Origin
ABENDROTH : (German) From abend, evening, and roth, red. The name might have been given to a child born at the close of day.
ABERCROMBIE : (Celtic and Gaelic.) Local. The name of a parish in Fife, Scotland, on the northern shore of the Frith of Forth, whence the possessor took his surname; from Aber, marshy ground, a place where two or more streams meet; and cruvme or crombie, a bend or crook. Aber, in the Celtic and Gaelic, and also in the Cornish British, signifies the confluence of two or more streams, or the mouth of a river, where it flows into the sea; hence it is often applied to marshy ground, generally near the confluence of two rivers. It also signifies, sometimes, a gulf or whirlpool.
ABNEY : (Nor. Fr.) Local. A corruption of Aubigny, a town of France, in the department of Berry, whence the surname is derived; so D'Aubigny is corrupted to Dabney.
ADAIR : (Celtic and Gaelic.) Local. From Ath, a ford, and dare, from darach, the place of oaks, The ford of the oaks.'' There is the following tradition of the origin of this surname: Thomas, the sixth Earl of Desmond, while on a hunting excursion was benighted, and lost his way, between Tralee and Newcastle, in the county of Limerick, where he was received and hospitably entertained by one William McCormic, whose daughter he subsequently married. At this alliance, the family and clan took umbrage. Resigning his title and estate to his youngest brother, he fled to France in 1418, and died of grief at Rouen, two years afterward. The King of England attended his funeral. He had issue, Maurice and John; Robert, the son of Maurice, returning to Ireland, with the hope of regaining the estates and title of Thomas, his ancestor, slew Gerald, the White Knight in single combat at Athdare, the ford of the oaks, whence he received the name of Adaire. He embarked for Scotland, where he married Arabella, daughter of John Campbell, Lord of Argyle.
ADLAM : (Saxon) Local. From adel, fine, noble, and ham, a village or castle. Adelham, contracted to Adlam.
AFFLECK : (Gaelic and Celtic.) Local. Said to be a corruption of the name Auchinleck, which was assumed by the proprietors of the lands and barony of Auchinleck, near Dundee, in Angusshire, Scotland. The name is pronounced Affleck by the natives. (See Auchinleck.)
ALAN : Derived, according to Julius Scaliger, from the Sclavonic Aland, a wolf-dog, a hound, and Chaucer uses Aland in the same sense. Bailey derives it as the same from the British. Camden thinks it a corruption of AElianus which signifies sun-bright. From the same we have Allen, Allin, Alleyne. In the Gaelic, Aluinn signifies exceedingly fair, handsome, elegant, lovely; Irish, Alun, fair, beautiful.
ALLAN : Derived, according to Julius Scaliger, from the Sclavonic Aland, a wolf-dog, a hound, and Chaucer uses Aland in the same sense. Bailey derives it as the same from the British. Camden thinks it a corruption of AElianus which signifies sun-bright. From the same we have Allen, Allin, Alleyne. In the Gaelic, Aluinn signifies exceedingly fair, handsome, elegant, lovely; Irish, Alun, fair, beautiful.
ALEXANDER : (Greek.) An aider or benefactor of men. From the Greek to aid or help, and a man. A powerful auxiliary.
ALLEN : Derived, according to Julius Scaliger, from the Sclavonic Aland, a wolf-dog, a hound, and Chaucer uses Aland in the same sense. Bailey derives it as the same from the British. Camden thinks it a corruption of AElianus which signifies sun-bright. From the same we have Allen, Allin, Alleyne. In the Gaelic, Aluinn signifies exceedingly fair, handsome, elegant, lovely; Irish, Alun, fair, beautiful.
ALSOP : (LocaL) From Alsop, Co. Derby, England. One might imagine it a corruption of Ale-shop, a name given to one who kept an ale-shop. A very appropriate name at the present day; for Alsop's ale is celebrated all the world over.
AMAKER : (LocaL) Derived from Amager, a small Danish island to the east of Copenhagen.
AMMADON : (Gaelic.) From Amadan, a numskull, a simpleton ; may be so called by way of antiphrasis, because he was wise; as Ptolemy received the surname Philadelphus (from the Greek lover or friend, and brother) because he charged two of his brothers with forming designs against his life, and then caused them to be destroyed.
