Praise for The Origin of Names
“What I really like about The Origin of Names is that it makes me think about things I never knew I wanted the answer for.”
—Tania, Patrick’s mother
“Patrick Foote, the voice, brain, and hand behind the YouTube channel Name Explain, has transferred his unique humour and wit to his first book. Perfect for fans of all ages both old and new, this book has something in it for everyone. Whether you have an academic interest or just want a few fun facts to drop into conversations. This book is easily accessible for reading bits and pieces or the whole thing in one go!”
—Claire, friend of Patrick’s
“Reading this book makes me relive my school days with Patrick. When he would think up a witty idea for a drama piece, I would instantaneously laugh, stand back, and be filled with pride. Then would say something like ‘great job Pat’—the same applies with this fantastic read. Great job.”
—Liam, friend of Patrick’s
“If I could put Name Explain YouTube videos on my coffee table as a conversation starter, I would. And now with the soon-to-be published The Origins of Names, Words, and Everything in Between, I can. From the casually curious to etymology junkies (or anyone who’s ever halted a conversation to search the internet for the origin of a word) this book will have something for everyone.”
—William C. Fox of the YouTube channel The Exploration with William C. Fox
“As a recent follower of the Name Explain YouTube channel, I’ve had to catch up quick; there is, indeed, a lot of information covered by Mr. Foote. And it’s utterly fascinating! This book is a perfect addition—it is witty and entertaining, but it also ‘digs deep’ into the roots of where we find the etymology of our everyday words. Definitely recommend.”
—Julie, Patrick’s girlfriend’s mother
“The Origin of Names, Words, and Everything in Between is a practical etymology for the curious and obsessed. From countries, companies, toys and games, Patrick covers a wide range of fascinating topics that give you a unique perspective on the origin and meaning of names.”
—Wasif, Social Influencer Marketer
“Patrick has made me realise that even the most mundane and ubiquitous words can have an endlessly fascinating story. His whimsical and friendly tone also makes any topic entertaining and accessible. Hmm…now all of a sudden I would love for Patrick to explain ‘mundane,’ ‘ubiquitous’ and ‘whimsical!’”
—Betty of the YouTube channel Articulations
“This book engages in a way that makes learning fun and surprising. It provides thoughtful, personable and enlightening answers to questions I never knew I had!”
—Becci, Patrick’s girlfriend
“A tantalising glimpse into the secret world of names.”
—Hilbert of the YouTube channel History with Hilbert
Copyright © 2018 Patrick Foote
Published by Mango Publishing Group, a division of Mango Media Inc.
Cover, Layout & Design: Morgane Leoni
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The Origins of Names, Words, and Everything in Between
Library of Congress Cataloging
ISBN: (p) 978-1-64250-138-4, (e) 978-1-63353-851-1
Library of Congress Control Number: 2018952269
BISAC—REF023000—REFERENCE / Trivia
Printed in the United States of America.
For Milly
Contents
Why hello there! You have made a very good decision in life which has resulted in your owning this book. Perhaps you were gifted The Origin of Names by some estranged family member, or maybe you purchased it for yourself after wandering aimlessly through a dark, musty bookstore. Nevertheless, you are here now! Welcome to this fun little book that I have had the honor of writing and that you shall have the honor of reading. There are so many fun and incredible facts throughout this book that I hope you enjoy reading and sharing with your friends and family. That’s what I love about these kinds of facts and etymologies—when you hear something so fascinating you can’t help but tell everyone you know? That is perhaps the biggest kick I get out of doing this.
Yet, maybe I am going a bit too fast for you. I am sure you have a lot of questions, unless you watch the YouTube