Your family name, or surname, holds clues about your heritage. But, understanding those names can be difficult when spellings vary from record to record and pronunciation varies across cultures and geographies.
One way to unravel this tangled web is through onomastics and etymology, which are the study of names. Let’s explore these two methods of tracing your history and discovering the meaning of your surname.
Look up your family tree.
Whether you are new to genealogy or have been trying to find your long-lost family for years, starting a family tree is one of the best ways to go back and discover the meaning behind your surname. Start with your parents and grandparents, then work outward from there.
Researching the surname meaning can uncover intriguing insights into family heritage and historical origins, shedding light on the cultural significance behind one’s last name.
Remember that people sometimes spell their names differently than they do today, and it is common for different records to use alternate variants of your surname. For example, the easy-to-spell Kennedy can be found spelled as Kenedy, Kendy, Kanada, and more through the first half of the 20th century, depending on how clerks and ministers pronounced the name.
Whenever possible, seek out original documents from your relatives. Old letters, photographs, and even heirlooms can contain valuable clues and help you fill in gaps in your family tree. Be sure to document any information that you can with dates, locations, and other pertinent details.
Also Read : How to Spell Exercisers
Consult with genealogical societies.
Genealogical research can be a solitary pursuit, with hours spent alone poring over records. This can be a grind for introverts, and some researchers want to connect with others who share their passion more socially. One excellent option is to volunteer with a local genealogy society.
Genealogy societies host events, lectures, workshops, and conferences to teach members new skills or advance their research. They also maintain a collection of books and other resources members can borrow or purchase.
Many societies also offer a research service to help people with specific family history questions, such as completing onsite research at an archive or finding information on a particular name or area. They may also be able to provide members with discounts on services or tools or DNA testing companies.
It’s essential to take any information society provides with a grain of salt as records change and evolve. However, they can be a valuable resource for genealogists of all experience levels and can help you solve your most challenging problems.
Take a DNA test.
Many must realize that a DNA test can uncover interesting information about their ancestry. This is especially true for surnames! DNA tests can reveal whether your name is patronymic (derived from a father or mother’s name), occupational, derived from what your ancestor did for a living, or geographic, based on where their ancestors lived.
It’s also important to remember that different cultures have unique naming practices and histories. For example, the name Lee can be traced back to China, England, and Korea because the name developed independently in each culture.
In addition to traditional genealogical resources, specialized online resources can help you decipher the meaning behind your last name. The site offers a search function for personal pages dedicated to specific surnames and family associations. These sites are great places to look for leads and glean new insight about your heritage!
Look up your name in a dictionary.
Name dictionaries can provide clues to a surname’s origin and meaning. However, remember that spelling can change over time, and names may have been spelled differently in different documents. Before the 19th century, illiteracy was expected, so records would be written by clerks or priests the way they heard a person’s name pronounced. This can make tracing a family history more complex.
In addition, many surnames were derived from an occupation or a geographic feature where early families lived. Some examples include Books, Ridge, and Wood. Others were patronymic, honoring a specific patron who supported a family.
Some names were also based on physical characteristics, such as tall or short. These nicknames are now called descriptive surnames, and some still exist. For example, people with long hair are sometimes referred to as Black. Surnames that evoke a negative or unflattering sentiment are usually more likely to fall out of popularity, such as Crude or Slacks.
Talk to relatives
The first place to look for clues about your surname is with your family. Many of your relatives will be able to tell you what the meaning of your name is, and they might even know some history about it.
Some people’s names are based on their profession or what they did for a living. For example, someone working as a cooper made barrels, a smith made metal items, or a fletcher flew arrows. Other people’s names are based on where they lived (Hill, Underhill, Woods, Forest) or a land feature (river, bridge, bank, shore, etc).
Some surnames show the ancestor’s clan patriarch (Mac and Mc). These are called patronymic surnames. They are generally passed down from father to son, although a child may sometimes receive his mother’s surname if he was not her husband’s son (Johnson). Some surnames have prefixes like “E” and “Y” indicating gender. Finally, some surnames are descriptive and give a clue about the person’s appearance. (Bedo ap Batho means handsome in Welsh). This type of name is called an epithet or byname.
