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In the 1940s classroom the teacher was discussing surnames with the class of 39 children.

 

“Using surnames can be traced to the 11th century. Some cultures place the surname at the beginning, some at the end. Some have more than one. Some names were based on people’s characteristics like yours George Goode. Others on occupations…Rose Farmer.”

 

“Miss…Miss,” shouted the pest at the back.

 

“Others on geographic features…Barbara Stone.”

 

“Miss.. Miss.”

 

“Some were named after their father…Colin Richardson and were patronymic.”

 

“M…”

 

“And others, Brian Mackinney…child of a Scottish cow..were matronymic.”

 

That shut him up.