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Genealogical Bookmarks
Contrary to popular belief, most first names preceded
last names by several generations. As Christianity spread, names from the Bible
replaced those of ancient gods. In the 4th century, saints' names began to
flourish, and with the development of the churches, baptismal names began. Over
the centuries, many first names have endured, while others have disappeared.
Family names or last names evolved several centuries after first names.
The need for an additional name became apparent in the 11th century when
landowners recorded payment of fines by vassals and needed to distinguish one
John from another. Last names originated as descriptions of the person for the
reason of better identification. These names not only indicated ones' origin
but often ones' occupation, such as baker, burgess, carver, and carpenter. Also
commonly used were names that described physical characteristics and
topographical names that distinguished localities
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