Student Activity

What's in a Name: Characteristic and Patronymic Names -- Second Game

Common Surnames in England, Wales and the Isle of Man 1991.
Photo caption

Common Surnames in England, Wales and the Isle of Man 1991.

Students will learn about the origins of four major types of British surnames. They will consult lists to discover the meanings of specific names and later demonstrate their knowledge of surnames through various group activities. They will then compare the origins of British to certain types of non-British surnames. In a final activity, the students will research the origins and meanings of their own family names.

Characteristic and Patronymic Names -- Second Game