Related Resources • Search Techniques • Surname Origins • Surname Search

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While surnames seem to dominate our genealogy research, given names can also provide important clues. Families often name children after other family members. In some countries, the first-born son is generally named after the paternal grandfather, and the first daughter after the maternal grandmother. In other cultures, children may be named after deceased relatives, usually recently deceased relatives. A mother's maiden name is often handed down as a middle name to identify ancestral ties. If a baby in the family died, the next baby born of the same sex was often given the same name. Therefore, as you search, be sure to study the given names as well as the surnames - they can often provide valuable hints about your family heritage.

Naming Patterns & Practices Around the World

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