Click on a letter to display all names beginning with that alphabet.
See our recent articles on the origins of first and last names, as well as information on genealogy.
Introduction First names have always played a crucial role in French culture. Since medieval times, first names in France have evolved according to religious, royal and political influences...
Introduction Surnames in Switzerland reflect the country's complex, multicultural history. They are invaluable markers of the geographical origins, occupations and distinctive traits of...
Introduction Family names in France, also known as patronyms, are a precious historical heritage. First appearing around the 11th century, these names have become essential for distinguishing...
Introduction First names in Switzerland reflect the country's cultural diversity, marked by four national languages (German, French, Italian, Romansh) and a rich multicultural history. Swiss-German first names In...
The origins of surnames go back to the Middle Ages, when there was a growing need to
to differentiate individuals.
At this time, populations were growing and baptismal names were often repeated.
To avoid confusion, nicknames were gradually attributed to individuals, and became the first family names.
became the first family names.
Among the most common surnames are those linked to the professions practiced by the
ancestors.
For example, names like Baker, Miller or Blacksmith reflect their ancestors' professions.
ancestors.
Many family names have their origins in the place where their ancestors lived. These surnames may derive from the names of villages, regions or geographical features.
Par exemple, le nom Dupont pourrait indiquer une personne vivant à proximité d’un pont, tandis que Lefèvre pourrait se traduire par ” celui qui habite près d’une forêt”.
ome family names have their origins in nicknames associated with the physical appearance or character traits of ancestors. Names like Petit, Legrand or Lebrun are good examples of this phenomenon.
To find out more about the origin and history of your own family name, you can explore genealogical archives, parish registers and other historical documents.
Specialized genealogy sites also provide valuable resources to help you with your research.
Understanding the origin of your family name allows you to :
In short, studying the origins of family names offers valuable insights into our family history and heritage. It's a fascinating journey that helps us better understand our past and strengthen family ties.
Changing one's name or surname can be motivated by a variety of reasons, such as adopting a name that better matches one's personal identity, or turning the page on a difficult past. First names given at birth can often reflect the geographical origins, cultural beliefs or personal preferences of the parents. To better understand the meanings, origins and implications of each first name, it may be useful to consult a specialized guide.
When choosing a first name, it's crucial to consider personal tastes as well as the potential positive and negative attributes of the first name to ensure that it suits the child's personality and future aspirations. In addition, exploring the origins of surnames can offer valuable insights into family history and its influence on first-name choices across generations.
The importance of the geographical origin of names
The origins of surnames date back to the Middle Ages, a period marked by population growth and frequent repetition of first names. Faced with this situation, it became necessary to differentiate individuals more precisely.
To solve this problem, nicknames began to be assigned to people, initially serving to distinguish individuals. Over time, these nicknames evolved into what we know today as the first family names.
In many countries, the rules for passing on family names vary considerably. In Russia, for example, children traditionally take the father's surname. In Greece, children also take the father's surname, although parents may choose to pass on the mother's surname or a combination of the two.
Since 2006 in Luxembourg, parents can choose to give their child the name of the father, the mother, or a combination of the two. In Spain, a legitimate child receives the names of both parents, thus uniting the two family lines. In England and Wales, parents are free to choose the surname to pass on to their legitimate child.
In Germany and Denmark, a legitimate child takes the parents' common surname. If the parents have no common surname, they must choose which of the two names will be passed on to the child. In Sweden, parents can also choose between the father's name, the mother's name, or a combination of the two.
En Islande, les noms de famille ne sont pas couramment utilisés ; au lieu de cela, les enfants reçoivent un patronyme ou matronyme basé sur le prénom de l’un de leurs parents, suivi de “son” ou “dóttir”. En Grèce, les enfants portent généralement le nom de famille du père, mais les parents peuvent également choisir de transmettre le nom de la mère ou une combinaison des deux.
In France, the law of March 4, 2002, published in the Journal Officiel of March 5, 2002 and effective January 1, 2005, reformed the transmission of family names. This law now allows the transmission of the mother's name, the father's name, or a combination of the two, offering greater flexibility and equality in the choice of surnames.
