My surname is of Norman French origin, but also dates back to the Viking invaders who took over Normandy.


In the RN we also assigned nicknames to certain surnames;

Miller; Dusty or Windy
Smith; Smudge
Adams; Fanny or Daisy
Marsh; Swampy
Allan; Derby
Bacon; Streaky
Baker; Bagsy
Bell; Dinger
Fields; Gracey
Todd; Sweeny
Parker; Nosey
Gale; Windy
Gray;Dolly

Not all surnames had a nickname and some nicknames were pretty horrible as they referred inevitably to physical or persoanl characteristics.

We had a messman in the Chiefs & PO"s mess on Conqueror who was only known as Wingnut due to the unfortunate size of his ears.