In Scotland, many surnames are connected to larger clans as what are called septs. A sept is a family or group of families who may not share the same surname as the clan chief but historically owed allegiance to the clan.

Septs were often smaller branches of a clan, families living in the same area, or households brought under the protection of a chief. This system allowed clans to grow, form alliances, and strengthen ties across regions.

For example, the MacLaren clan historically included septs such as McFarlane and McLachlan. These families were connected to the clan through loyalty, shared ancestry, or protection agreements, even if their surnames differed.

Why Septs Matter in Heraldry

Septs do not automatically have the legal right to the clan chief’s coat of arms. The Lord Lyon King of Arms grants arms to individuals, not surnames or clans. However, members of septs often use a crest badge or elements from the chief’s heraldic symbols to show their connection.

These badges may include:

• Crests from the chief’s arms
• Plants or heraldic symbols indicating allegiance or shared heritage
• Strap-and-buckle designs encircling the crest to show it belongs to the clan chief

This distinction is important: sept members can display a badge symbolically, but it does not give legal entitlement to the arms themselves.

Clan and Surname History Prints

Our Scottish Clan History Print is ideal for exploring the history of a clan, including its symbols, crest, and associated families. If your surname is actually the clan name, this print gives a full picture of your clan’s heritage and heraldic symbolism.

However, if your surname is a sept of a larger clan, the Clan History Print will show the history of the main clan rather than your surname specifically. In that case, the Coat of Arms and Surname History Print is the better choice. It focuses on the earliest recorded arms linked to your own surname, giving detailed history, symbolism, and context specific to your name.

Both prints are also available as digital downloads, so you can view, print, and share your surname heritage instantly—perfect for overseas customers or families wanting multiple copies.

Customer Experiences

Our prints are valued for both their historical detail and visual appeal. Jane said of the Coat of Arms and Surname History Print, “Such prompt service.” Malcolm added, “The quality and the history about the name is fantastic. Would recommend your company to anyone who is looking to find the history of their name.”

Sharing and Learning About Septs

Many customers enjoy sharing their surname and clan prints online with relatives. Our Facebook page is a great place to post images, share stories, or see how others display their clan and surname heritage.

For further reading on heraldry, symbolism, and Scottish history, explore our Heraldry Blog Posts.

Explore Your Scottish Surname Heritage

Whether your surname is a sept of a larger clan or a clan name itself, our range of prints gives you a detailed look at the earliest recorded coats of arms, crest symbolism, and clan connections. Browse our Digital Gifts Collection for convenient downloads or traditional prints to display at home.

The post Scottish Septs: Understanding How Some Surnames Belong to Larger Clans appeared first on Hall of Names.

Our customers often call us wishing to understand more about their surname history and if it ever had a coat of arms associated with it. In this case study, we look at the Palmer coat of arms. We look at its earliest-known family crest and coat of arms, plus the symbolism of its heraldry.

The Palmer Coat of Arms is a historical symbol of the family’s lineage and heritage. The coat of arms, also known as a ‘heraldic device’, was used in medieval times to identify a person’s rank, social status, and family history. (Read more about heraldry in one of our many blog posts here). The Palmer Coat of Arms is a prime example of how heraldry was used to signify a family’s lineage and social status. For the purposes of this blog, we are looking at the English version of the Palmer coat of arms. It’s worth noting that here are also versions that originated in Germany, Italy and Spain.

Colours on the Palmer coat of arms

The shield itself is divided into several sections or each containing the different symbols and colours. In the case of the Palmer coat of arms, the colours used are black and silver. The black, called ‘Sable’ on a coat of arms, likely signifies constancy (although it can also sometimes represent grief). Whereas the silver, known as ‘Argent’ in heraldry, denotes peace and sincerity. Read more about colours on coats of arms.

The trefoil as heraldic symbol

The trefoil, which is a stylized three-leaf clover, is a symbol which is placed in triplicate in both of the black lines on the Palmer coat of arms.  A trefoil represents the past, present and future. It is also often used as a symbol of fertility and abundance in heraldry. This is interesting as it is one of the major elements on the Palmer coat of arms. The trefoil is derived from the shamrock, which, according to legend, was chosen as an emblem of Ireland because it was used by St. Patrick to illustrate the concept of the Holy Trinity.

