This reference work investigates the historical origins, etymological development, and usage patterns of Christian names within the English-speaking world. Elizabeth G. Withycombe, a noted scholar in onomastics, compiles extensive research to trace how specific names transitioned from liturgical or historical roots into common usage. The text provides a systematic framework for understanding the cultural shifts that influenced naming conventions from the late fourteenth century onward.

Experts and linguists regard this volume as a foundational text for the study of English onomastics. Readers frequently note the scholarly precision and historical depth of the entries, making it a standard resource for researchers and genealogists alike.