Common American Surnames and Their Origins
When it comes to studying American genealogy, many find the stories behind American Surnames to be a fascinating and useful part of their research. The history behind many of these names is certainly worth pursing.
When it comes to common American surnames and their origins, typical names tend to fall under four different categories: familial names, vocational names, names based on location, and surnames that have been forced upon the person, either due to their status as a slave or as an immigrant.
A few good examples of familial names tend to be surnames such as Abrahamson or Richardson. When taken literally, these names mean “son of Abraham” or “son of Richard”. Similarly, there are surnames to describe what day of the week a particular child was born on, such as “Monday”.
Sometimes American surnames are used to indicate a specific location. For example, “Brownlow”, when split into two parts, describes a family hill that was both brown and low. Similarly, “Underwood” is commonly used to portray a person who lived at the border of a forest.
Another interesting branch of North American genealogy would have to be surnames that indicate vocation. “Abbot” for example, meant priest. “Waller” described someone who built walls for a living.
Finally, there are names that were forced upon others. The context of these names varies. Sometimes during the immigration process, those who were in charge of the registration didn’t know how to spell or pronounce an immigrant’s last name.
In order to get past this obstacle, many were renamed “Smith” or “Jones”. This is part of the reason why these names became so common.
In other cases, slaves were often renamed when they were bought. However, it was rare when they were given surnames. Most, when freed, adopted entirely new surnames, though some stuck with the names of their former owners as well.
The names they chose for themselves varied. Sometimes they named themselves after famous American figures who fought against slavery. Other times they preferred names that described their location or vocation.
When researching common American surnames and their origins, there are a variety of tools at your disposal. To learn the exact meaning or spelling of a name, invest in a name book or a site specializing in surnames.
You can also learn more about your family’s surname by looking up census records, birth and death certificates, marriage certificates, and other official documents.
However, when conducting your US genealogy search, it’s important not to rely solely on the surname. While the meaning behind your name can lead to some interesting revelations, if your name is common, you may find yourself running in circles. Research specific aspects of your family line to prevent this.
Rackley E. Virgil, Werbel Danica, Hegler V. Justa, Echevaria Candis, Younas Deborah, Leaym Rueben, Rulo E. Stanley, Newbaker Lucrecia, Kersh R. Annemarie, Bodenmiller P. Clarice, Anzevino Pinkie, Serban T. Margie, Aamir F. Emeline, Buerer Verlie, Larks Serita, Swartzlander O. Dion, Scheper Oscar, Prasser Z. Lillian, Stickles J. Deidre, Chesher Elenora, Yerena Tarsha, Tabaha Z. Shirlene, Ganyard P. Rachel, Shirzad Louisa, Flax Krystle, Lemont Antonietta, Drepaul Kristopher, Delamerced Sena, Blaisure Allyson, Bellew Jami, Savignac Yen, Roseberry Eleni, Crighton D. Charleen, Graus Nigel, Fichman Bambi, Kincey Corrinne, Sgrignoli Shanel, Drainer H. Blanca, Luby Sunday, Phelan Fidelia, Perisic Albertina, Pascuzzo J. Sparkle, Barbera Shalon, Mcnicholl Arla, Pelczynski Esther, Sabulsky K. Jerold, Krinock E. Angel, Valino Margene, Guzmangonzalez Bernita, Carrell Madaline, Trogdon A. Jayna, Heldreth Xuan, Altavilla Shanna, Dolson Ranee, Camarda Susie, Farner Xiomara, Zieser Keturah, Zundel O. Abigail, Cravillion Keely, Krzykwa Lilia, Lucchetti Torie, Stettler V. Shantell, Mahne