Re: Meaning of surnames
in reply to a message by Hayley
Here's ewhat Reaney and Wilson have to say -
Kellog = "kill hog", a nickname for a butcher.
Machin, a variant of Mason, therefore occupational.
Proctor, an official, usually someone with authority over others; also a lawyer dealing in religious matters.
Redman, place-name, Redmain, Cumberland (now Cumbria); meaning uncertain, first component probably "red".
Trinder, occupational, someone who twists or plaits; I'd suggest a ropemaker.
Day, R. and W. suggest someone who kneads dough (which word may be cognate?); originally referred only to females, later to men also. Could be another word for a baker. They also mention the possibility that it's a shortened form of David.
Frobisher, one who furbishes or burnishes armour, so occupational.
Kellog = "kill hog", a nickname for a butcher.
Machin, a variant of Mason, therefore occupational.
Proctor, an official, usually someone with authority over others; also a lawyer dealing in religious matters.
Redman, place-name, Redmain, Cumberland (now Cumbria); meaning uncertain, first component probably "red".
Trinder, occupational, someone who twists or plaits; I'd suggest a ropemaker.
Day, R. and W. suggest someone who kneads dough (which word may be cognate?); originally referred only to females, later to men also. Could be another word for a baker. They also mention the possibility that it's a shortened form of David.
Frobisher, one who furbishes or burnishes armour, so occupational.
Replies
Day is also numerous in Ireland and there it is from Ó Deághaidh which comes from déidh meaning something like to "desire" or "to go after" ...