On relations of variability in the sphere of English surnames

the authors of the present article regard variability in the sphere of English anthroponyms on the subject matter of English surnames. The aim of the investigation was to study the variable forms of English surnames and show that they can be called variants only conventionally; besides the authors aimed at clearing up the causes of appearance of variability in this sphere of English anthroponymics. In order to fulfill this aim it was necessary to solve the following concrete tasks: 1) on the subject matter of the data of the “Dictionary of English Surnames” by A. I. Rybakin to try and combine the synchronic and diachronic approach to studying of the English surnames demonstrating variability; 2) to study the correlation of notions of variability, synonymity and equivalence; 3) to regard the existing classifications of English surnames; 4) to learn, as far as it is possible, the historical causes, both linguistic and extralinguistic, of appearance of relations of variability in the sphere of English surnames. The practical significance of the investigation consists in the opportunity of using of its results, observations and conclusions in the studying of both theoretical (lexicology of English, country study of Britain and the USA and linguoculturology) and practical courses of the English language at the foreign languages departments of higher educational institutions.

variability, English surnames, classifications of English surnames, anthroponymical surnames, toponymical surnames, professional surnames, surnames originating from nicknames, historical reasons of appearance of variability of English surnames