent the inference thereby implied, for just as probably may his name have been taken from the place of Scone, noted for possessing the coronation chair of Scotland, the stone of which, being removed to Westminster Abbey by Edward. I., is still, we believe, in use for coronation pur- poses. On being introduced to Messrs. Shoebridge, Strawbridge, and Featherbridge, we are puzzled at the suggestion of such odd and fragile struc- tures. A study of the Sanskrit root sku, to cover, shows us, however, a shoe or covered bridge. In the same sense we could have a strawed or covered bridge. Whether Feather- bridge can be defined in a similar way is doubt- ful. A joiner might claim it as a term used in the trade — in the operation of joining boards ; we leave the point for him to decide. Otber names have, doubtless, been misclassi- fied ; but it must be remembered that one of the objects of this little sketch is to represent 26 our surnames under their present spelling, and with the popular significance which that same spelling conveys to the mind. It would be a matter of great difficulty to ascertain the original signifiance of many of our names, on account of corruption of speech ; it may be through being written down incorrectly, transposition, beheading, curtailing, Latinizing, and all manner of alterations and metamor- phoses. For instance, the ancient name of De Scalarijs is now rendered Scales. It is remarkable as well as amusing to discover among our surnames a Temple, Abbey, ^linster, Church, Castle, Cave, Lodge, Park, Parkhouse, Alehouse, Hermitage, and Workhouse ; a Man, Child, Brothers, Cousins, Batchelor, Husband, Bride, Friend, Guest, and Fairy. Mr. Child may safely conclude that he has sprung from the aristocracy, for it was a term only given to the most noble, the Saxon cniht meaning both child and knight. Man, as a salutation, is likewise ancient. Smith is not such a despicable name after all, if we carry out the respect we give to all things appertaining to the classics. The Yulcanian art was so much 27 admired by the ancients, that Zanthus, the smith, caused to be inscribed upon his statue that " he was born of iron ". In connection with trades it is interesting to notice that carpenters were originally makers of carpenta, or carriages. Brewers were formerly women, and the banking trade was anciently united with the Goldsmith's art. Webster is the obsolete appellation of a weaver. If the family of Butler can trace their descent as far back as the Earls of Ormond, then they need not distress themselves with the supposition that their ancestors were engaoed in domestic service, for the Earls of Ormond and their offspring took the name at the time when Edward Fitz-Theobald was oiven the office of Butler of Ireland. The ancient name-givers must have been at a loss for subjects, one would think, when they had to resort to such miscellaneous articles as Broom, Pole, Ladder, Kopes, Lever, Crane, Box, Cords, Coke, Slack, Coales, Riddle, Emery, Rust, Ivory, Satchel, Clock, Scales, Book, Bell, Ball, Kite, Fender, Crutch, Pipe, Buckle, Ring, Chain, Couch, Pillow, Frame, bhell, Fife, Cane, Bolt " 28 Lock, Key, Leather, Last, Chart, Toy, Snowball, etc., unless, as may fairly be supposed, nothing was too unworthy to be brought into the cate- gory, for we have further Peat, Mould, Clay, Chalk, Sand, Ground, Roads, Gate, Field, Land, Forest, Meadows, Grove, Cliff, Rock, Beach, Warren, Hill, Dale, Marsh, Glen, Hedge, Ditch, Stiles, etc., and in the architectural line, House, Brick, Stone, Wood, Kitchen, Hall, Room, Chambers, Garrett, Wall, Pannell, Casement, Rafter, Porch, and so on. It is recorded of a Dutchman, two hundred and fifty years ago, that " when he heard of Englishmen called God and Devill sayd, that the English borrowed names from al things whatsoever good or bad ". Our ancestors seem to have amused themselves with a pastime similar to the game known to juveniles as " Family Coach," for the same ancient record g-ives the followino; iuterestinoj paragraph : " In the first brojdes of France, certain com- panies running themselves into Troupes, one Captain took new names to himself and his companie from the Furniture of a horse. Among 29 the new-named gallants, you might have heard Monsieur Saddle, Bridle, Le Croupier, Le Girte, Horshooe, Bitte, Trappiers, Hoose, Stirrope, Curbe, Musrole, Frontstall, most of which had their pasport by Seigneur de la Halter. Another Captain there also gave names to his, according to the place where he found them, as Hedge, Highway, River, Pond, Stable, Streete, Corner, Gallowes, Taverne, Tree ; and I have heard of a consort in England who, when they had served at sea, took names from the ec[uipage of a ship, when they would serve themselves at land, as Keele, Ballast, Misensaile, Capson, Mast Belt." Our cataloo-ue of curious names would not be O complete if we failed to notice the phases of life personated in Order, Hope, Fear, Tremble, Chance, Gain, Love, Joy, Peace, Rest, Marriage, Bliss, Bane, Burden, Risk, Profit, Welfare, Worship, Schooling, W^ork, Play, Luck, Fortune, Feast, Creed, Stain, Blott, Tear, etc. Persons, as well as things, it would seem, can be Askew. Doubleday, Tickle, Trustram, and Shallcross are odd names too, but of all the queer names that have come under our notice, perhaps- the most unique is Scratchit. 30 Tramway, Trampleasure, and ' Jumbo " are certainly titles of modern days, and the next century will probably see such family names as Bicycle, Tricycle, Telegram, Telephone, Phono- graph, etc. Why not ? lilt/ L> -. /v-lll UNIVERSITY r4 (^4{,1F@RM1^ LOS ANGELES \SB ti!! AM 7 I US Form L University of California SOUTHERN REGIONAL LIBRARY FACILITY 305 De Neve Drive - Parking Lot 17 • Box 951388 LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA 90095-1388 Return this material to the library from which it was borrowed. i y JUIN i 6 200S ' APR 1 4 n < 3 1158 00276 1855 t^ I UC SOUTHERN REGIONAL LIBRARY FACILITY AA 000 662 412 6