ANGUS : Local. A county of Scotland, sometimes called Forfarshire, and took its name, according to Halloran, from Aongus Fer, grandson to Carbre Riada, who, with others, invaded the modern Scotland, a.d. 498. Angus or Aongus is derived from Aon, excellent, noble, and gais, boldness, valor.
ANSELL : Supposed to be an abbreviatioa of Anselm; also the name of a bird.
ANSTRUTHER : (Gaelic.) From Anstruth, an ancient order of historians or bards among the Celts, next in rank to the Allamh, or chief doctor of the seven degrees in all the sciences. His reward was twenty kine. He was to be attended by twelve students in his own science, to be entertained for fifteen days, and to be protected from all accusations during that time; and he and his attendants supplied with all manner of necessaries. Anstruth is derived from Aon, that is, good, great; sruth, knowing, discerning, and er put for fear, a man.
ANTHON : A contraction of Anthony, from the Greek flower; but, by way of excellency, appropriated to Rosemary flowers.
ARBUTHNOT : Local. First assumed by the proprietors of the land and barony of Arbuthnot in the Mearns, Scotland. The name is said to have been anciently written Aberbuthnoth, which signifies the dwelling near the confluence of the river with the sea, from Aber, the mouth of a river, both, a dwelling, and neth, a stream that descends, or is lower than some other relative object.
ARGYLE : (Gaelic.) An extensive shire on the western coast of Scotland. The name is derived from the Gaelic Earra Ghaidheal, that is, the country of the western Gael, or, according to Grant, the breeding-place of the Gael.
ARMSTRONG : A name given for strength in battle. Historians relate the following tradition: This family was anciently settled on the Scottish border; their original name was Fairbairn, which was changed to Armstrong on the following occasion: An ancient king of Scotland having had his horse killed under him in battle, was immediately re-mounted by Fairbairn, his armor-bearer, on his own horse. For this timely assistance he amply rewarded him with lands on the borders, and to perpetuate the memory of so important a service, as well as the manner in which it was performed (for Fairbairn took the king by the thigh, and set him on the saddle), his royal master gave him the appellation of Armstrong. The chief seat of Johnnie Armstrong was Gilnockie, in Eskdale, a place of exquisite beauty. Johnnie was executed by order of James V., in 1529, as a Border Freebooter. Andrew Armstrong sold his patrimony to one of his kinsmen, and emigrated to the north of Ireland in the commencement of the seventeenth century. The Armstrongs were always noted for their courage and daring. In the Lay of the Last Minstrel, when the chief was about to assemble his clans, he says to his heralds: Ye need not go to Liddisdale, For whon they see the blazing bale, Elliots and Armstrongs never fail
ARNOLD : (German.) The same as Ernold; from are or ehre, honor, and hold, faithful or devoted to faithful to his honor. How unworthy of the name was the notorious Benedict!
AUCHINLECK : Local. A parish in Ayrshire, Scotland. The etymology of the name may be found in the Gaelic Ach, an elevation, a mound, or round hill, generally level at the top; and leac, a flat stone, a tombstone. In several parts of Ayrshire may be traced the remains of cairns, encampments, and Druidical circles. Auchinleck appears to have been one of those places where the ancient Celts and Druids held conventions, celebrated their festivals, and performed acts of worship.
AYRES : Local. Derived from a river, town, and district of the same name in Scotland. Air, Gaelic. Derivation uncertain. It may come from Iar, west the course in which the river runs; or Air, slaughter, the place of battle. The Celtic Aer, and the Welsh Awyr, signify, radically, to open, expand or flow clearly; to shoot or radiate. In Thorpe's catalogue of the deeds of Battle Abbey, we find the following legendary account of this name: Ayres, formerly Eyre. The first of this family was named Truelove, one of the followers of William the Conqueror. At the battle of Hastings, Duke William was flung from his horse, and his helmet beaten into his face, which Truelove observing, pulled off, and horsed him again. The duke told him 'Thou shalt hereafter from Truelove be called Eyre (or Air), because thou hast given me the air I breathe.' After the battle, the Duke, on inquiry respecting him, found him severely wounded (his leg and thigh having been struck off); he ordered him the utmost care, and on his recovery, gave him lands in Derby, in reward for his services, and the leg and thigh in armor, cut off, for his crest; an honorary badge yet worn by all the Eyres in England.
