from the beginning of time what man had the first last name?

Answer 1

Surnames actually first started in the late 14th century, early 15th century - probably about the same time as organized taxes were established. I BELIEVE (though someone should correct me if they know different), the first surnames were used in North Western Europe.

But the beginnings of surname usage spans the time from that first occurrence to this day. Many countries and regions didn't adopt surname conventions until the late 1800s. Some still don't use surnames but use patronymics.

Depending on your area of research, you really don't have to go that far back to reach the time of first surname usage. In fact, it is possible for someone today to have actually known a relative in their lifetime that was a first person in the line to take a surname.

Answer 2

Its tradition. You also have your father's last name, and the changing of the last name for the woman is meant to signify that you are no longer your father's possession, but now your husband's. This has been the case since women have, historically been treated as property. It is an archaic tradition, and it has endured time. It is also the reason that women typically have their father "give them away" at the wedding, also signifying that you are not your father's anymore, but now your husband's.

Answer 3

Mind Bender gave you a good answer. Actually once surnames were taken or assigned legitimate sons of the same man could have different surnames but they each shared their surnames with others with whom they were not related. Ted gave you a good example with his tongue in his cheek. The Chinese started long before Europeans.

An example

John had 4 sons, Henry, George, Sam and Robert.

Henry was known as Henry son of John. If he could write that is how he signed his name. Eventually he became Henry Johnson or Henry Jones. A lot of men whose fathers were named John took the name Johnson or Jones. The same is true with men named William. There sons became Williams, Williamson, Wilson.

George was a blacksmith and was known as George the Blacksmith. He became George Smith as well as many of a similar occupation.

Sam lived on or near a hill. He became Sam Hill but others that lived on or near a hill took the name Hill. I have Overtons in my family which simply means over town (settlement).

Robert had black hair and he became Robert Black. He could have become Robert Short, Robert Stout or Robert White if he had a white beard or white hair..

A person starting out in genealogy can get too involved in an origin of a surname.

Answer 4

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Surname :

A surname refers to a name added to a given name and a part of a personal name. In many cases, a "surname" refers to a family name; the family name meaning first surfaced in 1375. In other instances a surname can refer to a nickname, a name indicating a circumstance of birth, an epithet indicating a characteristic, or an epithet indicating an achievement. Many dictionaries use surname as a synonym of "family name

www.dictionary.com--Surname

the name that a person has in common with other family members, as distinguished from a Christian name or given name; family name.; Origin: 1300–50; surname" (c.1325), variant of O.Fr. surnom, from sur "over" + nom "name." Meaning "family name" is first found 1375. Hereditary surnames existed among Norman nobility in England in early 12th century, among common people began to be used 13th century, increasingly frequent until near universal by end of 14th century. The process was later in the north of England than the south. The verb is attested from 1548.

www.reference.com/search?q=surname :

In China, according to legend, family names originate with Emperor Fu Xi in 2852 BC. His administration standardised the naming system in order to facilitate census-taking, and the use of census information. The .surnames; "Chu" "Lee" "Chung," and "Chang" are most popular in Taiwan, and/or China. In Japan family names were uncommon except among the aristocracy until the 19th century.

Answer 5

1

Answer 6

I believe it was Adams. His last name was Apple.

Seriously, it was probably a Chinese, except they put the surname in front, so Chou En Lai was of the Chou family, not the Lai family.

Answer 7

The commonly accepted answer is "Fu" and it dates back to China in 2852 BC. The Emperor Fu Xi initiated surnames in his country and because he was the leader, his surname was accepted as first as it led others in adopting their own.

Answer 8

I Don't Know!!!