The Greyhound on the coat of arms

Above the shield, there is a helmet with a crest on top, which typically includes additional symbols or animals that represent the family. In the case of the Palmer family crest on its earliest coat of arms, the earliest family crest is a greyhound. Often people use the terms family crest and coat of arms interchangeably, but they are in fact distinct parts of the heraldry (read more here).

Motto

Below the shield, there might be a motto or phrase that represents the family’s values or history. These mottos are usually written in Latin, although they can also be in other languages. The purpose of a motto is to express the values or beliefs of the individual or organisation that the coat of arms represents. It can also serve as a rallying cry or a reminder of one’s heritage or identity.

Some mottos are simple and direct, while others are more poetic or philosophical. Regardless of their form, mottoes on coat of arms are an important part of heraldry and can provide insight into the history and culture of the particular individual.

The Palmer coat of arms has a motto which reads ‘Palma Virtuti’ which translates as ‘The palm is for virtue’.

Early migration

Our surname history scrolls give a highly detailed history of the actual Palmer surname including its early origins, any lands owned, spelling variations, migration to the new world and famous bearers of the name. For example, William Palmer arrived in Plymouth Massachusetts in 1621. If you’d like to know more about the information you can find on a coat of arms and surname history scroll, we have a useful blog post here.

Further research

If you are a Palmer family member conducting further research into your family’s origins, then it is always worth consulting specialist sites such as Ancestry who can help to piece together the information. Plus you can collaborate with other Palmer family members! Here are some top tips if you are trying to conduct family research.

Our top 5 tips for family research.

1. Start with what you know: Before diving into extensive research. It’s essential to start with what you know about your family history. Ask other Palmer family members, especially older ones, about their memories and any stories that have been passed down through the generations. Take note of names, dates, and locations.
2. Use online resources: There are numerous online resources available for family research, such as FamilySearch.org, and MyHeritage.com. These websites provide access to a wealth of historical records about the Palmer name. For example, these include census data, birth, marriage, and death certificates, and military records.
3. Look beyond the internet: While the internet is a great resource for family research, it’s important not to overlook other sources of information. Consider visiting local libraries, archives, and historical societies in person to access records and documents about the Palmer name. Such records may not be available online.
4. Be organised: Keeping track of all the information you gather can be overwhelming, so it’s important to be organised. Create a system for recording your findings, whether it’s a notebook or a computer program. And keep track of your sources so that you can easily refer back to them.
5. Join a genealogy society: This can be an excellent way to connect with other researchers and learn more about family research. These societies often have access to resources and expertise that can help you break through brick walls in your research.

Palmer coat of arms gifts

It’s worth noting that coats of arms are specific to individuals and families, so the exact design and elements of the Palmer coat of arms with a trefoil and a greyhound would depend on the particular Palmer family in question. If you’d like a special gift that celebrates the Palmer name, here are a few ideas to whet your appetite, although you can of course shop all here.

Coat of arms and surname history scroll

Double coat of arms scroll – to celebrate the marriage of a Palmer, displaying coats of arms of both partners.

Coat of arms shield – hand painted just for the Palmer family

Whisky tumblers – engraved with the Palmer coat of arms

Ceremonial sword – with the Palmer coat of arms on the pommel

These are of course just a few ideas – plenty more to choose from!  If we can help you in any way, please do get in touch. We are an independent business and are pleased to help with your enquiry. Happy shopping!

The post The Palmer Coat of Arms appeared first on Hall of Names.

Tracing Irish ancestry can be a challenging and rewarding process. And here at Hall of Names people often tell us stories about how they are tracing their Irish roots! We love to help with our Irish surname history scrolls. If you are hoping to start your journey of discovery into your Irish roots, then read on because here are some tips to get started! Plus, we’ve listed some of the most popular names, and you can see if your is on the list. In addition, there are links to other sites which you might find helpful.

Top five tips

1. Firstly, gather information from your family. Talk to your family members and gather as much information as you can about your Irish ancestors. Also, ask for names, dates, and locations of birth, marriage, and death. Plus, ask about any stories or traditions that have been passed down through the generations.
2. Secondly, research Irish records. Many Irish records are available online, including census records, birth, marriage and death records, and church records. The National Archives of Ireland and the Irish Family History Foundation are good places to start.
3. Then, explore immigration records. If your ancestors immigrated to another country, look for immigration records that may provide information about their place of origin in Ireland. For example, in America The Ellis Island website has a searchable database of immigrants who passed through Ellis Island.
4. Plus, Visit Ireland! If possible, visit Ireland and explore the places your ancestors lived. There are many genealogical societies and archives that can provide assistance and guidance for researching your Irish ancestry.
5. Alos, use DNA testing. DNA testing can provide clues about your Irish ancestry and help you connect with other relatives who may be researching the same family lines. Companies such as AncestryDNA, MyHeritage, and 23andMe offer DNA testing services.