BAB A : German, Bube, a boy; Greek, an inarticulate sound, as of an infant crying out; hence, a little child; to say Baba, that is, father or Papa. The word is nearly the same in all languages; it signifies a young child of either sex.
BACHELOR : From the Dutch Bock, a book, and leeraar, a doctor of divinity, law, or physic. When applied to persons of a certain military rank, it may be a corruption of Bas chevalier, because lower in dignity than the milites bannereti. Killian adopts the opinion that as the soldier who has once been engaged in battle, is called battalarius, so he who has once been engaged in literary warfare, in public dispute upon any subject. Calepinus thinks that those who took the degree of Bachelor, were so called (Baccalaurei), because a chaplet of laurel berries was placed upon them. The word, however, has probably but one origin, which would account for its various applications.
BACON : Bacon, from the Anglo-Saxon bacan, to bake, to dry by heat. Some derive this surname from the Saxon baccen or buccen, a beech-tree. Upon the monument of Thomas Bacon, in Brome Church in Suffolk (Eng.), there is a beech-tree engraven in brass, with a man resting under it It appears, also, that the first Lord-keeper, Sir Nicholas Bacon, with his two wives, are represented in a similar manner.
BADEAU : (Fr.) Camden says this was a name given to the Parisians who admired every thing that seems a little extraordinary.
BAILEY : A name of office; a corruption of Bailiff, which is derived from the French bailler, to deliver. A municipal officer in Scotland corresponding to an alderman.
BAITS : A word used in several languages, and signifies to feed, to rest for refreshment; one who kept a house of entertainment
BAKER : (Sax.) A name of trade, a baker; from the Saxon bacan, to dry by heat
BALLANTYNE : Local. A place of ancient pagan worship among the Celts, whose principal deity was Belen or Baal, the sun. To the honor of this deity, the Celts lighted fires on the 1st of May and Midsummer day. Baalantine signifies the fire of Baal, from Baalen and teine, Gaelic, fire.
BARRON : The word Baron is of Celtic extraction, and originally synonymous with man in general It has this meaning in the Salic law, and in the laws of the Lombards; in the English law, the phrase baron and. feme is equivalent to man and wife. It was afterward used to denote a man of respectability, a stout or valiant man; and Barone was also used by the Italians to signify a beggar. From denoting a stout or valiant man, it was employed as a name for a distinguished military leader, who having fought and conquered under some great commander, was afterward rewarded by him with a part of the lands which he had acquired. As a surname, it was originally Le Baron, The Baron. Gaelic, Baran, a baron.
BARON : The word Baron is of Celtic extraction, and originally synonymous with man in general It has this meaning in the Salic law, and in the laws of the Lombards; in the English law, the phrase baron and. feme is equivalent to man and wife. It was afterward used to denote a man of respectability, a stout or valiant man; and Barone was also used by the Italians to signify a beggar. From denoting a stout or valiant man, it was employed as a name for a distinguished military leader, who having fought and conquered under some great commander, was afterward rewarded by him with a part of the lands which he had acquired. As a surname, it was originally Le Baron, The Baron. Gaelic, Baran, a baron.
BARTHOLOMEW : (Hebrew) The son of him who maketh the waters to mount, or a son that suspends the waters.
BARTON : (Sax.) Local. From a town in Lincolnshire, England; a corn town, or barley village, from bere, barley, and ton, an inclosure, a house, a village. Barton, a curtilage. In Devonshire, it is applied to any freehold estate not possessed of manorial privileges.
BATEMAN : May have two significations, Baitman, a keeper of a house of entertainment, and Bateman, a contentious man, from bate, Saxon, strife, to beat, contention.
BATH : (Sax.) Local. A town in the county of Somerset, Eng., famous for its hot baths; so named from the Saxon, bad, Teutonic, bad, a place to bathe or wash in. It was called by the Saxons Acmanceaster, or the sick folks' town; and by the Britons, Caerbaddon, from Caer, a fortified place or city, and baddon, a bathing-place, from badd, a bath.
BEADLE : A name of office; a messenger or crier of a court; an officer belonging to a university or parish.
