Genealogy and Family History Stack Exchange
Genealogy and Family History Stack Exchange

Questions tagged [surnames]

For questions about the use, distribution, origin and etymology of surnames, also known as family names or last names.

A surname is a hereditary name common to all members of a family, hence also known as a family name. It is usually associated with a given name that distinguishes individuals within the family. In some (but not all) languages, a surname may be called a last name because of its customary placement.

Related tags include and .

There is a Meta Q&A about whether such questions are on topic at Surname origins and meaning: on-topic?

124 questions
12
votes
3 answers

What is origin of hyphenated or double-barreled surnames?

I found this answer by John Hanna which implies that the practice originated with the British aristocracy or 'upper-bourgeoisie' as @WS2 dubs them. This makes sense on a hereditary-rule/feudalism perspective where wealth and prestige were major…
Patrick M
  • 223
  • 2
  • 6
5
votes
2 answers

What is the root meaning of the surname "Samovojska"?

I have seem alternative spellings of this name listed as Samovojska Samovojsky Samovosky Samosky What is the origin or root meaning of this surname? For reference, the Samosky variant has just a few examples in the US, mostly in the Ohio and…
New Alexandria
  • 151
  • 5
2
votes
1 answer

Place surnames versus Occupational surnames for English ancestors

In England, were place surnames more prevalent than occupational surnames (Baker, Potter, Hatter, etc...) or vice versa? I have searched Google & saw mixed results at best.
J.R.
  • 29
  • 4
2
votes
2 answers

What does an unexpected letter N at the end of a mother's last name on a stone (grave?) that may be for a less than one day old baby mean?

A marker was recently found that has a date on the top line, a first initial followed by the surname on the 2nd line and a woman's married name (same as the surname on line 2) but ends with an 'N'. What is the significance of the 'N' at end of the…
Len
  • 31
  • 5
1
vote
1 answer

Where does the surname Cousins come from?

My Mother's father's surname is Cousins. I'm doing some research to find the origin and the meaning of the name.
user4210
  • 19
  • 2
1
vote
2 answers

Using née to indicate more than one previous surname for same person?

Can you use the term née twice when referring to someone married three times. For example, "My mother Jill Smith, née Brown, née White ..."
Alan Samson
  • 11
  • 1
0
votes
2 answers

Ormond/Orman Surname Change

I have been tracing my family history (Orman)and have found a switch to my GGG-Grandfather (Orman) from GGGG-Grandfather Ormand.Does anyone know why and when the name was changed?
Jack Bogaev-Orman
  • 1
-4
votes
4 answers

What is the origin of the surname Griffin?

Different websites give conflicting opinions regarding this surname. What is the origin of Griffin when used as a surname?
canny
  • 5
  • 1
  • 1
-6
votes
3 answers

What is the meaning and origin of the surname Lambert?

What is the meaning of this name? What was the history behind it? Which country does it originated firstly? What ethnicity people will have this name?
Neocortex
  • 141
  • 1
  • 5