Tracing your Irish ancestry is a fascinating and rewarding journey that connects you with your roots and helps you understand your family’s history and traditions. Some of Ireland’s prominent surnames have a fascinating history and it’s great to find out all about their roots. Of course, Irish surnames have a rich history and often reflect the country’s ancient Celtic and Gaelic cultures. Many Irish surnames are derived from clan or family names, patronymics, and toponyms (names that refer to a place or location). Here are a few examples of Irish surnames and their histories.

Popular Irish names

Here are just five of the most popular Irish names.

1. O’Connor – This surname means “descendant of Conchobhar” and is one of the most common surnames in Ireland. It originated from the Connacht region and was actually the name of a powerful Irish dynasty.
2. Murphy – This surname means “sea warrior” and is the most common surname in County Cork. It is thought to have originated from the Irish word “Murchadh” which means “sea warrior” or “sea battler.”
3. Kelly – This surname means “descendant of Ceallach” and is one of the most common surnames in Ireland. It is believed to have originated from a personal name meaning “strife” or “contention.”
4. Gallagher – This surname means “descendant of Gallchobhair” and is most common in the Ulster region. It is believed to have originated from a personal name meaning “foreign help” or “foreign support.”
5. O’Donnell – This surname means “descendant of Domhnall” and was the name of a powerful Irish clan. It is believed to have originated from a personal name meaning “world ruler” or “ruler of the world.”

Have you got a story?

These are just a few examples of the wide and varied history of Irish surnames. Many Irish surnames have interesting stories and legends associated with them. Therefore, tracing your family history can be a fascinating way to learn more about your Irish heritage. Have you traced the Irish roots of your name and ancestry? We’d love to hear all about it!

The post Irish ancestry and surnames appeared first on Hall of Names.

But first, surnames!

Don’t forget you can always search for your surname in the box at the top of this page, and order the history of your name and its earliest coat of arms here. The 1921 Census gives details, for people born outside the UK, or birth place and nationality. Many people were on the move in the post First World War world, and immigrants from Russia, Poland and France are particularly numerous on the 1921 Census. Those from Germany and Italy arrived in notable numbers too. Do you have a surname which may have originated from these places? Now, how to start searching

How to do a basic search of the 1921 Census

You’ll be pleased to learn that you do not need a subscription to Findmypast in order to use the 1921 Census on Findmypast. Also, you do not need to take out a 14 day free trial. You simply need to register with Findmypast, and then you can start searching. And you don’t need to pay until you find something of interest.

Note that when searching you are entering the year of birth, but the ‘Where’ field is not for place of birth. The ‘Where’ field is for you to enter the place in which you expect the person to be in 1921.

The search results give a detailed combination of facts to help you determine whether the entry is correct. Then, you might decide to buy a full transcription or the digitised image of the original page. This is an example of the search results below.

The details include: first name(s), last name, birth year and place of birth. Plus the name of the parish, registration district and county where the person was living in 1921.

How to do an advanced search of the 1921 Census

The advanced search provides numerous fields that you may use to narrow down your search results. For instance, just adding an occupation can narrow down the list of possible search results to a much more manageable number. Equally, do you know that your person was single, married or widowed at the time? Be sure to apply the filter for their marital status. Simple things such as this can help you hone in on your person in the 1921 census.

Once you have found a search result of interest, to find out more, payment for the transcription or digitised image is required.

What can you see once you’ve paid

The prices are £2.50 to purchase the transcription and £3.50 for the digitised image. (Pro subscribers to Findmypast receive a 10% discount on these prices; regular subscribers receive no discount).

Make sure you’ve got all that you’ve paid for

In addition to the household image, the £3.50 fee includes the front of the census form (on which you’ll find the address). And it also includes the cover of the form (on which you will find the series and piece number). Plus, there are contemporary maps, details and plans of division. These comprise details similar to the enumerator’s description in earlier census returns. To find the image of the front and the image of the cover, whilst looking at the household image page click on ‘Extra (Address)’. This is found near the bottom right-hand corner of the window. Note: The address is found on the image of the front of the form, not on the household image page. (Which we are used to expect from the 1911 Census of England and Wales for instance).

