History of Christian names

Delving into the world of personal names, this work treats Christian forenames not as casual curiosities but as gateways to language, history and cultural identity. The author’s long‑standing fascination drives a meticulous survey that balances scholarly rigor with an engaging narrative, even when the research leads into the dense alleys of philology and ethnology.

The study surveys a broad spectrum of traditions: the Anglo‑Saxon roots explored through early historians, the well‑documented Hebrew and Greek biblical names, the murkier Latin derivations, and the rich Germanic, Scandinavian and Celtic families of appellations. Drawing on the latest continental scholarship, the author compares sources, corrects earlier misconceptions, and highlights patterns that reveal how faith, geography and taste have shaped naming practices across centuries.

Designed as a reference for curious listeners, the book offers a searchable glossary, linked footnotes and clear explanations that make the evolution of Christian names accessible without demanding prior expertise. It’s a compact guide for anyone who wonders what stories lie behind the names we still use today.