BEATTY : From the Celtic Biatach. Anciently, in Ireland, lands were assigned by the government to a certain number of persons who were appointed to keep houses of entertain-ment> and to exercise hospitality in the different provinces; they were called Biatachs. The office was considered honorable, and besides the lands assigned by the king, they were the lords of seven boroughs or villages, feeding seven herds of one hundred and twenty oxen each, besides the grain raised from seven ploughs every year. Beathaich, in the Gaelic, signifies to feed, nourish, to welcome, to support Beata mor Irish, to have a great estate. Beatha, Gaelic, life, food, welcome, salutation.
BECKETT : Local. A little brook. (By no means appropriate to the furious St Thomas of Canterbury!)
BECKER : (Ger.) From becker, the same as backer, a baker. It may be from becher, a cup or goblet, from bechern, to tipple; der Becher” (Ger.), drinker, a tippler; the same in Dutch.
BEDE : He that prayeth, or a devout man. To say our Bedes, is but to say our prayers.
BEDDAU : (Welsh.) Local. Graves. Rhos-y Beddau, the heath of the graves, referring to Druidical rites.
BEDELL : The same as Beadle, of which it is a corruption; an officer belonging to a court, university, ward, or parish.
BELCHER : (Old French.) Bel-chère, good cheer, fine entertainment; a happier name than to be a Belcher, and swell with pride or passion.
BELVIDERE : (Italian.) Pleasant to behold; from Bello, pleasant, and videre, to see.
BERESFORD : The bears'-ford, from beris, bears, according to Chaucer. Barrasford, from barra, an old word for a plain, open heath.
BICKERSTETH : Supposed to come from the Welsh word bicra, to fight, to bicker, and steth, a corruption of staff, used for tilting or skirmishing. Probably taken from the sign of an inn. Beker (Dutch), is a drinking-cup, Bekeren, to drink, to tipple, guzzle, with the termination steth, for sted, a place.
BIGALOW : Bygglu, in the Welsh, signifies to hector, to bully. In the Cor. Br., Bygel is a herdsman, a shepherd, and the name may have been applied to the commander of an army.
BIGOT : A name given by the French to the Normans, because, as Camden says, At every other word they would swear 'By God' , from which they were termed Bigodi. It became the surname of Roger de Montgomery, one of the followers of William the Conqueror, who was called Roger Bigod. The English word bigot has probably the same origin.
BIGOD : A name given by the French to the Normans, because, as Camden says, At every other word they would swear 'By God' , from which they were termed Bigodi. It became the surname of Roger de Montgomery, one of the followers of William the Conqueror, who was called Roger Bigod. The English word bigot has probably the same origin.
BING : (Danish.) Local. Any thing that incloses; from the Danish binge, a pen, a bin, a corn-bin; a name given to a place where supplies or provisions were kept.
BIORN : (Danish.) A bear; denoting courage and strength, the same as Byron. Beren, Saxon, belonging to a bear.
BIRNIE : Local. A parish in the shire of Elgin, Scotland. It was formerly named Brenuth, from brae-nut, as many hazel-trees grew there. The natives called it Burn-nigh, that is, a village near the Burn or river, now corrupted to Birnie.
BIRNEY : Local. A parish in the shire of Elgin, Scotland. It was formerly named Brenuth, from brae-nut, as many hazel-trees grew there. The natives called it Burn-nigh, that is, a village near the Burn or river, now corrupted to Birnie.
BLAIR : (Celtic.) Local. From Blair or Blar, which originally signified a cleared plain,' but from the Celts generally choosing such plains for their fields of battle, blair came to signify a battle. There is a small village called the Blair near Lochord, about two miles from Lochleven, in Fifeshire, Scotland. It signifies a spot where a battle was fought, locus pugnae. Here, it is supposed, an engagement took place between the Romans and the Caledonians, a.d. 83.
BLOOD : In the Dutch, signifies timorous, cowardly; a simpleton. Lower informs us that Godkin, Blood (S'blood), and Sacre, may be regarded as clipped oaths, and given as names to the persons in the habit of using them; and that in the neighborhood of a fashionable square in London, are now living surgeons whose names are Churchyard, Death, Blood, and Slaughter.
