Title: What’s in a Name? History and Meaning of Wyckoff
Author: M. William Wykoff
Format: Paperback
Published: 2014
Synopsis: (from Amazon) The cumulative evidence presented here proves that the origin of the surname Wyckoff is Frisian and refers to a household or settlement on a bay, although many uninformed American descendants of Pieter Claessen Wyckoff continue to believe the name to be Dutch. Frisian was only one of the many languages spoken by early settlers of New Netherland. In the Northern Germanic linguistic area of Europe, the surname occurs principally in the Lower Saxony area of Germany which includes East Frisia from where our American ancestor emigrated. Amid the proliferation of costly false and inaccurate information being disseminated on popular interactive genealogy websites, the author suggests corrective measures that could be taken by professional genealogical societies and family associations such as the Wyckoff Association of America.
My Rating: 
For those studying the Wyckoffs descended from Pieter Claessen Wyckoff, who settled in New Netherland, this is a book you should order pronto. This comprehensive study disproves long-held beliefs that Pieter Claessen and his adopted surname of Wyckoff were of Dutch origins, by showing evidence that the origins of both are East Frisia (Ostfriesland). The author also clears up the mistaken identity of Pieter Claessen’s parents and supplies a meaning behind the surname Wyckoff. Between the references, records, and experts consulted, no stone has been left unturned.
This book is presented more like an in-depth case study that you would typically find in scholarly and academic publications. And rightfully so, as the author is presenting a case with supporting evidence that essentially overturns previously conceived notions. I did learn at the end of the book that it was intended for a different means of publication, but you will have to read the book to understand what transpired.
I have to admit I’ve never read a work that produced the results of such an in-depth study of a surname. Even though I have absolutely no connection to this family (at least at this time, I don’t think so), it was a fascinating read. I actually learned quite a bit from the process of the study that someday I hope to apply to my own research, particularly regarding my German ancestors.
A quick note about my star rating. This was very hard to discern, since I’ve never read anything like it and had no basis for comparison. I based my rating on the pure fact that the author did an exemplarily job conducting the research and presenting his case to correct false assertions made in the past. Kudos!
Purchase What’s in a Name? History and Meaning of Wyckoff on Amazon.
Disclaimer: I was offered a proof version of this book in exchange for a review. This in no way altered my opinion and I have provided a fair review as if I had purchased the book myself.
