Question

Q: How do I find out the origin of my last name, surname, or family name?

Answer

Online resources

- The genealogy site Ancestry.com offers some basic information on the history of last names. KSU Libraries has access to Ancestry Library Edition, which can only be accessed on campus of off campus via VPN and does not provide the full access that a personal subscription to Ancestry.com does.

Behind the Name: The Etymology and History of Surnames

Forebears

The Oxford Reference Collection Online has a number of e-reference books that will have etymology information including A Dictionary of First Names.

- If your name is pretty common, you may try the Oxford English Dictionary.

 

In-person assistance

If you have more questions about name etymology, please reach out to libraryreference@kennesaw.edu.

For more information


For more help, email the Research and Instructional Services department, or call or visit:

Kennesaw: Sturgis Library Checkout Desk (Ground floor) 470-578-6202

Marietta: Johnson Library Checkout Desk (1st floor) 470-578-7276

 

Last updated

Last Updated

Nov 13, 2025

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