BLOUNT : (Nor. Fr.) Of fair hair or complexion; from the French Blond. This family trace their origin to the Blondi or Brondi of Italy, so named from their fair complexion. They went into England with William the Conqueror.
BLOUND : (Nor. Fr.) Of fair hair or complexion; from the French Blond. This family trace their origin to the Blondi or Brondi of Italy, so named from their fair complexion. They went into England with William the Conqueror.
BLOND : (Nor. Fr.) Of fair hair or complexion; from the French Blond. This family trace their origin to the Blondi or Brondi of Italy, so named from their fair complexion. They went into England with William the Conqueror.
BLUNT : (Nor. Fr.) Of fair hair or complexion; from the French Blond. This family trace their origin to the Blondi or Brondi of Italy, so named from their fair complexion. They went into England with William the Conqueror.
BORLAND : (Cor. Br.) Local. The high land; the swelling or rising land; from bor, swelling, rising, and lemd. If from the Saxon, it signifies the land belonging to the common people. Bordlands were lands which the lords kept in their hands for the maintenance of their board or table. Borland is the name of a village in Fifeshire, Scotland, whence the family may have originated.
BOWES : This surname, according to Grose, originated as follows : about the time of the Conqueror, there was a town (on the site of the Castle of Bowes), which the tradition of the family states, was burned. It then belonged to the Earls of Brittany and Richmond. The castle was built, as Mr. Horseley thinks, out of the ruins of the Roman Fortress, by Alan Niger, the second earl of that title, who, it is said, placed therein William, his relation, with five hundred archers to defend it against some insurgents in Cambridge and Westmorland confederated with the Scots, giving him for the device of his standard the arms of Brittany, with three bows and a bundle of arrows, whence both the castle and the commander derived their names; the former being called Bowes Castle, and the latter, William de Arcubus, or William Bowes.
BOYER : A name given to a Grandee among the Muscovites.
BRAND : In all the Teutonic dialects brand signifies to burn; also a sword, either from its brandishing, or from its glittering brightness. Brant, a hill; steep, high; Welsh, Bryn.
BRANDRETH : Bailey defines this name the curb of a well, but I think the name is local, and may be derived aa follows: Bran, both Welsh and Gaelic, signifies a swift river, and dreth, the sandy shore or strand. Brandreth may also mean the sandy shore frequented by wild-fowl, from Bran, a crow, and dreth, as above. Brwyndreth, in Welsh, denotes the shore abounding with rushes, from brwyn, rushes, and treth, the shore. I prefer, however, to use Bran in the sense of dark, black, and then we have the dark shore, or water, or a place on the shore of the river Bran.
BRECK : Local. An old word signifying broken, a gap; Brecca, an old law term which we find in old Latin deeds, was used to denote a breach, decay, or want of repair. Breck is also used in some parts of England to denote pasture. Breck, Gaelic, is a wolf or wild savage.
BRENTWOOD : Local. A town in Essex, England, and signifies burnt-wood; brent signifying burnt, from the Anglo-Saxon brennan, to burn.
BRIAN : (Gaelic.) The nobly descended, from Bri, dignity, honor, and on, diminutive of that to which it is annexed, belonging to it; Gaelic, gin or gen, begotten. Bri, Welsh, honor; briadd, honorary. Bailey derives Brian from Bruiant, French, clamorous. Brian, in the Gaelic, also implies one who is fair-spoken, wordy, specious.
BRION : (Gaelic.) The nobly descended, from Bri, dignity, honor, and on, diminutive of that to which it is annexed, belonging to it; Gaelic, gin or gen, begotten. Bri, Welsh, honor; briadd, honorary. Bailey derives Brian from Bruiant, French, clamorous. Brian, in the Gaelic, also implies one who is fair-spoken, wordy, specious.
BRIANT : (Gaelic.) Dignity, honor; from Bri, exalted, and ant, a termination, implying the being or state of that to which it is annexed; equivalent to the Greek av, and the Latin ens.
BRYANT : (Gaelic.) Dignity, honor; from Bri, exalted, and ant, a termination, implying the being or state of that to which it is annexed; equivalent to the Greek av, and the Latin ens.