How to do an address search on the 1921 census

From the basic search, select the green tab to search by address. Then, enter the street name and location. From the list of search results, select a street and click through to reveal a list of house names or house numbers. This can be a useful way of determining how many households were living at an address. To find out more, payment for a transcription or image is required.

Note that the addresses may search for in the 1921 Census of England and Wales include institutions, ships and places in the Isle of Man and the Channel Islands.

How to use RD codes to help identify a place

For instance, you can use the Registration District and Sub-District code to work out a county name if this has not been included on your set of household census images. Find a list of Registration District and Sub-District codes here.

How to search the 1921 census by an occupation

Search by the occupation that you think your ancestor may have had. Use the occupation codes to help determine the sector they may have worked in. Explore the list of coded occupations for other roles in their sector which may be useful to learn about. You may of course have a specialist interest in a certain occupation, and again an exploration of the occupations and their codes may help in this respect.

• Occupation codes (in green) can be found here.

How to view some transcribed details in the 1921 census without paying for a transcription

From your list of search results hover over the transcript icon. The first names of two other people in the household are displayed, in addition to the name you have searched on. You can repeat your search using these two other names in turn (adding in their age, marital status, birth place etc if you know it). In this way you will gradually piece together a fuller list of the first names of the other people in the house. This will help you determine whether this is your family, and if so whether you wish to buy the full transcription or image.

Remember too that when you buy a census image that transcribed hover text is available to view too.

With a transcription purchase you get transcribed details for everyone in the household. Plus, you also get additional details for the subject of your search.

How to learn more about the 1921 Census

A Vision of Britain provides access to the General Report of the 1921 Census for England and Wales, with key topics and tables usefully bookmarked.

How to add to your family research

We are grateful to Helen Tovey, Editor of Family Tree Magazine for providing these expert tips for searching the 1921 census. If you are looking for a gift for a family historian, we have just the gift! Check out our full range of surname gifts or to find out about your surname and its related coat of arms or our genealogy alphabet, an alphabet for family research.

The post Search Tips for the 1921 Census appeared first on Hall of Names.

Of all the surnames on the Titanic, our customers are often amazed to discover that their own name featured on the ill-fated ship. Our recent Facebook post highlighted some amazing family stories from our own customers, who had ancestors on the Titanic. We are thrilled to share them here with you.

How we made our customers’ discoveries

We often share our blog posts on our Facebook page, and recently shared an article about passengers on the Titanic. This post prompted a great response, because The Titanic remains a source of fascination to many. Similarly, whenever we ask customers about their surnames, they often want to know if it features on the Titanic passenger list. We asked: ‘Was anyone with your surname on the Titanic?’

Of the many replies we received, there were two that certainly got our team talking. When we read Margaret Coles’ comment, we obviously knew we had to investigate further. She said ‘Our Gran’s family ‘Sage’, 11 family members perished’.

How did we investigate the surname Sage?

In the first instance, we immediately checked the surname history scroll for the name Sage to see if our own records showed the surname on the Titanic. For example, we hoped it might mention one or two of the family members.

In fact, it mentioned all of the eleven family members on board the Titanic. Knowing this, we knew we would also be able to find out more about them. So, we followed the link from our own blog to a Titanic website which lists passengers. Amazingly, we not only managed to find every single one of the family members there, but also found that some of the surnames even had accompanying images.

When we checked with Margaret, she said that she’d only discovered the family tragedy last year, as her brother is undertaking family research. Margaret mentioned a book she had read called ‘Women and Children First’, which showed a beautiful photograph of the Sage family. We provided a link to their specific biographies, which are both fascinating and heart-breaking. Theirs is just one of the many tragic stories of the surnames on the Titanic.

Who were the Sage Family?

Margaret’s eleven ancestors boarded the Titanic in Southampton, as third-class passengers. Their full names were as follows, plus their ages. The parents are at the top of the list:

John George , aged 44

Annie Elizabeth, aged 44

Elizabeth Ada, aged 10

Dorothy Florence, aged 14

Stella Anne, aged 20

Douglas Bullen, aged 18

Constance Gladys, aged 7

Anthony William, aged 12. The only family member whose body was recovered.

George John, aged 19

Frederick, aged 16

Thomas Henry, aged 5

It is heartbreaking to think of the fear that the family must have all experienced as the Titanic struck the iceberg and began to sink.

Why were the Sage family on the Titanic?

