Surname History Chart
£9.99
Available Options
Beautiful Surname History Chart
A stunning Surname History Chart, in your choice of colour. All we need to know is the surname you wish us to research and print onto the chart for you.
Size is 14 “x 11” inches and available in the following colours (click to enlarge).
Red
Shamrock Green
Pink
Dark Green
Black
Dark Blue
You are linked to the past by your family name which has been in existence for hundreds, perhaps thousands of years. What is its origin? Was it taken from the Bible, a clan name, the name or a village, an occupation, or an ancient landmark? Who were your ancestors who proudly bore your name?
The use of a surname was originally adopted in order to distinguish two individuals with the same first name, and, at first, these last names were not passed down to the next generation.
Surnames usually originated from one of the following sources:
1. From the first name of father used with either a suffix or prefix (which differ from country to country) to identify the person as "son of" i.e. McDonald son of Donald, Anderson - son of Andrew>
2. Living near landmark or place i.e. Kirk – a person who lives near a church (kirk), Muir – Person who lives near a moor
3. Occupation i.e. Smith – Blacksmith or Goldsmith, Taylor – Tailor
4. Nickname i.e. Peele- Bald headed person, Reid – red haired person
5. Decorative ie Star, Angel
6 Names after mother or father ie their first or middle or last name sometimes adding Junior or The Young or The Old etc
- It was only about 100 years ago that people of Scandinavia began to inherit their father's surname.
- Spanish countries traditionally use two surnames. Generally the first surname is from the father and the second is from the mother.
- Polish countries have gender specific surname endings. If a wife takes a husband's surname which ends in -ski, her new surname will end in -ska.
The mystery of your name can be answered by The Name Shop. Compiled and present in unique family name histories from our database, our major works reveal many facets as they relate to a particular name including: the origin and meaning of the name, vital facts about the people who carried it, events they were involved in, occupations they pursued, intriguing details, earliest recorded date found, early immigrants, and Coats of Arms describing heraldic markings and designs. Preserve this heirloom in your family for generations to come.
Tags: history chart, surname-hist, surname history