摘  要

姓氏是一种符号，是人们相互区别的标志。英语姓氏来源很广，含义也很丰富，它隐含着一个民族的语言、历史、地位、宗教和阶级状况的信息。探索英语姓氏文化的起源和了解其中的文化内涵，有助于我们既学习语言又学习文化，避免不同的文化语境下交际的语言失误，进而提高语用能力。英语姓氏其发展变化既受到社会历史的影响，同时也侧面反映出深刻的社会历史内容。在某种程度上，英语姓氏反应了社会变化，反应了个人的经济状况。探究英美姓氏文化将有助于促进我们多层次、多角度的了解英语文化，理解、掌握英语语言。

关键词:名字；英语文化；英语语言
 
Abstract

Name is a symbol. It is a sign of people difference each other. English names have extensive sources and their meanings are abundant. We can learn about various information from names, such as the language of nation, history, status, religion and class situation. Studying the origin of English names and learning their cultural connotations can help us study not only language, but also culture. It can also help us avoid cross cultural communication misunderstanding and improve our pragmatic competence. The development of English names is affected by social history. And it can also show profound social historical content the other way round. To some extent, English surnames reflect the social changes and personal economic status. English names study will help us understand their culture and their language from different perspectives and angles.

Key words: name; English culture; English language