How do you read old english names?
In Ivanhoe, Ivanhoe is introduced as Wilfred of Ivanhoe. Does this mean his last name is Ivanhoe? Or, is it where he's from (can't be possible, right?)? If it is his last name, why do they call him by Ivanhoe and not Wilfred?
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A person with a title that allows them to be called Wilfred of Ivanhoe can use the place name as a name because few other people can. Surnames were flexible and were often a trade or the name of the father with "son" added so John's son Peter would be Peter Johnson or, if he made arrows, could be Peter Fletcher. People did not travel far in those days and knew everyone in the village and the surrounds. Fixed surnames were not needed until cities grew larger and identification among thousands was required.
Even today Prince Harry is Prince Harry of Wales as his father is the Prince of Wales. In the army and wherever else he needs a surname he is known as "Wales".
Ivanhoe was originally a place... His given name is "Wilfred".
It's where he is from. When some ones name is Achilles son of Peleus then that Peleus is his father.
In english duh