BRICK : A corruption of Breck (which see). We cut the following, on this name, from a newspaper: A certain college-professor, who had assembled his class at the commencement of the term, was reading over the list of names to see that all were present. It chanced that one of the number was unknown to the professor, having just entered the class. What is your name, sir? asked the professor, looking through his spectacles. You are a brick, was the startling reply. Sir, said the professor, half starting out of his chair at the supposed impertinence, but not quite sure that he understood him correctly, sir, I did not exactly understand your answer. You are a brick, was again the composed reply. This is intolerable, said the professor, his face reddening; beware, young man, how you attempt to insult me. Insult you ! said the student, in turn astonished. How have I done it? Did you not say I was a brick? returned the professor, with stifled indignation. No, sir; you asked me my name, and I answered your question. My name is U. R. A. Brick Uriah Reynolds Anderson Brick. Ah, indeed, murmured the professor, sinking back into his seat in confusion it was a misconception on my part. Will you commence the lesson, Mr. Brick ?
BRIDE : (Gaelic.) From Brighid, a hostage, pledge, or security. The son of Bridget. Cormac, Archbishop of Cashel, in his glossary, defines Brighid fiery dart, and that it was the name of the Muse who was believed to preside over poetry, in pagan times, in Ireland. Breochuidh, a term given to those virgins who kept the perpetual fire of Beil or Belus among the Druids and ancient Celts.
BRIMMER : From the Anglo-Saxon Bremman, Breme, or Brim, to extend, to amplify to the utmost limits; to be violent, furious, to rage; a violent, bold, furious man; Foughten breme, that is, He fought furiously. Bremmer, a native of Bremen, Germany.
BRISTOL : (Gaelic and Welsh.) Local. A city in England. The name signifies The broken chasm; from bris, Gaelic, broken, and tull, Welsh, tol, a hole, cleft or chasm. This corresponds to the ancient name of Bristol, which was Caer Oder, i. e., the City of the Gap or chasm, through which the Avon finds a passage to the sea.
BRITTON : A native of Britain, the ancient name of England. Several derivations have been given to Britain, such as Brydon or Prydyn, Welsh, the fair tribe, or brave men. Bridaoine, Gaelic, from Bri, dignity, and daoine, men. Pryddain, the fair and beautiful isle. Brait or Briand, extensive, and in, land. Brit-tane, the land of tin.
BRITTEN : A native of Britain, the ancient name of England. Several derivations have been given to Britain, such as Brydon or Prydyn, Welsh, the fair tribe, or brave men. Bridaoine, Gaelic, from Bri, dignity, and daoine, men. Pryddain, the fair and beautiful isle. Brait or Briand, extensive, and in, land. Brit-tane, the land of tin.
BRITTAN : A native of Britain, the ancient name of England. Several derivations have been given to Britain, such as Brydon or Prydyn, Welsh, the fair tribe, or brave men. Bridaoine, Gaelic, from Bri, dignity, and daoine, men. Pryddain, the fair and beautiful isle. Brait or Briand, extensive, and in, land. Brit-tane, the land of tin.
BROME : The Earls of Anjou first took the surname of Brome or Broome after their pilgrimage to the Holy Land. Fulke, Earl of Anjou, having worn a sprig of the broom-plant as the symbol of humility.
BROOME : The Earls of Anjou first took the surname of Brome or Broome after their pilgrimage to the Holy Land. Fulke, Earl of Anjou, having worn a sprig of the broom-plant as the symbol of humility.
BUCK : Such names as Lyon, Bull, Buck, etc., may have been borrowed from armorial bearings, the shields and banners of war, or for a resemblance to those animals noted for courage, agility, or swiftness, or from signs and emblems over shops and inns.
BUCKMASTER : A name probably given to one who had the care of herds of venison.
BUCKMINSTER : (Sax.) From totem, beechen, or bugan, to bend, a bow, a corner, round; and minster, a church, a monastery.
BURGOYNE : Local. From Bourgogne, now Burgundy, an old province of France. A name given to a native of that province.
BURLEIGH : Local. Burh, Saxon, is the same as burg, a city, castle, house, or tower; in composition, it signifies defense; high, a low place, opposed to a place higher, the same as ley, a meadow, a pasture. Burly, swelled, bulky, boisterous.
