Names

( a ) Those of Persons are of various origin. Cla or tribes, and even nations, called themselves "the people" (so Deutsch) and other tribes "strangers" (so Welsh ). Distinctive names came from strangers; so the Celts probably called their neighbors Germans. Old names of tribes, moreover, followed the totem-sun, bear, or whatever obj object. Many English names still keep up the animal origin. Patronymics, too, are Patronymics. common for persons, as English -ing, -son, or the simple -s of the po e ive case. Personal nicknames, trades, and the like supplied the commoner names; but connection with a place by of -like von and de -is of nobler descent. Sir Richard at the Lee, in the Robin Hood ballads, shows us the origin of Atlee. ( b ) Names of Flaces are mainly descriptive. In Europe, rivers, mountains and so on are often Celtic; but names are pointed out which were given before the Aryan invasion of Europe. Often popular etymology plays its part, disguising the ancient name in a modern word of similar sound.