If they aren't, how exactly do you end up having a bunch of people with the last name Smith?...or Nguyen? Does Nguyen mean anything, or is it equivalent to names designating an occupation or locale (Smith/macher=maker, Berg=town)
2007-03-29 14:28:51 · 4 answers · asked by cpc26ca 1 in Arts & Humanities ➔ Genealogy
One (of many) "sources" of a surname, as you mention, comes from occupation. Thus, you could certainly have 2 or more persons with the same job, and their descendents eventually wound up with the name. But there never was a relationship to start with. It also is very possible that a particular name "started" in more than one location or country, with completely unrelated persons. So, contrary to common thought, names do not always have one country of origin or nationality. Names go back to the 1300's in some areas, or even earlier. Remember.. this might only be the only RECORD of a name, not the only place it was used.
Another common misdirection, is to assume that there was ONE immigrant of a name, and everyone descends from him. There could be an immigrant in the 1600's from one locality overseas, and another unrelated line that migrated in the 1800's.
This is one reason why it is so important to build a firm foundation to research, by tracing back one generation at a time. By doing this, you are certain of your "connection" as you go, and don't waste time working unrelated records.
If you have a rare surname, your odds of being related go way up.
2007-03-29 15:02:30 · answer #1 · answered by wendy c 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It could. But with people being able to change their names, and adopted families; it is harder to tell.
Funny thing, in middle school (15+ years ago) two of my friends had the same last name, and it later turns out that one is a very distant uncle of the other. ^_^
I don't know if Nguyen means anything.
I know that Wong means King though. ^_^
2007-03-29 14:41:00 · answer #2 · answered by Nina 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
No. The same last name can be original to many places at the same time. But if ancestors were from the same small area, then almost certainly you are related.
2007-03-29 15:08:51 · answer #3 · answered by fatboycool 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Nguyen is the commonest surname in Vietnam, Interesting piece on it here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nguy%E1%BB%85n
2007-03-30 00:46:52 · answer #4 · answered by Hex the Fundies (JPAA) 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