onomatology
/ˌɑnəˌmæˈtɑlədʒi/
noun
- The study of the origins and meanings of names, especially personal names.
- The professor's lecture on onomatology explained how first names change in popularity over time.
- As a hobby, he practiced onomatology by researching the stories behind unusual family names.
- She wrote her thesis on onomatology, focusing on the history of surnames in Ireland.