This isn't a novel with a plot, but the journey is discovering why Puritan names are so bizarrely specific. Charles Bardsley acts as our guide, sifting through centuries-old parish records, pamphlets, and diaries. He doesn't just present a list; he organizes the names, showing us patterns. We see the shift from traditional Biblical names to virtue names (like Hope and Charity), and then into the truly jaw-dropping 'sentence names' taken from scripture.

Why You Should Read It

I loved how this book makes history personal. Suddenly, a name like 'Fly-fornication' isn't just a funny oddity; it's a desperate prayer from a parent, a public declaration of faith, and a heavy burden to place on a child. Bardsley has a dry wit and a clear eye for the human stories trapped in these records. He shows the tension between religious fervor and the practical need for a name you can actually call your kid at the dinner table. It made me think about how our own names shape us.

Final Verdict

Perfect for history buffs, genealogy enthusiasts, or anyone who loves a good bit of social trivia. It's also a great pick for writers looking for authentic period naming ideas. Don't expect a fast-paced thriller, but if you enjoy peeling back the layers of everyday life in the past, you'll be hooked. Keep it on your shelf next to the dictionary – you'll reach for it just as often when you need to decode an ancestor's name or just have a good chuckle.