Wikinames
WikiNames is a proposed mediawiki based repository of articles concerning names.
It would contain articles on surnames, given names and placenames. Articles of this type currently exist in Wikipedia and in Wiktionary and are a constant source of controversy about what information should be included.
I propose that WikiNames would contain surnames, given names, and placenames in ALL languages. Information included could be etymology, pronunciation, derivation, meaning (if known for a fact), geographical distribution etc. No information about specific individuals would be included, and no genealogical information. Links to Wikipedia would be included to enable users to find details of a place, or of people with a certain name.
The format of entries would broadly follow that of Wiktionary. First letter capitalization would be turned off.
Examples
[edit]Placename
[edit]==Language==
English
===Etymology===
Old English - Brycgstow - place where the bridge is
===Placename===
Bristol
A city in south-west England.
{{wikipedia}}
Surname
[edit]==Language== English ===Etymology=== from the trade of making barrels ===Surname=== Cooper An English surname ===Distribution=== see [[map]]
Given name
[edit]==Language== English ===Etymology=== German, introduced to England by the Normans, possible variant of Godfrey ===Given name=== Geoffrey a male given name ===Alternative spellings=== *Jeffrey *Jeffery ===Diminutives=== *Geoff *Jeff