Surnames

13.07.08, 16:47
1. There is such an actor Steve McQueen. I am wondering how man
could be queen. In my opinion Steve's surname should be McKing.

2. Some other famous people, e.g.:

a) Warren Christopher
b) Cliff Richard
c) Elton John

Seems they changed order to: 1st surname, 2nd first name. I've never
heard such first names of other people.

Am I right? :)

    • jonathan.oakley Re: Surnames 13.07.08, 19:26
      Good question! Translation in medieval times was not an exact
      science and was often done without attention to detail! For this
      reason some Scottish names appeared radically altered when
      translated into English. The spelling variations of McQueen inlcude
      MacQueen, MacSween, MacSwan and so on.

      Elton John's real name is Reginald Dwight which he created from 2
      British musicians - Elton Dean and Long John Baldry.

      'Richard' is of Frankish orgin and was introduced to the UK by the
      Normans around 1066. The name is especially associated with Richard
      1 nicknamed 'The Lion Heart.' Popular as a first name or surname.:-)
    • jaleo Re: Surnames 16.07.08, 21:00
      Parents sometimes give children "surnames" for first names as a
      family tradtion, for example to preserve surnames which have "died
      out" in the family. I know a family where all three children
      have "surnames" for first names - Harrison (boy), Quinlin (girl),
      Robson (boy).
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