Anglo-Saxon Dithematic Names

As the various permutations produced a large number of different names, few duplications would have occurred in a particular settlement. Surnames were not necessary for identification purposes although bynames were sometimes used. It was also considered that a name contained a person's spirit and using it for a new-born child could drain that spirit from him. Although there was no inherited surname, some families (usually aristocratic) were identified by collective name taken from a famous forebear such as the Athelings, Gumeningas, Besingas, Baducings, Guthlacingas, the final '-ing' element signifying 'people of'.

Name Elements

Male

Female

This collection of names was compiled by Kate Monk and is ©1997, Kate Monk.

Copies may be made for personal use only.