First Names

It is difficult to imagine a human culture without names. First names (or given names) say so much about ourselves, our parents' aspirations for us, our family background, our cultural milieu. What does your name say about you and your parents? Were Mum and Dad more influenced by the church or the hippie movement, by ethnic origin or pop culture?

Find out more in our guide to first names

Search the Concise Dictionary of First Names

See also: The Oxford Dictionary of First Names

Surnames

Surnames can reveal much historical information, reflecting the occupation, the location or the nickname of the original name bearer.

Find out more in our guide to surnames

Place-names

Could the name of the place where you live reveal a hidden past as a medieval village, a Viking settlement, or a Regency hot spot?

Get to know the basics with our introduction to place-names

Family History

The hope of finding a previously unknown and fabulously wealthy relative seems as good a reason as any to look into your family's history, but for many people, tracing their family tree has become a fascinating and addictive hobby.

Read our guide to researching your family history

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