Origin Of Surnames
Surnames were introduced only about 900 years ago. Before the Middle Ages named were merely descriptive. Then Henry the StrongArmed became Henry Strongarm, and Thomas the Son. of John became Thomas Johnson. The Irish “O,” the Norman “Fitz” and the Scots “Mac”- also mean “Son of.” Other names grew out of occupations: Miller, Cook, Mason; or out, of titles: Deacon, Mayor. Only frorrtabout A.D. 1000 did surnames become hereditary. Many names changed in translation; ' thus the surname Boyce goes back to French. Dubois, which is also represented in.. English by Atwood. To visitors from abroad there are maiy everyday things which the New Zealander takes as a matter of course, but which, to. a new arrival, stand out by reason of their unfamiliarity. •
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https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/BPB19480120.2.43
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Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 12, Issue 14, 20 January 1948, Page 5
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126Origin Of Surnames Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 12, Issue 14, 20 January 1948, Page 5
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