A Dictionary of First Names (Oxford Paperback Reference)
A Dictionary of First Names (Oxford Paperback Reference)
This brand new edition of the fascinating and informative Dictionary of First Names covers over 6,000 names in common use in English, including newly created names and traditional names that have been newly discovered. 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 notes famous bearers (both historical and fictional). It covers alternative spellings, short forms and pet forms, and masculine and feminine forms, as well as help with pronunciation. The edition featured fully updated appendices covering names in other languages, including Scottish, French, German, Italian, Arabic, and Chinese. New to this edition are appendices of Irish and Welsh names, and tables showing the most popular names by year and region.
This is the most comprehensive paperback first names dictionary available. From the traditional to the rare and unconventional, this book will tell you everything you need to know about names.
Rating: 
(out of 5 reviews)
List Price: $ 16.99
Price: $ 8.17
Tags: Dictionary, First, Names, Oxford, Paperback, Reference
Anonymous
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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.
Anonymous
Review by for A Dictionary of First Names (Oxford Paperback Reference)
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Head and shoulders above all other name books I have seen. Well researched and extremely thorough.
Michelle Schumacher
Review by Michelle Schumacher for A Dictionary of First Names (Oxford Paperback Reference)
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This book is one of the best references about personal names on the market. It is very scholarly in nature, yet very readable. The first two authors (Hanks and Hodges) are both linguists. The meanings and histories they give are reliable and accurate. There are many websites and books about baby names, but many of these are unreliable and emphasise quantity over quality. If you are looking for a book that will give you accurate information about the meanings and histories of names, this books is a good place to start. It’s also a good book to read for the person who is interested in names.
Lucas Smith
Review by Lucas Smith for A Dictionary of First Names (Oxford Paperback Reference)
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This was usefull in trying to pick out a name for our baby (on the way), but i wasn’t that impressed with the quantity or the information provided on each name. Would have liked more focus either way (or both).
Dave Price
Review by Dave Price for A Dictionary of First Names (Oxford Paperback Reference)
Rating:
Every entry is identical. Tells you nothing of interest. The one thing you want to know, what the name means, is hard to find, if it’s mentioned at all. Very disappointing.