1. the study of the origin and formation of proper names
Usage: technical; linguistics

Examples

• The professor’s research in onomatology focused on the etymology of place names in New England.
• Onomatology reveals fascinating patterns in how cultures name their children.
• Her dissertation in onomatology examined the historical development of surnames in medieval Europe.
• The field of onomatology helps us understand cultural migration patterns through name analysis.
• Students of onomatology learn to trace the linguistic roots of family names.
• Onomatology combines elements of linguistics, history, and anthropology.