318,531
edits
m
no edit summary
m (Text replacement - "|Names, Personal]]" to "|Personal Names]]") |
mNo edit summary |
||
| Line 6: | Line 6: | ||
| link5=[[France Names, Personal|Personal Names]] | | link5=[[France Names, Personal|Personal Names]] | ||
}} | }} | ||
Understanding surnames and given names can help you find and identify your ancestors in the records. | Understanding surnames and given names can help you find and identify your ancestors in the records. | ||
==Online Tools== | |||
== Surnames == | |||
Before the 1200s most people had only one name, such as John [Jean]. As the population increased, it became necessary to distinguish between individuals with the same name. The problem was usually solved by adding descriptive information. John became John the stout [Jean Le Gros] or John from the town of Dieulouard [Jean Dieulouard]. At first, "surnames" applied only to one person and not to the whole family. After a few generations, these names became hereditary and were used from father to son. | Before the 1200s most people had only one name, such as John [Jean]. As the population increased, it became necessary to distinguish between individuals with the same name. The problem was usually solved by adding descriptive information. John became John the stout [Jean Le Gros] or John from the town of Dieulouard [Jean Dieulouard]. At first, "surnames" applied only to one person and not to the whole family. After a few generations, these names became hereditary and were used from father to son. | ||
| Line 60: | Line 61: | ||
Janowowa, Wanda, et al. ''Sownik Imion (Dictionary of Names)''. Wroclaw, Germany: Ossoliski, 1975. (FHL book 940 D4si; film 1,181,578 item 2; fiche 6000839.) | Janowowa, Wanda, et al. ''Sownik Imion (Dictionary of Names)''. Wroclaw, Germany: Ossoliski, 1975. (FHL book 940 D4si; film 1,181,578 item 2; fiche 6000839.) | ||
== Given Names == | |||
Children were usually given two, three, four, or more given names. Some of these may be the names of parents or other relatives. Baptism names may be different from the names given in civil registration. They may not have been used later in the child's life. | Children were usually given two, three, four, or more given names. Some of these may be the names of parents or other relatives. Baptism names may be different from the names given in civil registration. They may not have been used later in the child's life. | ||