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- A surname can tell us where a person came from, their ancestry, and even what kind of trade they practiced. It’s a way to link generations of the same family together. Surnames are also a way of preserving cultural heritage and can be unique to certain geographic regions, ethnic groups, or even religions.
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Start with two simple questions, "What's my last name origin?" and "What does my last name mean?" to watch your family history come to life. Research your family history to discover who you are and where you come from. Last Name Origin: How much do you know about your last name? Ready to learn more about your family heritage and the meaning ...
- Overview
- Determining if You Have a Family-Related Surname
- Checking if You Have an Occupational or Geographical Surname
- Determining if You Have a Descriptive Surname
- Using Other Resources
Last names, also called surnames, have been in existence since the thirteenth century. They originated as a way to identify people by their family, country of origin, and in some cases, personality or physical appearance. You can find the origin of your surname by determining if it is patronymic or matronymic, derived from a father’s or mother’s na...
Look at the prefix in your surname.
The prefix is the first two or three letters of your surname. The prefix was often added to notate if the head of your family was the “son of” or the “daughter of” the head of their family. Certain prefixes come from specific places and cultures, such as Gaelic, Irish, and English. Your surname may have prefixes like:
“Mac” or “Mc,” such as “MacDonald” or “McCloud.” This means your surname is of Gaelic origin.
“Fitz,” such as “Fitzpatrick” or “Fitzgerald.” This means your surname is of English origin.
“O,” such as “O’Brien” or “O’Shea.” This means your surname is of Irish origin.
“ap,” such as “Bedo ap Batho,” which becomes “Bedo Batho.” This means your surname is of Welsh origin.
Notice if your surname refers to a particular occupation.
In some cases, our last name reflects the occupation or status of your ancestors. The occupation was usually a craft or trade during the medieval period in Europe. Look up your surname to see if it relates to a particular occupation. Examples include:
“Miller,” a person who would grind flour from grain. It can also be spelt “Muller” if your ancestors were German.
“Wainwright,” a person who built wagons.
“Bishop,” a person who worked for a Bishop.
“Taylor,” a person who made or repaired clothing.
Check if your surname refers to your ancestor’s physical appearance.
Some last names come from the physical characteristics of your ancestors. They may have been given nicknames or pet names from neighbors or friends based on how they looked. The nickname or pet name may then have been adopted as their last name, and your last name. Examples include:
“Broadhead,” if your ancestor had a large head.
“Black” or “Brown,” if your ancestor had black or brown hair.
“Baines,” meaning “bones,” so your ancestor may have appeared thin or bony.
"Grande," meaning "big" in Spanish, so your ancestor may have been a large person.
Use an online genealogy service.
Look online for a genealogy service that will trace back the origin of your last name for you. You may need to pay a small fee to get this done and provide your surname.
For example, you may use Ancestry.com or GenealogyBank.com.
You can also access free ancestry or genealogy databases online, though they may only give you general information. Usually, the paid services will uncover more detailed information about your last name.
You can also hire a genealogist to determine the origin of your last name. A genealogist is trained to trace back your ancestors and find detailed information on the origin of your surname.
Look for certified genealogists online or through your local university.
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Jul 8, 2023 · by Ancestry® Team. Have you ever stopped to think about your surname? If you haven’t, you really should, because it does more than tie you to your family’s rich history. Your surname can lead you on a journey through your heritage and, potentially, guide you towards where your earliest ancestors lived or what they did for a living.
Feb 22, 2024 · What is a surname? A surname is a family name passed down from generation to generation. It can reveal who you are and where your ancestors came from. Often, it shows a person’s heritage and connects them to their culture. My last name can give clues about my family history, like what my forefathers did for work or where they lived.
Apr 5, 2023 · Ancestry can typically tell you the ethnic origin of your surname, which you may already know. But it can also tell you if your name is occupational, habitational (based on a place), or descriptive, and you might even discover where your name originated.
Search for a specific ancestor. Enter your surname and begin learning its origins, your potential family lineage, and where your ancestors most likely came from. Find out more today.
Follow our guide to find out where hereditary family names came from and how to learn more about your last name. Family Tree Magazine How to Research What Your Last Name Means
