Discovering the Origins of Your Surname

Last names, known as surnames, have existed since the 13th century. They emerged as a means to identify individuals by their familial lineage, country of origin, and sometimes, traits or physical appearance. You can trace the origin of your surname by determining if it is patronymic or matronymic, derived from the name of your father or mother. It could also be occupational, reflecting the profession of your ancestors, or geographic, indicating where they lived. Some surnames are descriptive, originating from nicknames given to your ancestors. If you prefer to avoid this research, you can use genealogy services or consult older relatives to uncover the origin of your last name.

Examine the Prefix in Your Surname. The prefix typically comprises the first two or three letters of your surname. It was often added to indicate whether the head of your family was the 'son of' or 'daughter of' the head of their family. Certain prefixes originate from specific regions and cultures, including Gaelic, Irish, and English. Your surname might have prefixes such as:

• 'Mac' or 'Mc,' like 'MacDonald' or 'McCloud.' This indicates Gaelic origin.
• 'Fitz,' such as 'Fitzpatrick' or 'Fitzgerald.' This suggests English origin.
• 'O,' such as 'O'Brien' or 'O'Shea.' This signifies Irish origin.
• 'ap,' like 'Bedo ap Batho,' which becomes 'Bedo Batho.' This denotes Welsh origin.

Examine the Suffix in Your Surname. Typically, the suffix consists of the last two to three letters of your surname. It was often used to indicate whether someone was the 'son of' or 'daughter of' a particular individual. Your surname might have suffixes like:

• '-son,' such as 'Johnson' or 'Paulson.' This indicates that your ancestor was likely the son of someone named John or Paul. This often indicates Scottish or British origin.
• '-sen,' such as 'Andersen,' which is the Scandinavian version of 'son.'
• '-ian' or '-yan,' as seen in 'Simonian' or 'Petrossyan,' indicating Armenian origin.
• '-ski,' such as 'Petroffski,' indicating Polish origin.
• '-ez' or '-az,' such as 'Fernandez' or 'Diaz,' suggesting Spanish origin.
• '-es' or 'os,' such as 'Morales' or 'Rolos,' indicating Portuguese origin.

Recognize the Distinction Between Family Surnames and Clan Names. In North America, it's customary for people to adopt surnames based on their family heads. In other regions like Africa, Asia, and parts of Europe, clan names are often used as surnames, tracing back to the ancestral clan.

• In Uganda, for instance, surnames are derived from ancestral clans. Therefore, many individuals may share the 'Buganda' surname, indicating membership in the same clan.
• In Japan, clan names like Fujiwara or Satōs are commonly used as surnames.
• Depending on your ancestry, you might need to trace your surname back to the clan, tribe, or kingdom your ancestors belonged to, rather than relying on parental names.

Observe Whether Your Surname Indicates a Specific Occupation. Sometimes, surnames reflect the professions or statuses of ancestors. These occupations were typically crafts or trades during medieval Europe. Research your surname to determine if it relates to a particular occupation. Examples include:

• 'Miller,' denoting someone who ground flour from grain, or 'Muller' if of German origin.
• 'Wainwright,' indicating a wagon builder.
• 'Bishop,' suggesting employment under a Bishop.
• 'Taylor,' representing a maker or repairer of clothing.
• 'Carter,' indicating someone who made or drove carts.
• 'Alderman,' signifying an official court clerk.
• 'Stewart,' indicating a steward.
• 'Alcaldo,' representing a mayor.
• 'Zapatero,' indicating a shoemaker.
• A comprehensive list of surnames related to occupations can be found here.

Determine if Your Surname Can Be Traced to a Location. Another common method of surname formation was to denote an individual's place of residence or birth. Surnames often referenced a specific city, town, or country, particularly in France, England, and other parts of Europe. Examples include:

• 'Parris,' indicating origins in Paris, France.
• 'London,' suggesting ancestry from London, England.
• 'Medina,' indicating a connection to Medina, Mexico.
• 'Chan,' referencing an ancient region in China.

Observe if Your Last Name Indicates a Geographic Feature. Your surname might relate to a natural feature like a stream, cliff, or forest, indicating your ancestor's proximity to such landscapes. For instance:

• 'Brooks,' suggesting residence alongside a brook.
• 'Churchill,' indicating proximity to a church atop a hill.
• 'Vega,' Spanish for 'meadow,' implying residence near one.
• 'Iglesias,' Spanish for 'church,' suggesting residence near a church.
• 'Takahashi,' a Japanese surname for those near a tall bridge.
• 'Choi,' a Chinese surname for those on a pinnacle or peak.
• 'Yamamoto,' Japanese for the base of a mountain.
• 'Park,' a Korean surname meaning 'magnolia tree.'

Determine if Your Surname Indicates a Direction. Your surname might derive from the cardinal direction indicating your ancestor's place of origin. It could include compass points like 'East,' 'West,' 'North,' or 'South.' Examples include:

• 'Northman,' indicating a Northern origin.
• 'Southgate,' suggesting a location south of a gate.
• 'Eastwood' and 'Westwood,' implying residence east or west of woods.

Check if Your Last Name Reflects Your Ancestor's Appearance. Some surnames stem from physical attributes of ancestors, often originating from nicknames or pet names. Examples include:

• 'Broadhead,' indicating a large-headed ancestor.
• 'Black' or 'Brown,' reflecting black or brown-haired ancestors.
• 'Baines,' derived from 'bones,' suggesting a thin or bony appearance.
• 'Grande,' meaning 'big' in Spanish, indicative of a large individual.
• 'Rubio,' meaning 'blonde' in Spanish, suggesting blond-haired ancestors.

Determine if Your Surname Reflects Ancestral Personality Traits. Some surnames may stem from the behavior or characteristics of ancestors, such as:

• 'Goodman,' indicating a generous ancestor.
• 'Strong' or 'Armstrong,' suggesting physical strength.
• 'Wildman,' implying a wild or rambunctious ancestor.
• 'Bravo,' meaning 'brave' in Spanish, indicative of courage.
• 'Wong' or 'Wang,' meaning 'king' in Cantonese, suggesting regal attributes.
• 'Sato,' meaning 'to assist' in Japanese, indicative of caring ancestors.

Identify if Your Last Name Reflects a Concept. Asian surnames often embody concepts such as 'happiness,' 'wisdom,' or 'joy.' Families from Asian countries like China, Japan, Vietnam, or Korea may find their surname rooted in a concept. Examples include:

• 'Moon,' signifying 'wisdom' in Korean.
• 'Saito,' meaning 'purity and divine worship' in Japanese.
• 'Kim,' translating to 'gold' in Korean and symbolizing being golden or good.
• 'Nguyen,' meaning 'original' or 'first' in Vietnamese.

Utilize an Online Genealogy Service. Search for an online genealogy service that can trace the origin of your surname. Some services may require a nominal fee and your surname for analysis.

• Popular options include Ancestry.com or GenealogyBank.com.
• Free ancestry or genealogy databases are also available online, though they may offer limited information compared to paid services.

Engage a Professional Genealogist. Consider hiring a certified genealogist to uncover the origin of your last name. These professionals specialize in tracing ancestry and can provide detailed insights into your surname's history.

• Search for certified genealogists online or through local universities.

Consult Elder Relatives for Insights. Reach out to older family members for information about your last name. Grandparents, great aunts, or uncles can offer valuable insights into your family's history and the meaning behind your surname.

• Ask questions like, 'Can you share anything about the origin of our last name?' or 'Do you have any information on the history and significance of our family name?'