In general I have only had recourse to original authorities where their modern interpreters have failed me, secure that their conclusions are more trustworthy than my own could be with my limited knowledge of the subjects, which could never all be sufficiently studied by any one person. Where I have given a reference it has been at times to the book whence I have _verified_ rather than originally obtained my information, and in matters of universally known history or mythology, I have not always given an authority, thinking it superfluous. Indeed, the scriptural and classical portion is briefer and less detailed than the Teutonic and Keltic, as being already better known. I have many warm thanks to render for questions answered and books consulted for me by able and distinguished scholars, and other thanks equally warm and sincere to kind friends and strangers who have collected materials that have been of essential service to me. Lastly, let me again present my apologies for my presumption, when the necessity of tracing out the source and connections of a word has led me to wander beyond my proper ken; let me hope that apparent affectations may be excused by the requirements of the subject, and express my wish for such corrections as may in time render the work far more accurate and complete. Let it be remembered, that it is the popular belief, not the fact, that spreads the use of a name, and that if there is besides matter that seems irrelevant, it has been rather in the spirit of Marmion’s palmers,— ‘To charm a weary hill With song, romance, or lay. Some ancient tale, or glee, or jest, Some lying legend at the least, They bring to cheer the way.’ _March 9th, 1863._ ------------------ After one-and-twenty years, I have been able to bring out the revised edition for which I have long wished, having noted corrections as they were kindly sent to me, and as I was able to make them. I am sensible that the work is entirely incomplete, and as I have not studied philology much in the interval, I fear the book has not gained by the delay as much as it ought to have done. But at any rate, many errors have been taken out, as well as much that was entirely useless and irrelevant; and as no subsequent publication has taken quite the same ground, I hope that the present form of the History of Christian Names may occupy the niche all the better for the cutting off its excrescences. With thanks to the many who have aided in the correction, C. M. YONGE. _July 25th, 1884._ CONTENTS. PAGE GLOSSARY OF CHRISTIAN NAMES xvii INTRODUCTORY CHAPTER.