De Nederlandsche Geslachtsnamen in Oorsprong, Geschiedenis En Beteekenis

A scholarly publication written in the late 19th century. The work focuses on the etymology, history, and significance of modern Dutch surnames, exploring their origins in relation to both language and societal development. Winkler aims to fill a gap in the academic study of Dutch names, offering insights drawn from historical sources and linguistic research. The opening of the book introduces the author's personal motivations for compiling this comprehensive exploration of Dutch surnames. Winkler expresses his surprise at the lack of scholarly attention given to the subject by his fellow countrymen and enumerates the various sources he consulted to gather relevant information. He outlines the evolution of personal names into surnames, detailing the transition from single names in ancient times to the patronymic systems common in Germanic cultures. Additionally, Winkler establishes the framework for the subsequent sections of the book, which will categorize names based on their origins, including references to geographical locations and professions.