This study investigates the evolution of naming practices in England between 1538 and 1700 to determine how social, religious, and familial factors influenced the selection of given names. Scott Smith-Bannister utilizes a rigorous quantitative approach, analyzing baptismal records from forty distinct English parishes to identify trends in nomenclature. By examining the intersection of parental choice, godparent influence, and social hierarchy, the author constructs a framework for understanding how naming conventions reflected the broader cultural shifts of the early modern period.

Historians and genealogists frequently cite this work as a foundational text for understanding early modern English social customs. The prose is noted for its academic precision and reliance on empirical data, making it a primary resource for researchers in the field.