VOL. 49, BOOK 1, PART А, 2011, pp. 135 – 144 Full text (Bg)
Author: Милена Нецова
Affiliation: Paisii Hilendarski University of Plovdiv
Abstract
In the system of English surnames those of Latin origin are a small part of the total number, and it is interesting to find the leading motivation behind the preserved forms. Surnames motivated by physical features reflect the peculiarity of the individuals and give rise to nicknames. Nicknames are common in mediaeval records, but comparatively few have developed into modern surnames.
Key words: English surnames, nicknames, physical features, Latin origin, motivation, metonymy
