Family Names of the Island of Newfoundland is an engaging and comprehensive reference work that offers Newfoundlanders a fascinating look at their roots. Using provincial voting lists, family records, government documents, and newspaper reports dating back to the 17th century, the book traces the origins of almost 3000 family names, revealing an ethnically diverse people who have forged a rich and distinct culture. In an extensive introduction E.R.Seary discusses the historic and linguistic origins of Newfoundland surnames and their cultural sources - notably English, Welsh, Irish, Scottish, French, Syrian, Lebanese and Micmac. The body of the work is a dictionary of family names, which includes variant spellings and cross-references, countries of origin and meaning. Newfoundland's most common surnames and places named after families are also identified.