This Dictionary is part of the Oxford Reference Collection: using sustainable print-on-demand technology to make the acclaimed backlist of the Oxford Reference programme perennially available in hardback format. The fascinating and informative Dictionary of First Names covers over 6,000 names in common use in English, including the very newest names as well as traditional names. From Alice to Zanna and Adam to Zola this book will answer all your questions: it will tell you the age, origin, and meaning of the name, as well as how it has fared in terms of popularity, and who the famous fictional or historical bearers for the name have been. It covers alternative spellings, short forms and pet forms, and masculine and feminine forms, as well as help with pronunciation. The book includes extensive appendices covering names from languages including Scottish, Irish, French, German, Italian, Arabic, and Chinese names. Tables of the most popular names by year and by region are also included. From the traditional to the rare and unconventional, this book will tell you everything you need to know about names.

About the Author
Patrick Hanks is a lexicographer and linguistic researcher, and is well known as a names specialist. Flavia Hodges is a philologist, lexicographer, and publisher. Kate Hardcastle is a lexicographer, and names specialist.

Reviews
Review from previous edition I have returned to this dictionary again and again for sheer pleasure * Jackie Wullschlager Financial Times *
full of anecdotal material as well as historical facts * Glasgow Herald *
a colourful hunting ground and interesting reading * Maternity and Mothercraft *
the best available work on the subject * Verbatim *



Book Information
ISBN 9780198800514
Author Patrick Hanks
Format Hardback
Page Count 472
Imprint Oxford University Press
Publisher Oxford University Press
Weight(grams) 1g
Dimensions(mm) 209mm * 137mm * 30mm