Picking Out Patterns - Family Tree Magazine

Gift Subscription\|Subscribe\|Current Issue\|Article Index\|Family Tree Kids\|Contact Us\|Customer Service

February 2012 Issue

Subscribe Now

Give a Gift Subscription

View this Issue Online

Buy this Issue

The full text of this article is available to Plus members only.

For full access to all of our articles, please Join or Log In.

Not a Plus Member?

Picking Out Patterns

9/14/2011

By Barbara Krasner-Khait

Surnames developed different ways in various regions and countries, but all tend to fall into one of four categories. Use these tips to decipher your family's monikers.

Patronymic Names

Virtually every culture had some form of patronymic naming system, though some, especially in areas such as Ireland, Wales, Spain and the Scottish highlands, used it more than others. These are common clues to patronymic names:

To continue reading this article

Share |

BOOKMARK PRINT EMAIL

Did you enjoy this article? Please share it!

Recent Blog Posts »

Recent Articles »

View RSS feed

Special Offers from
Family Tree Magazine

Discover your German ancestors with our Ultimate German Research Collection! The kit includes a course, ebook, CD and download packed with practical advice for overcoming the challenges of tracing your German ancestors in America and in the old country.

Save 20% on February Family Tree University Courses with promotion code FTU0212.

Take part in our Tennessee Genealogy Crash Course, where renowned genealogist and Tennessee records expert J. Mark Lowe will share his special tips and techniques for finding your ancestors in the Volunteer State.

MAGAZINES:	Family Tree Magazine\|Writer's Digest\|The Artist's Magazine\|Horticulture
BOOKS:	Shop Family Tree \|MyCraftivity Store\|Everything.com
CORPORATE:	F+W Media\|Career Opportunities