W. L.'s remarks support the statements made in Eng. Surn., vol. i., p. 38. et seq., to show that family names have scarcely become hereditary, in some parts of England, even now, in the middle of the nineteenth century. Without occupying your valuable space unduly, I would now submit the following Queries:—
1. What book gives any rational account of the origin of the Scottish clans, and their distinctive or family names? I know Buchanan's work, but it gives very little information of the kind desired. Any authentic particulars regarding Scottish names will be acceptable.
2. What is the real meaning of worth, which forms the final syllable of so many surnames? I have seen no less than six explanations of it, which cannot all be correct.
3. Are there any works (besides dictionaries) in the Dutch, German, and Scandinavian languages which would throw light upon the family names of this country?
4. What is the best compendious gazetteer or topographical dictionary of Normandy extant?
5. Is anything known of a collection of surnames made by Mr. Cole, the antiquary, in the last century? It is mentioned in Collet's Relics of Literature, 1823.
6. Can any reader of "N. & Q." explain the following surnames, which are principally to be found so early as the reign of Edward I.?—Alfox, Colfox, Astor, Fricher, Grix, Biber, Bakepuz, Le Chalouner, Le Cayser, Le Cacherel, Trelfer, Metcalfe, Baird, Aird, Chagge, Le Carun, at Bight.
Mark Antony Lower.
Lewes.