Penguin Reference Library: The Penguin Dictionary of British Surnames

Edited by John Titford.

The Penguin Dictionary of British Surnames is a useful and fascinating guide to the surnames that offer a unique insight into the place of origin, the occupations - and even the personality traits - of our ancestors. Detailed and informative, this dictionary is essential reading for anyone intrigued by the story of their name and by the history of their family.

* Contains more than 10,000 surnames, from Abbatt to Zouch
* Explains how various names reflect Britain's past
* Covers surnames taken from places, occupations, nicknames and first names
* Includes the development and variation of many names