Where can I find accurate information on the origin of my last name if it is not very common?

Answer 1

Hey Yaya,

The fact that is not common is both good and bad. It will be easier to focus on, but less people would be interested. Try going back through your ancestry. In this case, you just follow the Sir name line, that is easier than filling in your entire family tree. Your research should be done with records, and you will see how names evolve. For example people came to this country through Ellis island, may have had very long exotic last names. When they said their name to the immigration department, what ever they heard they wrote, without verification. That 'Americanized' many peoples names. Without knowing your last name, it is difficult to get specific on how to look, but below are the common places to start. Maybe you just want to use the first site below, this would be the quick and easy answer.

Answer 2

Research back to find out what the original name was. Then figure out which country they emigrant ancestor came from and find a professor at a college who teaches that language or is an expert in the history of that country and ask for information.

I honestly have found History professors are so excited to be called for information on the countries they're experts in because it shows that people appreciate their research. I've had professors from the University of Vermont, Northwestern, Loyola of Chicago, University of Michigan and Wayne State University all very happily help me with research questions like this. I couldn't even find the correct spelling on a name and a professor from Vermont told me what it was and which town in Canada to look for information...and he was right on the mark. So it's an option that's definitely worth a try.

Answer 3

Another piece of advice. Try alternate spellings of the name. Last names get misspelled frequently . An ancestor may even change the spelling for a variety of reasons.
Example: Smith could be Smyth or Smythe, or Smit and all come from the same ancestors.

Answer 4

Put in a search with your last name and see what comes up. Also The Church of the Latter Day Saints has done genealogies on many families and is reported to have the largest data base, so you can try this website: www.familysearch.org

Answer 5

Dentist

Answer 6

Try here:

http://www.ancestry.com/learn/facts/default.aspx?ln=

If that doesn't work, try google:

[{nnnnnn} surname origin]