I have to make a list of five different names of settlements, rivers, hills, subdivisions, or any other features in the landscape of my home region which I have done:
-Frenchman Bay, Altona Road, Petticoat Creek, Rouge Valley and Liverpool
next I have to find out:
o what language the names are
o what the names mean
o after whom places were named
However I am finding it difficult to find any websites that give me any information about these questions above.
Any help would be greatly appreciated!
http://www.etymonline.com/index.php?search=petticoat&searchmode=none
Finding the language, meanings, and the people after whom places were named can be a bit challenging, especially if the information is not readily available on websites. However, you can try the following steps to gather information:
1. Local Government Websites: Start by visiting the official websites of the local government or municipality responsible for managing your home region. They might provide information about the settlements, rivers, hills, subdivisions, and their origins.
2. Historical Organizations: Look for local historical organizations or societies that focus on the history of your region. These organizations often have valuable information about the origins and meanings of place names.
3. Libraries and Archives: Visit your local library or regional archives to search for historical documents, books, or maps that may contain information about the origins of the names.
4. Local Dictionaries or Language Resources: If the names are derived from a specific language, try searching for dictionaries or language resources of that language. You can find meaning and translation resources that might help you understand the names' meanings.
5. Local Experts or Elders: Reach out to local experts, historians, or elders who might have knowledge about the origins and meanings of the names in your region. They may be able to provide you with valuable insights and anecdotes.
Remember, the information you seek might not be readily available online or in easily accessible sources. It may require some deeper and more personalized research.