Since the 13th century, last names have existed.They originated as a way to identify people based on their family, country of origin, and personality.If your father or mother's name is patronymic, you can find the origin of your name.It can be based on where your ancestors lived and what they did for a living.Some surnames were given to your ancestors.If you want to find out the origin of your last name, you can use a genealogy service or talk to older relatives.
Step 1: It's a good idea to look at the prefix in your name.
The first two or three letters of your name are the prefix.If the head of your family was the son or daughter of that family, the prefix was added.There are certain places and cultures that have certain prefixes.If your name is "Mac" or "Mc", it's likely that you are of Gaelic origin.It means your name is English.It means your name is of Irish origin.It means your name is of Welsh origin.
Step 2: If you don't see the suffix in your name, it's probably not yours.
The last two to three letters of your name are called the suffix.When someone is the son or daughter of someone, the suffix was used.It is possible that your ancestor was the son of someone named John or Paul.It's possible that this means your name is Scottish or British.The spelling of the name is "-sen", which means "son" or "ian" in Swedish.It means your name is Polish.Such as "Fernandez" or "Diaz".Your name is Spanish."Morales" or "os" can be used.The name of your family is Portuguese.
Step 3: There is a difference between family names and clan names.
In North America, people are given surnames based on the names of their family's head.In Africa, Asia, and parts of Europe, it's more common for people to use a clan name as their surname because it can be traced back to what clan their ancestors belonged to.In Uganda, people's surnames derive from their ancestors.It's possible that you have many people with the surname Buganda, as their ancestors all belonged to the same clan.It is common for people in Japan to be named after their clan, such as the Fujiwara clan or the Sats clan.If your ancestors were from a clan, tribe, or kingdom, you may need to trace your name back to them, rather than using a mother or father's name as a guide.
Step 4: If your name refers to an occupation, notice.
The occupation or status of your ancestors are reflected in our last name.During the medieval period in Europe, the occupation was usually a craft or trade.If it relates to an occupation, look up your name.There is a person who grinds flour from grain.If your ancestors were German, it can be spelled Muller.Wainwright was a person who built wagons.A person who worked for a Bishop.Taylor was a person who made or repaired clothing.Carter was a person who made carts.The person was an official clerk of the court.A person named Stewart was a steward.A person who was a mayor.The person was a shoemaker.The names of occupations can be found on a list of surnames.
Step 5: If you can trace your name back to a location, that's great.
It is possible to distinguish a person based on where they were born.The name may refer to a city, town, or country.In France, England, and other parts of Europe, this was used frequently."Parris" means your ancestors likely came from Paris, France.It means your ancestors came from London, England.It means your ancestors came from Medina, Mexico."Chan" is a reference to an ancient region of China.
Step 6: You should notice if your name refers to a landscape.
A stream, cliff, or forest is a geographical feature that may be referred to by your surname.It may mean that your ancestors lived near a mountain or a river."Brooks" means your ancestors lived along a brook.There is a church on a hill."Vega" means a meadow in Spanish."Iglesias," or "church" in Spanish, means that your ancestors may have lived near a church."Takahashi" is a last name that means people who lived by or under a tall, high bridge."Choi" is a Chinese name that means people who lived on a peak."Yamamoto" is a Japanese last name that means the base of a mountain."Park" is a Korean name that means magnolia tree.
Step 7: Determine if your name refers to a direction.
Your surname may be derived from the geographical direction where your ancestors lived.compass directions like "East," "West," or "North" can be included in your name.Southgate is the location where your ancestors came from.It means your ancestors lived to the east or west of the woods.
Step 8: If your name refers to your ancestors appearance, you should check it.
Some last names are derived from the physical characteristics of your ancestors.They might have been given pet names based on how they looked.Your last name may be adopted as the nickname or pet name.If your ancestors had a large head, examples includeBroadhead.If your ancestors had black or brown hair, it's called Black or Brown.The word "Baines" means "bone" so your ancestors may have been thin."Grande," meaning "big" in Spanish, means a large person.Your ancestors may have had blonde hair, because "Rubio" means "blonde" in Spanish.
Step 9: Do you know if you have a connection to the personality trait of your ancestors?
It's possible that your surname came from how your ancestors acted.Their personality may have contributed to their last name."Goodman" means that your ancestors may have been known to be generous or strong.Your ancestors may have been considered a wild or rambunctious person."Bravo" means "brave" in Spanish, so your ancestors may have been brave."Wong" or "Wang" means "king" in Cantonese, so your ancestors may have looked like royalty."Sato" means "to assist" in Japanese, so your ancestors may have been very kind to others.
Step 10: Do you know if your name relates to a concept?
"happiness," "wisdom," or "joy" are some of the concepts that Asian surnames relate to.If your family is from an Asian country like China, Japan, Vietnam, or Korea, you may be able to trace your surname back to a concept."Moon" means "wisdom" in Korean."Saito" means "purity and divine worship" in Japanese."Kim" means "gold" in Korean and may refer to being good or bad."Nguyen" means "original" in Vietnamese.
Step 11: You can use an online genealogy service.
You can use a genealogy service to find out the origin of your last name.You will need to pay a small fee to get this done.For example, you can use genealogyBank.com.They may only give you general information, but you can access free ancestry or genealogy databases online.More detailed information about your last name is usually found in the paid services.
Step 12: Hire a researcher.
If you want to know the origin of your last name, you can hire a genealogist.A genealogist is trained to find out more about your ancestors and the origin of your name.You can find certified genealogists through your local university.
Step 13: Older living relatives and family members can give you more information.
If they are still alive, contact them.If your parents are married and you inherit your father's last name, speak to older relatives.Ask your family members about the origin of your name.Detailed information about your last name can be found in documents or memories that they have.For example, if you want to know the origin of your last name, you can ask your older relatives, "Can you tell me anything?" or "Would you have any information on where our family name came from and what it means?"