In transpires that the Sage family are very well documented and that there are many online resources that tell the story of their family on the Titanic. Looking into the Sage surname, we discovered that the family were from London. The father of the family was John George Sage and he had married Annie Elizabeth Cazaly. They had nine surviving children by the time they sailed on the Titanic.

The family was relocating to Jacksonville, Florida where John planned to grow pecan nuts. Some reports say that daughter, Stella, reached a lifeboat but got out when the rest of her family could not join her. Very sadly, the entire family of eleven perished. Only the body of son Anthony William was recovered (by the ship CS Mackay-Bennett, the first ship contacted by the White Star line to recover bodies). Of course, it is well-documented that many third-class passengers perished. When we asked Margaret what she knew about the family she said ‘My brother Peter messaged me one day a couple of years ago and told me all about it. I was amazed as our Great Grandmother, whose name was Sage, never spoke about it…’

We are extremely grateful to Margaret for allowing us to share the tragic story of her ancestors on board the Titanic.

To view details of the Sage family or search for your own surname on the third class passenger list of the Titanic, click here.

Our second Titanic Story

We were already excited to discover all about the Sage family, we were similarly intrigued by Joanna Maria Pazos Stead’s comment. Joanna mentioned that she had an ancestor called William Thomas Stead and that he had perished on the Titanic. We just had to find out more and certainly had to follow up o this intriguing story. Again, our first port of call was to look at our own surname history scroll for the name Stead. It confirmed that William was on board the liner, and that he was aged 62, a first-class passenger from London.

Who was William Thomas Stead?

We went back to the passenger list, this time looking at first class passengers and in particular the surname Stead on board the Titanic. For example it was thrilling to discover a photograph of William, and we shared this with Joanna. She confirmed that it was definitely her ancestor and even said ‘he looks like my father and my grandfather’!

Desperate to know more, we asked Joanna if she knew of any further information. She explained that her Great Grandfather had told her Grandfather that William had doubts about boarding the Titanic before it even set sail. ‘He was very uneasy about the trip. He was also a medium but better known as a journalist. The only thing I have is word of mouth really’. If you would like to read more, the Titanic’s first-class passenger list contains a full and fascinating biography of Stead.

Also, confirming Joanna’s comments about Stead’s doubts, ‘The Vintage News’ website states that he had eerily written a short story called “How the Mail Steamer Went Down in Mid Atlantic, by a Survivor,” which was published in the Pall Mall Gazette in March of 1886. We are very grateful to Joanna for highlighting her ancestor’s story.

Finding our more

If you would like to discover more about your own surname, then you can order your own coat of arms and surname history print here. For those of you with a specific interest in news reports of the Titanic, there are many websites to choose from, but we found the Encyclopedia Titanica to be extremely comprehensive.

Can you help with information about your family surname on the Titanic?

Do you know of any family members that were on board the Titanic? We would love it if you could share your photographs and stories with us. Plus, you could be adding information to an important national record! You can either comment on this post, call us on 01984 632120 or email jo@hallofnames.org.uk

The post Surnames on the Titanic – Part 1 appeared first on Hall of Names.

Family research is such a rewarding pastime and you could discover fascinating details about the lives of your ancestors. It can be hard to know where to start, so we have compiled our top ten tips to help you on your journey of family discovery.

1. Start by working backwards!

Do you have a specific known fact, such as the date of a birth or marriage? If so, it can be much easier to work back from this, rather than to try and trace details about a person you know little or nothing about. In this way, you will be working with ‘knowable facts’ in the first instance. Then you can fill in the gaps as your search progresses.

2. Ask questions of your relatives.

Do your family members know much about their ancestry? If you are not sure, then ask! For example, another family member might know family stories and anecdotes that reveal interesting details. You could discover about an ancestor’s occupation, or even what they looked like. In this way, you can quickly start to form a picture of what that ancestor’s life was like.

Who knows what you might find! Even insignificant details can help you build a better picture of your ancestors. It is important to record information such as documents and photographs. By doing this, you will start to form a coherent record. Plus, it makes it easier for future generations to understand more about their ancestry.

3. Take notes

You never know what information will come in handy. With this in mind, it is important take notes in the course of your family research. By doing this, nothing will get missed or forgotten and you will have a proper record of what you have looked for and discovered.

4. Don’t reinvent the wheel

Is there anyone else in your family doing research? Before you start, ask other family members if they have done any research into your ancestors. This could save you duplicating what has already been discovered. Plus, it will save your valuable time. Furthermore, you’ll be able to direct your efforts into finding details that have been hitherto hidden.

