English dictionary, thesaurus, translations & etymology

Etymology — The Origins of English Words

Where do words come from? Trace the origin and history of any English word, from its Latin, Greek or Old English roots through to its modern meaning. Every etymology is sourced.

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From Rick + the patronymic suffix -s.

From Dickin + -son.

From Dick + the patronymic suffix -s.

From Dick + the patronymic suffix -s.

(surname): From a medieval diminutive of Dick. : (place name): From Old English degle, ("valley").

From a medieval diminutive of Dick.

From a diminutive of Dick + -son.

From horn + blower.

From a medieval diminutive of the given name Robert plus -son.

From a medieval diminutive form of the given name Robert + -son.

From a medieval diminutive of the given name Robert plus the patronymic suffix -s.

From a medieval diminutive of the given name Robert plus the patronymic suffix -s.

From a medieval diminutive form of the given name Robert.

A shortened, affectionate form of Dobermann with the diminutive suffix -ie.

Formed from lore plus the suffix -ing.

From a Northumberland variant of John + the patronymic suffix -s.

Variant of Evans.

From a back-formation of Jenkin + the patronymic suffix -s.

From Hank + -s. * (surname): From Hank + the patronymic suffix -s. * (plural): From Hank + the pluralization suffix -s.

From cat + woman.

Borrowed from Spanish montero ("huntsman"), from monte ("mountain, hunting ground").

A fanciful spelling variant of Harley.

From Middle English Cristabelle, from Crist ("Christ") and -bel ("beauty").

From Old Norse Midgardr, literally "middle enclosure" or "middle yard" — the world of mortals, midway between the heavens and the underworld.