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The Origin of Common American Surnames

The origins of common names in America from the 3 biggest immigration waves, and how names were anglicized to adapt to American tongue

In the United States, we often take for granted the huge impact the waves of immigration and diversity have influenced our culture and world around us. Even when you walk down the street, or through the cemetery, you see all the different types of names and families that come from all different backgrounds.

In my opinion, it is so interesting to look at American history through the lens of people’s surnames. Even just through different letter combinations, you can tell the whole family history of a person’s ancestry and origin.

Most surnames can be traced back into:

• Patronymic — based after one’s father’s name
• Locative — based on location, or geographical origin
• Occupational — based on one’s job, or status
• Characteristics— based on one’s physical appearance or attributes

The Colonial Era