Surname Meanings

 FIRST NAME

 LAST NAME

What does your name mean? You may be surprised!

Surname Meanings! A surname is the same as a family name, or last name. Everyone gets their surname from a possible four different ways.

1. Patronymic: This is a name that comes from the first name of a father. Example- Peterson, son of Peter.

2. The place your ancestors once lived, or near: People often got their surname from a place they lived by. Example- Cliff, steep hill or KirkPatrick, Church of St. Patrick.

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3. Occupation or Social Status: These surnames come from the jobs your ancestors had, or the position they held in the respective places. Example- Cooper, barrel maker or Powers, poor.

4. Nicknames, a description of someone: Sometimes just by the way your ancestor was shaped or the attributes they had, earned them a nickname that was used as a surname and passed down. Example- Reid, red or red hair. Another example would be Armstrong, strong arms.

Find out what your surname means! Learn about how it started and when it was being used. Many times it can clue you in on your ancestor's past and a better understanding of your family history path. Find the meaning of your surname....

Surname Meanings Here!

History of the Family Name