G. Francisca, Lipker Phung, Repetto Domonique, Freihaut Zaida, Eigel W. Arlyne, Ruzzo N. Verdie, Ayscue Dennise, Chelak O. Zulema, Robar Leonor, Rapuano Jae, Karpov Elsa, Arnold O. Christoper, Opheim Ellamae, Vensel Rocco, Kabia N. Shella, Hahl Nadine, Dueringer Debi, Almany Lianne, Tiska Christene, Waldorf Telma, Sellie Q. Marlon, Ozenbaugh Rozanne, Klutts T. Elvin, Rigley Zula, Canedy Lissa, Kompkoff Qiana, Huppman Pablo, Toby Samira, Garreffa Christian, Scheckel Hosea, Sado R. Leilani, Schweller R. Thanh, Sueyoshi H. Vanna, Beiser A. Brandi, Kanis B. Chi, Hoyem Dottie, Serbia Shanda, Suddath Jean, Tollinger C. Fidela, Tenkley Gertha, Achor O. Desirae, Forgey Trish, Sao Tabetha, Crispell Kacie, Outman Shanta, Caroon Cordell, Pleggenkuhle Eryn, Kipping Marcelo, Bertoldo D. Ivette, Hannegan J. Roosevelt, Lewton Nola, Pahe Ermelinda, Bahnam Farrah, Govindaraju Maybelle, Theodule Sheryll, Ribao Tenesha, Yagle Jesse, Rheiner Tristan, Mcnealey Tamar, Romanski Debi, Bigham Edra, Birth Denisha, Haukaas Eun, Folkerth Loise, Minogue Damien, Hoadley Hyon, Avarca Lang, Willenberg Felicita, Raffray Shana, Hostettler Dani, Elking Nora, Limbu Georgiana, Albuja Felicita, Lamastra Lilla, Willkom Particia, Kjerstad P. Noelia, Gutierrezperez Eugene, Lockerman Janessa, Buchwald Bettye, Denor Jennine, Vitalis Wei, Huipio Joleen, Drezner Abby, Urry Evelin, Dirr Mayola, Lemongello X. Claudio, Socop Tisa, Altawil Marlena, Seldin Hayley, Arida Merrilee, Harun Ramonita, Wolowitz Efrain, Hempton Y. Charlena, Agwu Zackary, Liberacki Dominic, Udoh Margene
Acheson P. Verla, Leventry Q. Josephina, Avedissian Yolanda, Tavera G. Ned, Poloski Philip, Valeria Signe, Coffman Jackie, Calleros Angelika, Ayoub F. Nana, Saloga Cristopher, Gokhman Latanya, Blasky S. Dario, Beskin Q. Penelope, Basbas Keira, Hungler Ernestina, Serl Luna, Ogram Nguyet, Nerlinger M. Ivelisse, Zarda Donte, Medeiros P. Marie, Duhl C. Tara, Bebel Zoraida, Baudin Rubin, Magdziak Steven, Dahya Bella, Rosow Vanessa, Alis Wan, Delach Arielle, Kieffner I. Euna, Maywood Melody, Lizaso Thanh, Tarula Kenneth, Metrano Arlie, Stepaniak Vito, Mcbrearty S. Willetta, Jochman Haydee, Kuhl Salvatore, Atif Tora, Pettee Gonzalo, Ignaszewski F. Reuben, Tongol Y. Son, Donahoe Fannie, Atamian Giuseppe, Herschell Galina, Reust J. Maynard, Brittle Frida, Lachey Brynn, Lacarrubba Williams, Zillgitt James, Paunovic Roberto, Borowsky M. Renata, Dworaczyk Reva, Mcdarment Pansy, Ketterer Tiana, Novy Charleen, Urdiales Keenan, Bassen Q. Ludivina, Jirkovsky Ivy, Gaikwad Nora, Sevin Desmond, Foggin A. Retta, Wnorowski Kaitlin, Harbo Cheryll, Dolven Shanelle, Pocza Cornelius, Mennenga Gricelda, Mcglotten Darryl, Fautz J. Sammie, Sonntag T. Aimee, Mcdermot C. Mohammad, Yurcisin Monty, Lickert Florene, Lenihan A. Guadalupe, Varnes Edmundo, Mastrorilli Marcella, Peneguy Brandy, Caveney Daisey, Rougier Shyla, Modglin Cristobal, Mencher Patti, Kenary Glenn, Pustovit Della, Lantos Christina, Lapping Corrina, Rotta Nettie, Stopyra Laticia, Korzeniewski Theo, Wodecki Britany, Korsunsky Julia, Mccalip Dennise, Osifo Doris, Dobey E. Morgan, Habon X. Jeffrey, Krelle Y. Clair, Cadden Ingrid, Kajiwara I. Lynda, Lespron Veda, Trenner Olinda, Marchan Inga, Heno Concetta, Formato Belva, Siek Sally, Cicchese Sandie, Petranek Darline, Oeltjenbruns Grayce, Drushel U. Charity, Dilello T. Burl, Kvech Toby, Ortmann H. Iluminada, Stehli Oscar, Endreson Eric, Dubord Arnoldo, Zampogna Justa, Bonillas Lillia, Batovsky Lavette, Calantoni P. Laine, Jentzen Loma, Loucka Oscar, Wingerd Darnell, Mccarvill Joycelyn, Seims Claris, Amodio Roxane, Huerth H. Teddy
When it comes to common American surnames and their origins, typical names tend to fall under four different categories: familial names, vocational names, names based on location, and surnames that have been forced upon the person, either due to their status as a slave or as an immigrant.
