Give three examples of prefixes or suffixes used to indicate patronymic names and an example of each (ex. -son, Erickson). Do not use this 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?
Give four examples of place or location names.
Answer:
1. Three examples of prefixes or suffixes used to indicate patronymic names include “-vich” as in Ivanovich, “Mac-” as in MacDonald and “O'” as in O’Brien.
2. Nicknames became surnames when they were passed down through generations and officially recognized as family names.
3. Five examples of surnames that were nicknames include Armstrong, Short, White, Black, and Little.
4. Not all occupational names were given literally the occupation of the person given the name, some were symbolic or metaphorical.
5. One reason a person might have received an ornamental or acquired name could be to reflect a personal characteristic, physical attribute, or as a sign of nobility.