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date: 14 December 2024

Spanish and Portuguese Family Names 

Source:
Dictionary of American Family Names
Author(s):
Dieter KremerDieter Kremer

One of the most difficult tasks of family name research is the explanation of the names themselves. Their linguistic aspects—etymology (including the original meaning), form, and spelling—are often complex. Even names with straightforward meanings may have a rich socio-cultural background, as well as a legally and administratively involved origin and inheritance. It is not enough to determine the origin of a name; the name’s individual history is just as important. Unlike common nouns, a name individualizes a particular person: ... ...

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