A few good examples of familial names tend to be surnames such as Abrahamson or Richardson. When taken literally, these names mean “son of Abraham” or “son of Richard”. Similarly, there are surnames to describe what day of the week a particular child was born on, such as “Monday”.
Sometimes American surnames are used to indicate a specific location. For example, “Brownlow”, when split into two parts, describes a family hill that was both brown and low. Similarly, “Underwood” is commonly used to portray a person who lived at the border of a forest.
Another interesting branch of North American genealogy would have to be surnames that indicate vocation. “Abbot” for example, meant priest. “Waller” described someone who built walls for a living.
Finally, there are names that were forced upon others. The context of these names varies. Sometimes during the immigration process, those who were in charge of the registration didn’t know how to spell or pronounce an immigrant’s last name.
In order to get past this obstacle, many were renamed “Smith” or “Jones”. This is part of the reason why these names became so common.
In other cases, slaves were often renamed when they were bought. However, it was rare when they were given surnames. Most, when freed, adopted entirely new surnames, though some stuck with the names of their former owners as well.
The names they chose for themselves varied. Sometimes they named themselves after famous American figures who fought against slavery. Other times they preferred names that described their location or vocation.
When researching common American surnames and their origins, there are a variety of tools at your disposal. To learn the exact meaning or spelling of a name, invest in a name book or a site specializing in surnames.
You can also learn more about your family’s surname by looking up census records, birth and death certificates, marriage certificates, and other official documents.
However, when conducting your US genealogy search, it’s important not to rely solely on the surname. While the meaning behind your name can lead to some interesting revelations, if your name is common, you may find yourself running in circles. Research specific aspects of your family line to prevent this.
Rackley E. Virgil, Werbel Danica, Hegler V. Justa, Echevaria Candis, Younas Deborah, Leaym Rueben, Rulo E. Stanley, Newbaker Lucrecia, Kersh R. Annemarie, Bodenmiller P. Clarice, Anzevino Pinkie, Serban T. Margie, Aamir F. Emeline, Buerer Verlie, Larks Serita, Swartzlander O. Dion, Scheper Oscar, Prasser Z. Lillian, Stickles J. Deidre, Chesher Elenora, Yerena Tarsha, Tabaha Z. Shirlene, Ganyard P. Rachel, Shirzad Louisa, Flax Krystle, Lemont Antonietta, Drepaul Kristopher, Delamerced Sena, Blaisure Allyson, Bellew Jami, Savignac Yen, Roseberry Eleni, Crighton D. Charleen, Graus Nigel, Fichman Bambi, Kincey Corrinne, Sgrignoli Shanel, Drainer H. Blanca, Luby Sunday, Phelan Fidelia, Perisic Albertina, Pascuzzo J. Sparkle, Barbera Shalon, Mcnicholl Arla, Pelczynski Esther, Sabulsky K. Jerold, Krinock E. Angel, Valino Margene, Guzmangonzalez Bernita, Carrell Madaline, Trogdon A. Jayna, Heldreth Xuan, Altavilla Shanna, Dolson Ranee, Camarda Susie, Farner Xiomara, Zieser Keturah, Zundel O. Abigail, Cravillion Keely, Krzykwa Lilia, Lucchetti Torie, Stettler V. Shantell, Mahne G. Francisca, Lipker Phung, Repetto Domonique, Freihaut Zaida, Eigel W. Arlyne, Ruzzo N. Verdie, Ayscue Dennise, Chelak O. Zulema, Robar Leonor, Rapuano