A surname, also known as a family name or last name, is the portion of a person's personal name that is passed down through generations. It is typically used to distinguish one person from another, and it can be used to identify one's family or place of origin.
Surnames are used in most cultures around the world, but they vary in their form and function depending on the culture. In some cultures, surnames are placed at the beginning of a person's name, while in others they are placed at the end. Some cultures have only one surname, while others have multiple surnames.
History of surnames
The use of surnames dates back to ancient times, but they did not become widespread until the Middle Ages. In Europe, surnames began to be used in the 11th and 12th centuries, and they became mandatory in many countries by the 15th century.
Surnames were originally used to distinguish between people who shared the same given name. For example, if there were two people named John in a village, they might be distinguished by their occupation (John the Baker, John the Smith) or their place of residence (John of Oxford, John of York).
Over time, surnames became hereditary, and they began to be used to identify one's family and social status. Surnames could also be used to trace one's ancestry or lineage.
Types of surnames
There are many different types of surnames, and they can be classified in a number of ways. One common classification system divides surnames into four main categories:
- Occupational surnames: Occupational surnames are derived from a person's occupation or trade. For example, the surnames Smith, Baker, and Miller are all occupational surnames.
- Toponymic surnames: Toponymic surnames are derived from a place name. For example, the surnames Hill, Wood, and Lake are all toponymic surnames.
- Patronymic surnames: Patronymic surnames are derived from the name of one's father. For example, the surnames Johnson, Robertson, and Stevenson are all patronymic surnames.
- Matronymic surnames: Matronymic surnames are derived from the name of one's mother. For example, the surnames Mattson, Matsson, and Mattsdotter are all matronymic surnames.
In addition to these four main categories, there are also a number of other types of surnames, such as:
- Descriptive surnames: Descriptive surnames are derived from a person's physical appearance or personality traits. For example, the surnames Short, Long, and Brown are all descriptive surnames.
- Nicknames: Nicknames can also become surnames. For example, the surnames Armstrong, Shortt, and Walsh are all derived from nicknames.
- Artificial surnames: Artificial surnames were created by people who wanted to change their name for a variety of reasons. For example, some people adopted artificial surnames to improve their social status or to hide their criminal past.
Surnames in different cultures
Surnames are used in most cultures around the world, but they vary in their form and function depending on the culture. In some cultures, surnames are placed at the beginning of a person's name, while in others they are placed at the end. Some cultures have only one surname, while others have multiple surnames.
For example, in Chinese culture, the surname is placed at the beginning of a person's name. In Japanese culture, the surname is also placed at the beginning of a person's name. In Korean culture, the surname is placed at the beginning of a person's name.
In contrast, in Western cultures, the surname is placed at the end of a person's name. For example, in English culture, the surname is placed at the end of a person's name. In Spanish culture, the surname is placed at the end of a person's name. In French culture, the surname is placed at the end of a person's name.
Surnames and identity
Surnames can play an important role in a person's identity. They can be a source of pride and connection to one's family and heritage. Surnames can also be used to identify one's social status or place of origin.
For example, in some cultures, surnames are associated with certain occupations or social classes. In other cultures, surnames are associated with certain regions or ethnic groups.
Surnames can also be used to connect with distant relatives. For example, if you are researching your family history, you can use surnames to track down your ancestors and other relatives.
Conclusion
Surnames are an important part of our personal identity and our cultural heritage. They can be used to distinguish us from others, to identify our family and place of origin, and to connect with distant relatives.
WebBritannica Dictionary definition of SURNAME. [count] : the name that is shared by the people in a family. In English, your surname comes after your first name and middle name. She. WebAlso called last name . the name that a person has in common with other family members, as distinguished from a first name or given name; family name. a name added to a. WebSurname, name added to a "given name" (also called the "first name"). In many cases the surname is inherited and held in common by members of a family.. Websurname (third-person singular simple present surnames, present participle surnaming, simple past and past participle surnamed) To give a surname to. To call by a. WebExplore 31 million surname origins, meanings, distribution maps and demographics @ Forebears, the largest database of last names.
