Immigrants, upon arrival in a new country, often found that their name was difficult for others to spell or pronounce. In order to better fit in, many chose to simplify the spelling or otherwise alter their name to relate it more closely to the language and pronunciations of their new country.
How were names chosen in the past?
Surnames deriving from a place are probably the oldest and most common. They can be derived from numerous sources - country, town or estate - or from features in the landscape - hill, wood or stream. Many of these names, and their derivation are obvious, other less so.
When did people start having last names?
Family names came into use in the later Middle Ages (beginning roughly in the 11th century); the process was completed by the end of the 16th century.
Did people change their names in the 1800s?
A short history of name changing in the UK In the 18th and 19th centuries, and to a lesser extent before then, private Acts of Parliament and, more commonly, royal licenses were used for official changes of name but these methods were superceded in the 20th century by deeds poll.
How do I trace a name change?
First, you need to identify the county or counties where the person may have resided when they changed their name. Take your best guess based on what you know. For example, start with the county of their last known mailing address. Next, check with the clerk of court in the county or counties on which youve decided.
Why did Irish names drop the O?
In the 1600s, when English rule intensified, the prefixes O and Mac were widely dropped because it became extremely difficult to find work if you had an Irish sounding name. Occasionally, the wrong prefix was adopted, particularly adding an O when the original prefix was Mac.
How do you change your name without anyone knowing?
A: You will have to ask the court for special permission to get the name change without letting the other parent know. To do this, the judge will ask you to look for the other parent, and you have to look as hard as possible, asking friends and family and looking up public records.