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Position:Home>Genealogy> I want to find out more about where my last name came from and?


Question:Like I want to find out about my relitives, like if any of them were famous, or anything. I have heard stories but I want to find out it they are true.


Best Answer - Chosen by Asker: Like I want to find out about my relitives, like if any of them were famous, or anything. I have heard stories but I want to find out it they are true.

Genealogy / family history is the research about your ancestors (and relatives). Surname etymology is the study of where surnames come from.
They do have a connection, but when you get into things, they have very distinct differences. For instance.. to say that a surname originated in one place, does not mean that it does not appear in others. It can be very difficult to prove exactly where a name DID originate.
On the other hand.. genealogy is grounded in "proof" of what a relationship is/ was. Proof seems like a silly word when you think of grandparents, since you already "know" who they are. Sometimes, persons are surprised that the grandpa they know (for example) is actually a step father, even though he raised your parent and loves him/her as a real child. The proof becomes even more critical when you get past 'living' persons, and memories, and rely on historical records to determine who was who.
One example of how surnames can become irrelevant, is when you get back 100 yrs or so, and find that the name as you know it, was actually something else. Occasionally, this comes by discovering such things as adoptions.
I personally think the research and challenge is about the coolest thing there is. I am always reaching to learn something new, and never run out of questions. Finding an unknown fact is a huge feeling of success. The main difference between the surname thing, and research, is that origins can be debated, but ancestry (if done right) is not.
Here is a guide to starting research...
http://rwguide.rootsweb.com/
(one of many)
And yes.. when you hear stories, then find something like a court record, etc to back it up, that is always exciting. Keep an open mind.. you might find that some of the stories are just tall tales.

http://surnames.behindthename.com/php/br...

this website says what your name means and what country it's from, but idk if theres any way to find out about famous relatives or anything...?