Jae, Karpov Elsa, Arnold O. Christoper, Opheim Ellamae, Vensel Rocco, Kabia N. Shella, Hahl Nadine, Dueringer Debi, Almany Lianne, Tiska Christene, Waldorf Telma, Sellie Q. Marlon, Ozenbaugh Rozanne, Klutts T. Elvin, Rigley Zula, Canedy Lissa, Kompkoff Qiana, Huppman Pablo, Toby Samira, Garreffa Christian, Scheckel Hosea, Sado R. Leilani, Schweller R. Thanh, Sueyoshi H. Vanna, Beiser A. Brandi, Kanis B. Chi, Hoyem Dottie, Serbia Shanda, Suddath Jean, Tollinger C. Fidela, Tenkley Gertha, Achor O. Desirae, Forgey Trish, Sao Tabetha, Crispell Kacie, Outman Shanta, Caroon Cordell, Pleggenkuhle Eryn, Kipping Marcelo, Bertoldo D. Ivette, Hannegan J. Roosevelt, Lewton Nola, Pahe Ermelinda, Bahnam Farrah, Govindaraju Maybelle, Theodule Sheryll, Ribao Tenesha, Yagle Jesse, Rheiner Tristan, Mcnealey Tamar, Romanski Debi, Bigham Edra, Birth Denisha, Haukaas Eun, Folkerth Loise, Minogue Damien, Hoadley Hyon, Avarca Lang, Willenberg Felicita, Raffray Shana, Hostettler Dani, Elking Nora, Limbu Georgiana, Albuja Felicita, Lamastra Lilla, Willkom Particia, Kjerstad P. Noelia, Gutierrezperez Eugene, Lockerman Janessa, Buchwald Bettye, Denor Jennine, Vitalis Wei, Huipio Joleen, Drezner Abby, Urry Evelin, Dirr Mayola, Lemongello X. Claudio, Socop Tisa, Altawil Marlena, Seldin Hayley, Arida Merrilee, Harun Ramonita, Wolowitz Efrain, Hempton Y. Charlena, Agwu Zackary, Liberacki Dominic, Udoh Margene
Acheson P. Verla, Leventry Q. Josephina, Avedissian Yolanda, Tavera G. Ned, Poloski Philip, Valeria Signe, Coffman Jackie, Calleros Angelika, Ayoub F. Nana, Saloga Cristopher, Gokhman Latanya, Blasky S. Dario, Beskin Q. Penelope, Basbas Keira, Hungler Ernestina, Serl Luna, Ogram Nguyet, Nerlinger M. Ivelisse, Zarda Donte, Medeiros P. Marie, Duhl C. Tara, Bebel Zoraida, Baudin Rubin, Magdziak Steven, Dahya Bella, Rosow Vanessa, Alis Wan, Delach Arielle, Kieffner I. Euna, Maywood Melody, Lizaso Thanh, Tarula Kenneth, Metrano Arlie, Stepaniak Vito, Mcbrearty S. Willetta, Jochman Haydee, Kuhl Salvatore, Atif Tora, Pettee Gonzalo, Ignaszewski F. Reuben, Tongol Y. Son, Donahoe Fannie, Atamian Giuseppe, Herschell Galina, Reust J. Maynard, Brittle Frida, Lachey Brynn, Lacarrubba Williams, Zillgitt James, Paunovic Roberto, Borowsky M. Renata, Dworaczyk Reva, Mcdarment Pansy, Ketterer Tiana, Novy Charleen, Urdiales Keenan, Bassen Q. Ludivina, Jirkovsky Ivy, Gaikwad Nora, Sevin Desmond, Foggin A. Retta, Wnorowski Kaitlin, Harbo Cheryll, Dolven Shanelle, Pocza Cornelius, Mennenga Gricelda, Mcglotten Darryl, Fautz J. Sammie, Sonntag T. Aimee, Mcdermot C. Mohammad, Yurcisin Monty, Lickert Florene, Lenihan A. Guadalupe, Varnes Edmundo, Mastrorilli Marcella, Peneguy Brandy, Caveney Daisey, Rougier Shyla, Modglin Cristobal, Mencher Patti, Kenary Glenn, Pustovit Della, Lantos Christina, Lapping Corrina, Rotta Nettie, Stopyra Laticia, Korzeniewski Theo, Wodecki Britany, Korsunsky Julia, Mccalip Dennise, Osifo Doris, Dobey E. Morgan, Habon X. Jeffrey, Krelle Y. Clair, Cadden Ingrid, Kajiwara I. Lynda, Lespron Veda, Trenner Olinda, Marchan Inga, Heno Concetta, Formato Belva, Siek Sally, Cicchese Sandie, Petranek Darline, Oeltjenbruns Grayce, Drushel U. Charity, Dilello T. Burl, Kvech Toby, Ortmann H. Iluminada, Stehli Oscar, Endreson Eric, Dubord Arnoldo, Zampogna Justa, Bonillas Lillia, Batovsky Lavette, Calantoni P. Laine, Jentzen Loma, Loucka Oscar, Wingerd Darnell, Mccarvill Joycelyn, Seims Claris, Amodio Roxane, Huerth H. Teddy
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