welsh surname Archives - Hall of Names

Finding the meaning of your surname

Jo Laver — Tue, 28 Mar 2023 08:48:37 +0000

Finding the meaning of your surname

Learning about the meaning and origins of your surname can be an exciting journey of discovery into your family history. Here are some steps you can take to find out all about the meaning of your surname. We hope you enjoy learning all about your history and please do share with us any of your exciting finds!

Where to start

A good place to start is with a basic internet search. For example, a simple Google search can provide a wealth of information about your surname. Type your surname into the search bar and see what comes up. You may find information on the surname’s origins, its meaning, and its historical context. Then you could move on to look up the surname’s etymology (which is a study of the origin and history of words). Several websites provide etymologies of surnames, including Ancestry and BehindTheName .These sites offer information on the origin of surnames, their meanings, and how they developed over time. Our own surname history scrolls can also be a good place to start, as they include all of the information collated together in one place. Plus of course, they make lovely artwork on the wall, with the associated coat of arms at the top.

Finding the meaning of your surname can be the start of a fascinating family history journey!

Further research

Research your family history is a fascinating and rewarding task that can reveal interesting results. Look up your family tree and see if you can find any clues about the origin of your surname. If you have a family member who has already traced your family history, ask them for any information they have about the meaning of your surname.

You can also check out surname dictionaries. Several dictionaries of surnames exist, which can provide in-depth information on the meaning of your surname. Some examples include A Dictionary of English Surnames by P.H. Reaney and R.M. Wilson and The Dictionary of American Family Names by Patrick Hanks.

Was there a coat of arms associated with the name?

You might also wonder if your name ever had a family crest or coat of arms associated with it. We can help! Our database of more than a million names reveals if there was ever a bearer of your surname with a coat of arms. This doesn’t mean it is your specific coat of arms, but that back in the mists of time, there was someone with your surname who used that heraldry. Plus we have a dictionary of heraldry symbols so you can find out what they all mean.

Was there a coat of arms or family crest for your surname?

Genealogy and DNA

It’s a good idea to consult with genealogical societies. Many genealogical societies specialise in researching family histories and may be able to provide information on the meaning of your surname. Check online for genealogical societies in your area or in the region where your surname is most prevalent. Plus, you can consider taking a DNA test. DNA testing can reveal more information about your ancestry, including the origin of your surname. Services like AncestryDNA and 23andMe can provide insights into your genetic makeup and help you trace your family history.

In conclusion, learning about the meaning of your surname can be a fascinating way to connect with your family history and uncover your ancestry. With the resources available today, there are many ways to explore the origins and meaning of your surname. To read more blog posts about tracing family history, click here to see the articles available. Please let us know how you get on! And of course, don’t forget to order your surname history scroll here if you’d like to make a quick start!

Click to order a coat of arms and surname history scroll.

The post Finding the meaning of your surname appeared first on Hall of Names.

Welsh Surnames

Jo Laver — Tue, 14 Mar 2023 14:20:07 +0000

Welsh surnames and their history are fascinating topics. Do you have a Welsh surname? If so, then read on to discover more.

Where Welsh surnames originate.

Wales has a rich history, and its names reflect this. The use of surnames in Wales became widespread in the 16th century, but it wasn’t until the 19th century that the practice became universal. Each name can provide clues about a person’s family history, as well as their geographic origins in Wales. Many are derived from personal names, occupations, and locations. For example:

Personal Names:

Many Welsh surnames are derived from personal names, such as “Jones” (from “John”), “Evans” (from “Ifan”), “Davies” (from “Dafydd”), and “Morgan” (from “Morcant”).

Occupations:

These often reflect occupations. For example, “Smith” (from “Gofynnwr” meaning “asker” or “inquirer”), “Cooper” (from “cwpwrdd” meaning “cupboard maker”), and “Weaver” (from “gwehydd” meaning “weaver”).

Locations:

Many Welsh surnames are also derived from locations. For example, “Powell” (from “ap Howell” meaning “son of Howell”), “Rhys” (from “ap Rhys” meaning “son of Rhys”), and “Lloyd” (from “llwyd” meaning “grey,” indicating a person who lived near a grey stone or hill).

Prefixes:

Interestingly, many Welsh surnames include the prefix “ap” or “ab,” meaning “son of.” For example, “Price” (from “ap Rhys”), “Pryce” (from “ap Rice”), and “Pritchard” (from “ap Richard”).

Welsh surnames are frequently derived from patronymic or matronymic systems, which is when the suffix ‘-s’ is added to the father’s or mother’s first name. For example, if a man named Evan has a son the son’s surname would be Evans. Names often include the prefix “ap” or “ab”, which means “son of”. For example, the surname “ap Rhys” means “son of Rhys”.

Celebrate your Welsh surname!

Is your Welsh surname one of the most popular?

The most common are Jones, Williams, Davies, Evans, and Thomas. Do you have one one of these surnames? Have you ever researched your own family history? We’d love to know! Many Welsh surnames have been anglicized over time, often due to the influence of English speakers or the need to conform to English naming conventions. For example, the Welsh surname “Llywelyn” became “Lewis” in English.

A few other interesting points

Welsh surnames often have meanings that reflect the language and culture of Wales, such as “Morgan” (sea-born) or “Gwyn” (white or fair).

Welsh surnames are often used as first names in Wales, such as “Gareth”, “Rhys”, and “Dylan”.

In some parts of Wales, it is still common for people to use their patronymic surnames rather than a fixed family name.

Wales has also been influenced by the Norman Conquest and English occupation, which is reflected in some Welsh surnames. For example, “Bridges” (from “Pritchard”) and “Lewis” (from “Ludovicus,” the Latin form of “Llywelyn”).

If you are considering visiting Wales, there are some fascinating sites to see. Have a look here for some inspiration!

Surnames can indicate which part of Wales the name originated from.

I hope you found this brief introduction to Welsh surnames and their history interesting! Please tell us your Welsh name! We will likely have its history on our database, and you’ll be able to order a copy here.

The post Welsh Surnames appeared first on Hall of Names.

welsh surname Archives - Hall of Names

Finding the meaning of your surname

Finding the meaning of your surname

Where to start

Further research

Was there a coat of arms associated with the name?

Genealogy and DNA

Share and Enjoy !

Welsh Surnames

Where Welsh surnames originate.

Is your Welsh surname one of the most popular?

A few other interesting points

Share and Enjoy !