familyname

A family name, also called a surname or last name, is a part of a personal name that identifies a person as belonging to a particular family. It is typically inherited from one generation to the next and shared by members of the same kin group.

Origins and development vary by culture. Surnames arose in many regions to distinguish individuals with common given names. In Europe, fixed hereditary surnames generally emerged between the 11th and 16th centuries and often derive from an ancestor’s occupation (Smith), location (Hill), descriptor (Strong), or patronymic lineage (Johnson). In East Asia, family names are traditionally written and often placed before given names, with some cultures emphasizing patrilineal descent. In Iceland, names are mainly patronymic or matronymic, formed from a parent’s given name with suffixes such as -son or -dóttir.

Types and patterns. Surnames can be patronymic or matronymic, locational, occupational, or descriptive. Naming conventions vary widely: in many Western societies, the surname is fixed and inherited; in Spanish-speaking regions, individuals commonly carry two family names from both parents; in Iceland, naming patterns reflect immediate parentage rather than a long-standing family line. Marital and legal changes can alter or add surnames, including hyphenated forms or gender-based naming reforms in some countries.

Usage and significance. Surnames function as a primary identifier in official records and genealogical research, helping trace ancestry and family connections. Global migration and intercultural marriages have increased surname diversity and complexity, prompting ongoing evolution in naming practices. Common examples include Smith, Nguyen, Garcia, Kim, and Singh.