English Surnames e-bog

Whilst the greatest effort has been made to ensure the quality of this text, due to the historical nature of this content, in some rare cases there may be minor issues with legibility. Scottish names, takes its origin from a holm in the neigh bourhood of Hume Castle in Berwickshire; and it is nu questionably improved by the change in the spelling and pronunciation. So also Plantagenet, which was derived from the word signifying broom in French, so far from depreciating the dignity of the royal race who bore it, seems absolutely to give them an additional grace. Thus, alsor Sac/c, who by himself is a plain man enough, becomes a gentleman with ville tagged to him; equally so is Rat, with cli e. The syllables on and slow, taken separately, are honest decent people; but they seem instinct with Norman blood when put together. Bray is, by itself, one of the most despicable of verbs; brook is nothing parti cular: see, however, What a fine, antique, chivalrous sound the two acquire as the designation of Lord Braybrooke. It seems to be only necessary, in order to produce respec table proper names, that the original words should not be of paltry sound. Nothing can reconcile the ear to Mr. Butter, Miss Bairnsfather, Dr. Peascod, or that immortal firm of English plebeianisms, Messrs. Mugs, Snugs, and Company.