How to Search for Surnames by the Meaning

Your last name could be the clue to finding out your family roots.

Surnames are one of the main clues that help people discover their roots when researching family histories. Surnames typically have been passed down the male line for generations. A search of your surname online can give you a general meaning and what country it was originally from. You can search surnames by meaning on the website Behindthename.com

Instructions

1. Go to the website Behind the Name. Look for the search box underneath the title "search for names."

2. In the search box, type in a meaning or description for which you want to see a list of surnames. For instance, if you are looking for surnames that derive from the word "strong", type in "strong" in the appropriate search box.

3. Below the search box click the circle that says, "Search in description and meaning". Click Search. A list of results of names that derived from that meaning should come up. If not, try a similar word or description.

Tips & Warnings

• For the best results, if you know the surname, search by it to find its meaning.

References

• Behind the Name: Surnames

Resources

• Behind the Name: Surnames