What is family name meaning?

A family name, surname, or last name is a name used to identify members of a family. Family names are usually passed on from one generation to the next and they can have a variety of meanings. Often, family names come from the occupation or trades that were common to the family's ancestors. For example, the last name Smith may have originated from someone who was a skilled blacksmith or from someone who lived near a smithy.

Other family names may come from a geographical location, such as a city, town, or village. For instance, the last name Green could have been derived from the Old English word "grene," meaning green, and could have been given to someone who lived near a green field or meadow.

Some family names may have religious or cultural significance. For example, the last name Cohen is a common Jewish surname, which means "priest" in Hebrew. Similarly, the last name Patel is a common Indian surname, which means "landowner" or "village headman."

In some cases, family names may have been changed or modified over time due to language or cultural changes. In other cases, families may have chosen to change their last name for personal or professional reasons. Today, there are millions of different family names around the world, each with its own unique meaning and history.