I knew of the German origins of the French Horn, Not the English Horn. I think those things are funny, I wonder how those names came to be. My assumption would be the the French and English Horns were popular among French and English Composers (Respectively) at the time their popularity was young. But I meet many people when I say I play the French Horn they have never heard of it, only after showing them a picture or something do they say "Oh I thought that was just a Horn". I guess just more convenient to say Horn than French Horn.
I really love the deep a full sound of the French Horn and there isn't much I think it could accompany. Though would be interesting in a Jazz band I bet.