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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Either a Scottish habitational surname from the Norman village of Agneaux, or an anglicised form of the Irish surname Ó Gnímh.

From the Irish surname Ó Dálaigh.

From Old English personal name Becca + hām (“homestead”).

From the given name Henry plus the patronymic suffix "-son".

From Ellis + -son.

From Cole + -son.

From Coll + -son.

From Old French Amis, a given name and nickname, from Latin amīcus (“friend”).

Borrowed from Russian цэ (cɛ).

The gurney name comes from the Stryker Corporation, founded by Homer Stryker. The military vehicle is named in honour of two American soldiers, Stuart Stryker and Robert Stryker, both Medal of Honor recipients.

Borrowed from Spanish Durán, predominantly found in Mexico.

From a Middle English diminutive of the given name Peter + -son.

From a diminutive of the given name Nicholas + the patronymic suffix -s.

One of the variant spellings of Nichols, from Nichol, a Middle English vernacular form of the given name Nicholas + the suffix -s.

From French and Italian Mimi.

From Old English ċiriċe (“church”) + wudu (“wood”).

A straightforward compound of kirk ("church") and land.

A compound of kirk ("church," from Old Norse/Old English roots) and man.

From Adam + -son.

From David + -son.

From Dennis + -son.

From Donald + -son.

From Greg + -son.

From the nickname "Jamie" (a diminutive of James) plus "-son."