Search results for: “clan history”
Your Scottish ancestry
Are you tracing your Scottish ancestry? Over the centuries, thousands of Scots emigrated to countries around the world in search of a fresh start or the chance to make their fortunes. Today people across the globe can trace their roots back to Scotland. Our friends at Visit Scotland have published a fantastic online guide to…
Find Hall of Names at these Christmas events!
We’re at these Christmas events, shows and fairs. Looking for Christmas events? You may be aware that Hall of Names surname histories are sold at many top historic attractions. But did you know you can also visit us at shows and Christmas events? Our blog page has many articles about the fantastic locations where our…
How Do We Research Your Surname Meanings and Coat of Arms?
Our History Our expertise lies in creating surname history scrolls for you to display and enjoy. We have more than a million surnames and their associated coats of arms on our database, and in this article, we explain just how this research into surname meanings has been carried out. It’s a massive undertaking and…
Your Guide To Scottish Surnames
Scottish Surnames have a long and often troubled past. The Romans name it Caledonia, the Gaels called it Alba, but today it’s known as Scotland, a country with a rich and complex history. After surviving many invasions and battles over the centuries, it’s only apt that Scottish surnames have a complicated but intriguing background. So…
Hall of Names Joins TripAdvisor
Hall of Names has officially joined TripAdvisor, and we’d love to hear from the people who have visited our shop in Dunster. Since opening our doors in this beautiful medieval village, we have welcomed visitors from across the UK and around the world. Many arrive while exploring Dunster’s historic streets, while others seek us out…
Why Do People Change Their Surnames?
Categories: Tracing Family History
Why do people change their surnames? The reasons are surprisingly varied. Some surnames change through migration, marriage or adoption, while others evolve because of spelling variations, clerical errors or personal choice. Many people assume surnames remain unchanged throughout history. In reality, family names often develop and evolve over generations, creating the fascinating variety of surnames…
Top 10 Personalised Gifts for Autumn 2025
Categories: Blog
Personalised Gifts for Autumn 2025: Our Top 10 Picks Personalised gifts for autumn are the perfect way to mark seasonal celebrations, birthdays, or simply show someone you care. Here at Hall of Names in West Somerset, the changing leaves of the Quantock Hills are a daily reminder that autumn has arrived — and with it,…
Tracing the Surnames of Open Championship Golf Legends
Tracing the Surnames of Open Championship Golf Legends isn’t just about honouring golfing greatness—it’s about uncovering the history behind the names. At Hall of Names, we believe that every surname tells a story, whether it’s engraved on a crystal family crest decanter or simply passed down through generations of a proud family. As golf’s oldest…
Wimbledon Winners and Their Surnames: Tracing the Legacy
Wimbledon Winners and Their Surnames: Tracing the Legacy reveals that the magic of Wimbledon lies not only in the matches played, but in the stories behind the names. At Hall of Names, we explore the rich surname histories and family coats of arms of sporting champions—and the fans who cheer them on. A Tournament of…
Coat of Arms Wallet
Personalised Coat of Arms Wallet A classic gift that brings heritage into everyday use, this coat of arms wallet is a truly unique and meaningful gift, perfect for anyone proud of their roots. Crafted from black faux leather with contrasting brown stitching, it features the earliest recorded coat of arms for your chosen surname, making…
