Names, People and Places

Many Bristolians had toponymic surnames in the 13th and 14th centuries, that is, names that denote a place or region. There were 33 individuals bearing surnames relating to places in northern France or the Netherlands, and 27 and 10 relating respectively to Welsh and Irish origins. 

This trend is mainly due to trade ties between the regions. However, the scarcity of Celtic names among this group is noteworthy. With few exceptions, there are no obviously Gaelic or Welsh names. While such appellations as Hiberniensis (Irishman) or 'le Walse' may conceal a Gaelic or Welsh identity, most of the bearers of these surnames have the usual Anglo-Norman Christian names, such as John, William or Thomas.