A Dictionary of First Names

by Flavia Hodges, Patrick Hanks, Kate Hardcastle

Book Overview

Here is the ultimate first name handbook, a delightfully informative, comprehensive survey of over 4,500 European and American names (with two appendices covering the most common Arabic and Indian names). The real charm and value of this reference lies in the wealth of fascinating additional information the authors provide. Under the entry for "Audrey," for example, we learn of the sixth century saint of that name--who died from a neck tumor, divine...

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0192116517
• ISBN13: 9780192116512
• Release Date: January 1992
• Publisher: Oxford University Press, USA
• Length: 480 Pages
• Weight: 1.67 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.7" x 5.8" x 8.8"

Customer Reviews

This is the best reference book on first names.

I have often found need for this book. It gives detailed etymologies of names, of famous persons bearing the name, and cross-references different forms of the name (as nick, male/female, and other languages). A name book done up as a proper reference book. It also has sections on Hindi/Indian and Muslim/Arabic names.

Comprehensive collection of names with meanings & origins.

Head and shoulders above all other name books I have seen. Well researched and extremely thorough.