How to Research the Origin of Surnames

You can research the origins of your surname online.

The origin of your surname can tell you a lot about the history of your ancestors and where your family originally came from. While the meaning of your family name may not tell you a great deal about your personality, finding out where your surname originated from can provide you with a greater understanding of your roots and ethnicity. There are a number of resources available for those who are curious about the origins of their surname and want to find out more.

Instructions

1. Navigate to websites like The Internet Surname Database, Behind the Name and the surname database pages at Ancestry.com.

2. Type the surname you want to research into the search box and press "Enter." All sites feature an easy-to-use search utility.

3. Review the information displayed. Some sites supply a brief description of the meaning and origin of the name you entered while others provide more in-depth data including national name distribution and life expectancy for people with your surname.

Tips & Warnings

• You can hire professional genealogists to carry out research on your family name through services like AAG International Research or MyGenealogist if you have an unusual surname.

• Books like "A Dictionary of English Surnames" by P.H. Reaney and R.M. Wilson and "American Surnames" by Elsdon C. Smith provide detailed information on English and American surnames.

References

• Search for Ancestors

Resources

• The Internet Surname Database
• Behind the Name
• Ancestry: What's in a Name
• AAG International Research
• MyGenealogist
• Amazon: American Surnames by Elsdon C. Smith