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.[1] Many dictionaries use surname as a synonym of "family name." [2]
Surnames are often influenced by common elements: the name of the person's father, the person's geographical origin, the person's occupation, or a descriptive nickname for the person. When they were created, they answered one of the following questions: Who is this person's father? Where is this person from? What does this person do for a living? What is his or her most prominent feature?[3][4]
For instance, the names Smith and Cooper may originate from the blacksmith and cooper metal work occupations, respectively. Names like Cohen, may denote a prominent religious background; Cohen is a name usually found among male descendants of Jewish priests.
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