5. Further reading

Don’t forget, there are a lot of great publications to help you with your family research. If you visit any large newsagent, you will see the shelves full of magazines for the family history enthusiast. Your local library is also a good place to find books about tracing your family tree. Furthermore, they may have local history books that can fill you in on important details of your local area.  For example, you could find out more about the area in the time that your ancestor was alive. You could discover what life was like, what the area looked like from old photographs. It will all help you to build a picture of your ancestor’s life.

6. Using the internet

Many records can now be found online, so do a bit of research into what you can find and where. Sites such as Find My Past and Ancestry are popular. You can also purchase copies of relevant documents and upload photographs to an online family tree. Some census information is available online for free and can be useful in finding our all about your ancestors.

7. Meet other family historians

Is there a local family history society or club that you could join? It is incredibly helpful to talk to others that are taking a similar journey. They may be able to share tips and ideas that you had not considered. For example, libraries sometimes run sessions for family historians. Check out what is available to you locally and you could benefit from the information sharing. Plus, you might be able to help others with your ideas and make new friends!

8. Documentary evidence

There are hundreds of records that you can search through and it is difficult to know where to start.  Birth, marriage and death records are incredibly useful documents. Also, census records can be fascinating, showing you where a person lived, who they were related to, and their occupation at the time of the census. Freecen is a great site and doesn’t cost a penny.  Other documents to look at include church records, military service records, criminal records, newspapers and many others.

9. Focus on your aims!

Any family historian will tell you that it is very easy to get side-tracked and go down ‘rabbit holes’, deviating from the original purpose of your family research. While this can be enjoyable and interesting, it can make you lose sight of your original aims. Try to stay focused!

10. Add colour to your research!

Facts on their own can be very dry. For example, you might discover that your ancestor worked ‘below stairs’ at a grand house. But what does that information tell you? Add in those extra details. What would wages have been? What would life have been like on an average day? What clothes would he or she have worn? These interesting details can make a huge difference, when building a picture of life in the time of your ancestor. You could also add a colour coat of arms to your file.

Finding out about the surname history itself also adds extra background to your family research. Although a surname history will not tell you about your own specific family tree, it can tell you an awful lot! For example, you will discover fascinating details about the name, including the earliest coat of arms relating to a bearer of the name. Plus, you will find out where the name was first found, spelling variations, convicts sent to Australia, passengers on the Titanic and much more. Furthermore, there is a full bibliography on the reverse, which will give you idea for your own family research.

Happy discovering!

The post Family research: Our top tips appeared first on Hall of Names.

Starting history of family names surnames search

At the top of each page of our website, you will see a ‘family name search’ facility. Just type your surname into the box, and an excerpt from the surname’s history will be revealed. Plus, it will give a description of the coat of arms that was first associated with a bearer of the name. (To see more information browse our collection of heraldry blogs).

Your history of family names surnames scroll will give a lot of background information for you to read. In this way, you have a historical context, relating to the time that your chosen surname originated. For instance, it might feature information about the dark ages or the fall of the monasteries.  All of this enables you to picture the time when your name first came into usage. If you’d like to read more about tracing your specific family tree, then we have a selection of blogs that you might find useful. Other sites, such as Find My Past can help you on your journey of family discovery.

Did the apple fall far from the tree?

One of the things you will discover on a surname history scroll is where the name originated. Each print gives you a brief synopsis of where your surname was originally found. For example, you might discover that your surname was of anglo-saxon origin, or that it originated in France. Here at Hall of Names, we often speak to customers that are on a journey of family research, and they are interested to learn more about their surname meaning. Many are really surprised to hear that they live in the same area where the surname was first found many hundreds of years ago!

Butcher, baker or candlestick maker?

Did you know that surnames can broadly be categorised into one of four groups as follows? Have a look at the following list to find out what sort of surname yours is.

1. Topographical / geographical surnames.

This is where a surname relates to a particular area, and are quite easy to distinguish. For example the name ‘Townsend’ which literally means a dweller at the end of a town. Such surnames are more commonly found in the South East and relatively few in the North.

