Last names are inherited, so how far back did last names go? Did people initially choose their last name and then passed it down to children? Why are there so many common last names between people who aren’t related?
The original question was asked by a 6 year old, and it got me thinking about all of these other questions too.
In: Other
Last names were originally descriptors denoting family, profession or sometimes location.
So – John Anderson = the person named John who is the son of Ander
John Brewer = the person named John who works brewing beer
John Ridgefield = the person named John who lives by the field on the Ridge.
Over time, as family and inheritance became important among the rich and aristocratic, the surname became something that connected a person to their family, and helped establish their importance in the hierarchy of society.
Latest Answers