BUTTS : Butts were marks for archery. In most parishes places were set apart for this necessary sport which were called the Butts, hence, the name was given to a person residing near such a spo, as John at the Butts. But signifies a promontory, as the Butt of Lewis, an isle of Scotland. Danish, But, blunt, rough.
CADWALLADER : (Welsh.) Derived from cad, battle, and gwaladr, a leader, a lord the leader or lord of the battle. Gwaladr would seem to come from gwal, a wall or defense, and adre, signifying at home or abroad, everywhere.
CAMPBELL : (Celtic and Gaelic.) Wry-mouth, the man whose mouth inclined a little on one side; from cam, crooked, distorted, and beul, the mouth. This ancient family may be traced as far back as the beginning of the fifth century, and is said to have been possessed of Lochore, in Argyleshire, as early as the time of Fergus II. Sir Colin Campbell, of Lochore, flourished toward the end of the thirteenth century, and was called Sir Colin More, or Colin the Great. His descendants were called by the Irish Mc Callen, that is, the descendants of Colin.
CANNING : (Saxon) Cyning, a leader, a king. Germ., König ; Dutch, Koning; Dan., Konge; Swedish, Konung; Welsh, cun; Irish, cean, which is the same as the Gaelic Ceann, and the oriental Khan or Kaun, all signifying head, a leader. Saxon Connan and Cunnan, to see, to know; hence Cunning, or Canning, Kenning.
CAPEL : An old word signifying a strong horse. And gave him copies to his carte. Chaucer. Capel, Danish, an oratory, a chapel.
CARD : A word used in some parts of Scotland to denote a traveling tinker. Ceairde, Gaelic, a tradesman.
CASS : (Gaelic.) Cas, a verb, to turn against, to thwart, oppose; a difficulty, a trying situation, a cause. Cas, a castle, the primary sense is to separate, drive off, or hate; the radical sense of hatred is driving off.
CASSIDY : (Gaelic.) From casaideach, apt to complain or accuse. Casadow, in the Cor. Br., signifies an offender.
CHAFFEE : (Fr.) Chafe, to heat, to grow warm or angry; Fr., chauffer, to warm, to cannonade, attack briskly.
CHALMERS : One of the clan Cameron of Scotland, going to France, put his name in a Latin dress, as was customary in those times, styling himself De Cameraria, which was called in French, De la Chambre, and upon his return to Scotland, he was again, according to their dialect, called Chambers. Chalmers is a corruption of the same.
CHAMBERS : One of the clan Cameron of Scotland, going to France, put his name in a Latin dress, as was customary in those times, styling himself De Cameraria, which was called in French, De la Chambre, and upon his return to Scotland, he was again, according to their dialect, called Chambers. Chalmers is a corruption of the same.
CHAPMAN : The same as Chipman, a trader, a shopman; from the Saxon ceapan or cypan, to buy or sell. Sax., ceap, a bargain, a price; one who cheapens, asks the price, buys.
CHATHAM : Local. From a town in Kent, England, on the Medway, so named from the Saxon cyte, a cottage, and ham, a village, signifying the village of cottages. A paragraph to the following effect went the round of the papers not many years since: Two attorneys in partnership had the name of the firm, Catcham and Chetum, inscribed, in the usual manner, upon their office-door; but as the singularity and ominous juxta-position of the words led to many a coarse joke from passers-by, the men of law attempted to destroy, in part, the effect of the odd association, by the insertion of the initials of their Christian names, which happened to be Isaiah and Uriah; but this made the affair ten times worse, for the inscription then ran: I. Catchman and U. Chetum !”
CHETHAM : Local. From a town in Kent, England, on the Medway, so named from the Saxon cyte, a cottage, and ham, a village, signifying the village of cottages. A paragraph to the following effect went the round of the papers not many years since: Two attorneys in partnership had the name of the firm, Catcham and Chetum, inscribed, in the usual manner, upon their office-door; but as the singularity and ominous juxta-position of the words led to many a coarse joke from passers-by, the men of law attempted to destroy, in part, the effect of the odd association, by the insertion of the initials of their Christian names, which happened to be Isaiah and Uriah; but this made the affair ten times worse, for the inscription then ran: I. Catchman and U. Chetum !”
Origin of name provided by Jean Tosti
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