Of names and things ...


Nicholas Comes from the Greek meaning Victor for the people apparently. [Shome mishtake surely, Ed.] St. Nicholas lived in the 4th century and is the patron saint of sailors, pawnbrokers, thieves and children. [The connection is uncanny, Ed.] In the latter role he is, of course, more commonly known as Father Christmas.
Kenelm Comes from the Old English meaning Warrior brave supposedly. [Hah!] St. Kenelm was born in 786, the son of Kenulph (aka Coenwulf) who ruled the kingdom of Mercia from 796 to 821. Kenelm was due to succeed his father as King of Mercia but he was murdered sometime around 811. Legend has it that he foresaw his death in a dream and went voluntarily to the appointed place. He was subsequently canonised. [Weren't they all? Ed.] His father's main claim to fame was his ruthless suppression of an uprising in Kent which culminated in cutting off the Kentish king's hands and putting out his eyes. [Just what you'd expect of a Saint's father, eh?]
Credit: The illustration of St. Kenelm backing this page is due to David Taylor (no relation).
Taylor Corruption of Tailor - Basically a distant ancestor must have been a bit good with a needle and thread but not so hot on spelling. Actually, Matthew Taylor (brother relation) tells me that the name was deliberately changed to Taylor after our ancestors fled from France during the little fracas which kicked off in 1789. I would still question the spelling abilities of these worthies though since Tailleur really ought to translate to Tailor. Anyhow, we now belong to a not very exclusive club of people who share the 5th most common English surname, rising to 3rd most common if you omit surnames of Welsh origin.

Just thought you'd like to know.


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Last updated Monday, 30-Mar-2009 14:14:55 BST.

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