Surname | Definition of surname
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Surname middle name given name.
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What Is A Surname, Surname | Definition of surname, 1.46 MB, 01:04, 38,129, Definition of the words, 2019-06-26T11:16:50.000000Z, 2, Surname - Wikiwand, 288 x 722, jpg, , 3, what-is-a-surname
What Is A Surname. WebMeaning of surname in English. surname. noun [ C ] mainly UK uk / ˈsɜː.neɪm / us / ˈsɝː.neɪm / (US usually last name); (UK also second name) Add to word list. A2. the.
See here, the definitions of the word surname, as video and text.
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surname (noun)
The name a person shares with other members of that person's family, distinguished from that person's given name or names; a family name.
surname (verb)
To give a surname to.
surname (verb)
To call by a surname.
Reference:
surname
February 3, 2019
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What Is A Surname, Websurname (third-person singular simple present surnames, present participle surnaming, simple past and past participle surnamed) To give a surname to. To call by a. WebExplore 31 million surname origins, meanings, distribution maps and demographics @ Forebears, the largest database of last names.
Surname - Wikiwand - Source: wikiwand.com
An EASIER way to create a Surname Table - Source: familyhistoryfanatics.com
What's in a Surname? eBook by David McKie - EPUB Book | Rakuten Kobo Australia - Source: kobo.com
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What is a surname in kenya dictionary.cambridge.org › dictionary › englishSURNAME | English meaning - Cambridge Dictionary
What is a surname in kenya A surname is the name that you share with other members of your family, or your last name. Learn how to pronounce, use and translate surnames in different contexts and languages. What is a surname and forename.
What is a surname in kenya.
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www.familysearch.org › en › surnameSearch your Surname and find its meaning - FamilySearch
A last name, also known as a family name or surname, is typically passed down from one generation to the next. Learn the definition, the 25 most common last names, and how to search for your surname and its meaning on FamilySearch.org. .
A surname, family name, or last name is the mostly hereditary portion of one's personal name that indicates one's family. It is typically combined with a given name to form the full name of a person. Depending on culture, the surname may be placed at either the start of a person's name, or at the end. The number of surnames given to an individual also varies: in most cases it is just one, but in m, Wikipedia .
www.ancestry.com › learn › factsLast Name Meanings and Origins | Search Surnames ... - Ancestry
A surname is a hereditary name passed down from one generation to another. Learn the meaning and origin of your last name with Ancestry, the world's largest online family history resource. .
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What is a surname and forename www.dictionary.com › browse › surnameSURNAME Definition & Meaning | Dictionary.com
What is a surname and forename noun. Also called last name. the name that a person has in common with other family members, as distinguished from a first name or given name; family name. a name added to a person's name, as one indicating a circumstance of birth or some characteristic or achievement; epithet. What is a surname and given name.
What is a surname and given name dictionary.cambridge.org › english › surnameSURNAME | definition in the Cambridge English Dictionary
What is a surname and given name A surname is the name that you share with other members of your family, or the last name of a person. Learn how to pronounce, use and translate surname in different languages with Cambridge Dictionary. What is a surname in uganda.
What is a surname in uganda en.wikipedia.org › wiki › SurnameSurname - Wikipedia
What is a surname in uganda A surname, family name, or last name is the mostly hereditary portion of one's personal name that indicates one's family. [1] [2] It is typically combined with a given name to form the full name of a person. What is a surname in spanish.
What is a surname in spanish www.merriam-webster.com › dictionary › surnameSurname Definition & Meaning - Merriam-Webster
What is a surname in spanish A surname is an added name derived from occupation or other circumstance, or the name borne in common by members of a family. Learn more about the origin, synonyms, examples, and related words of surname from Merriam-Webster dictionary. What is a surname on a passport.
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