2. Patronymic surnames.

This type of surname that is handed down from father to son and often has the suffix ‘son’ attached to a baptismal name. For example, this is the case with the name ‘Johnson’. Such surnames are a very clear way of conveying lineage. Sometimes a patronymic surname may simply be the father’s given name, for example ‘Edwards’. Plus, the name could include variants of the given baptismal name. In this way, we see names such as Richardson, Dickson, and Dixon, all from the baptismal name Richard. Furthermore, some of these types of surname have the prefix ‘Fitz’ from the old Norman French ‘fis’, meaning son. Examples of such names are commonplace (Fitzgerald, Fitzherbert, Fitzpatrick and many more) and these are often found in very old families.

3. Occupational surnames.

Nowadays, occupational surnames are very commonly found, for example Baker, Taylor, Smith and so on. Sometimes it can be difficult to establish if a name is topographical or occupational. For example, the surname Hall could mean someone who loved at the hall, or worked in it. Nowadays, some of these surnames have become rare as the trades died out many generations ago, and the names were not inherited.

4. Descriptive surnames.

Such surnames usually referred to the bearer’s physical characteristics, for example ‘Wise’ or ‘Strong’. Our surname history scrolls normally make reference to the type of surname.You can discover more about these four surname types in ‘Discover the hidden meaning behind surnames’. Our blog ‘Surnames and how they originated’ also provides further information.

Spelling variations

Did you know that historically, it was common for names to be spelled just how they sounded? For example, even the famous playwright Shakespeare’s name has been found with a variety of spellings. You will find out the variety of spelling variations for your own surname on our printed scrolls.

Skeletons in the cupboard?

Did bearers of your surname ever have a brush with the law? Our surname histories reveal the hidden secret of the name! Were any bearers of your name sent to the penal colonies? Crimes could be as insignificant (to modern eyes) as poaching, and yet punishments were harsh. People were sentenced for trivial or dubious offences to generate cheap labour. During the period between 1788 and 1868, 165,000 convicts were transported to Australia.  Read more about transportation here.

Fascinating details

The researchers at our Canadian HQ have spent more than forty years collating information from a wide variety of sources. You can read the full list of these on the bibliography, which you can find on the reverse of your surname history scroll. All sorts of records have been used, and we are able to tell you lots of details you might not know about your surname. For example, any lands owned by bearers on your surname, and even passengers on the Titanic!

Further information on the history of family names surnames

Order your own surname history scroll. If you would like to read more about the different types of surnames, the surname studies website has some useful information. There are, of course, many useful sites out there for the family history enthusiast, wanting to know more about a specific family. For example, Find My Past will allow you access to all sorts of records. These could tell you if bearers of your name were in service, or perhaps were war heroes. Parish, census and military records are all available for you to start your individual journey of family discovery.

Have you undertaken family research and discovered anything surprising in your ancestors’ lives? Let us know your stories and tips!

The post History of family names surnames appeared first on Hall of Names.

A spokesperson for Visit Scotland just how easy it can be to trace your Scottish ancestry. “Family history is very accessible in Scotland. The records and archives of births, marriages, deaths, burials and many more aspects of daily life here in Scotland are acknowledged as being among the most comprehensive in the world. Our handy guide will point you in the right direction to begin your fascinating ancestral journey of discovery.”

Nothing will bring your Scottish ancestry to life more than actually visiting Scotland itself, to walk in the footsteps of your forbears. To help you with your research, the Visit Scotland guide focuses on key steps in your journey. To summarise, these steps are outlined in this article. Naturally you will want to read the guide in full, which we highly recommend. Plus the many other useful resources on Visit Scotland’s website.

Getting started

This section has some top tips and useful advice to help you start your journey of discovery. It also has hints and suggestions about how to record the information you discover.

Using the Scotland’s People Website

The Visit Scotland guide gives some great advice on how to get started with your online research, by using the ‘Scotland’s People’ website.

Online resources

There is a wealth of online advice available for the Scottish ancestry enthusiast, and the guide gives some great advice on where you can look.

Research in Scotland

If you are planning a trip to Scotland, to extend your research, the Visit Scotland guide has some great suggestions for you. For example, there is information about the Kirk session records, libraries, societies, archives and family history centres.

Experience the life your ancestors may have lived

Visit Scotland’s guide has some fantastic inspiration when it comes to following in the footsteps of your forbears. For example, you’ll learn all about the ways in which Scotland has changed over the centuries. Plus, discover all about tartans, clans, and castles.

Events and links

You’ll discover everything you need to know about special events, plus places to stay to ensure you enjoy your visit. There are also plenty of useful links to help you on your Scottish ancestral journey.

