9/14/2011
By Barbara Krasner-Khait
Surnames developed different ways in various regions and countries, but all tend to fall into one of four categories. Use these tips to decipher your family's monikers.
Patronymic Names
Virtually every culture had some form of patronymic naming system,
though some, especially in areas such as Ireland, Wales, Spain and the
Scottish highlands, used it more than others. These are common clues to
patronymic names: