Surnames are important identifiers. A person's last name often carries a knowledge of their family's past or primary characteristic. Examining a surname can reveal details about cultures, values or relationships within a community. By researching internet or your local library, use the following questions to begin an investigation on the history surnames. Answer the following questions in complete sentences:

What are patronymic names? What are matronymic names?

Give three examples of prefixes or suffixes used to indicate patronymic names and an example of each (ex. -son, Erickson). Do not use the example.

Explain how nicknames became surnames.

Give five examples of surnames that were nicknames.

Were all occupational names given literally the occupation of the person given the name?

What is one reason a person might have received an ornamental or acquired name? (Answer in complete sentences).

Give five examples of place or location names.