Discover the history of your surname or clan name 

Here at Hall of Names, we specialise in surname scrolls and clan history scrolls, and love to help our customers learn all about their Scottish roots. For example, we have blog articles to help you plan a clan gathering or learn all about your Scottish surname. We highly recommend the Visit Scotland site as the place to start your own journey of family discovery. And if you’d like to order a print to learn all about your own surname, just type the name into the family name search at the top of this page. You will discover if we have the name, and we can arrange delivery of your own surname scroll.

Have you learnt anything about your own Scottish roots? Please do share your special stories with us! Discover A Brief History of Scotland. 

The post Your Scottish ancestry appeared first on Hall of Names.

Our researchers have been looking into surnames for more than 40 years, and there is a bibliography of their sources on the reverse of your print. In this way, you can consult the texts yourself, if you wish to conduct further research. Find out more about our surname history research here. Plus, each scroll contains information about the heraldry associated with your chosen name. So let’s start from the top!

Your surname history scroll

Top ten facts you could discover!

1. Where did the name originate?

The surname history print gives a brief synopsis of where your chosen surname was originally found. For example, you might discover that your surname was of anglo-saxon origin, or that it originated in France.

2. What type of surname is it?

Surnames can broadly be categorised into one of four groups. The first of these is topographical / geographical. This is where a surname relates to a particular area, and are quite easy to distinguish. For example the name ‘Atwood’ meaning ‘at the wood’. The second type of surname is Patronymic, which means a name that is handed down from father to son, for example Johnson.

The third type of surname is occupational, for example Baker. Lastly, there are descriptive surnames which usually referred to the bearer’s physical characteristics, for example ‘Wise’ or ‘Strong’. Our surname history scrolls normally make reference to the type of surname.You can discover more about these four surname types in ‘Discover the hidden meaning behind surnames’. Our blog ‘Surnames and how they originated’ also provides further information.

3. A historical perspective

Your surname history scroll will give a lot of  background information for you to read. This is to provide a historical context relating to the time that your chosen surname originated. For instance, it might feature information about the dark ages or the fall of the monasteries.  All of this enables you to picture the time when your name first came into usage.

4. Spelling variations

Historically, it was common for names to be spelled just how they sounded. For example, even the famous playwright Shakespeare’s name has been found with a variety of spellings. You will find out the variety of spelling variations for your own surname.

5. Early bearers of the name

By consulting historical texts, our researchers find the early bearers of the name and this often goes back to the 1100s.

6. Lands owned

You will also discover if bearers of your surname held any lands or titles in the early days. It’s fascinating stuff. You’ll learn where they lived and died. Oddly enough, we often find that people making enquiries about their surname history, still live in an area of its early origin. Sometimes the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree!

7. Migration to the new world

You will discover all about migration to the new world, of some of the bearers of your name. This will include areas of early settlement and dates. We have many blog articles about migration, which you can select from here.

8. Passengers on the Titanic or Australian convicts

Your surname history scroll reveals if there were passengers on board the Titanic bearing your surname. If there were, you’ll find out whether or not they survived the tragic sinking of the ship. Plus, you’ll learn which lifeboat they escaped in, if they were a fortunate survivor. Of equal interest is whether or not bearers of the name were transported to the penal colonies. Often, this transportation was for minor offences, and treatment was often brutal. To read more about transportation, click here.

9. Notable bearers of the name.

People always love to discover that they share their surname with another person who is famous for their achievements. Our surname history scroll lists notable bearers of the name, with dates of birth and death if applicable. Who shares your surname?

10. Motto translation

If there is a motto relating to the earliest coat of arms for your surname, we feature it at the end of the scroll. For example, mottoes are often written in Latin, or Gaelic. Read more about mottoes.

Further to the above, we feature the earliest coat of arms relating to a bearer of your name at the top of the scroll. This appears in full colour, true to heraldic standards. We have a wide variety of blog articles about heraldry, which will hopefully be useful and interesting for you. Click here for more information. If you would like to order a scroll all about your own surname, click here . They are available in a choice of four frames, and also make great gifts. Does your family name have a Coat of Arms?  Read our article here.

We hope you have enjoyed finding out what you can discover on a surname history scroll. Have you ordered form us before? What did you discover? We’d love to hear your stories! For some inspiration gift ideas, visit our shop for gifts that will definitely impress your loved one!

The post Top ten facts you’ll discover on a surname history scroll appeared first on Hall of Names.