Q:
What Is the Ethnic Origin of Surnames?
A:
Quick Answer
When Europeans first began assigning each other surnames to differentiate individuals in expanding urban areas, the names frequently referenced someone's appearance or the place that they were from. Names such as "Long," "Short," "Black" and "White" were common.
Continue Reading
Credit:
enis izgi
E+
Getty Images
Full Answer
Sometimes surnames zeroed in on specific physical features, such as the length of someone's hair or their weight. Other times, names were a direct reference to someone's heritage. Toth, for instance, one of the most common Slovak surnames, literally means "Slovak." Surnames weren't exclusively assigned based on appearance or heritage, however. It was also common to assign last names based on occupation. Thus the last name "Smith" could refer to a blacksmith or an ironsmith.
Learn more about Social SciencesSources:
Related Questions
-
Q:
What Are Some Ways to Find Out the Origins of Your Last Name?
A: Information about the origin of common surnames is accessible at Ancestry.com. The subscription-based service offers free basic information that includes t... Full Answer >Filed Under: -
Q:
What Is the Meaning of Stigmatization?
A: Individuals who are shamed, bullied or discriminated against based on preconceived judgments of their appearance, disabilities or lifestyles are victims of... Full Answer >Filed Under: -
Q:
Why Do People Judge Based on Appearance?
A: Even people who do not want to do so tend to judge others by their appearance as part of the crucial human ability to be able to make snap judgments about ... Full Answer >Filed Under: -
Q:
What Is the Difference Between a Cross Dresser and a Transgender Person?
A: A cross dresser is someone who wears clothes associated with a different sex, while a transgender person is someone whose gender identity or expression dif... Full Answer >Filed Under:
