What's In A Name?

When I was in elementary school, the video game “Pac-Man” came out and changed my life (at least at the time) in terms of how I was addressed by those I was around. I went from being known as Jeff to being called Pac-Man. It was a label that stuck with me for a long time.

Being called Pac-Man paled in comparison, however, to what others have had to go through at various times of their life. I can certainly sympathize to the kid whose last name was Woodcock, who made everyone else’s surname issues go away. There was even a Schneeburger in high school that comes to mind.

The interesting thing about last names is their origin. If you don’t already know, my last name is Packham and my far distant forefathers are of English birth. My particular surname is of Anglo-Saxon origin and it means top of a mountain or hill (pekke) and homestead or settlement (ham).

Many surnames derive from a specific trade. Those with the last name of Smith or Miller or Farmer may have been exactly that in terms of a profession – at least at some point and time in their family’s history. One wonders about those whose last name is King or Queen or Prince. Thus far, however, I have yet to run into anyone with the Princess surname.

Obviously, many of the surnames we run across have a foreign background and may sound funny but actually have a significant meaning. For example, the last name Bellamy has a French background that means “beautiful friend.”

Other surnames sound unusual for a good reason. Ever heard of Metta World Peace? Or how about Chad Ochocinco? Some guys just like the attention that comes with changing surnames.

Sometimes, changes to surnames happens because of a change in religion or beliefs. Muhammad Ali was once known as Cassius Clay. Kareem Abdul Jabbar was born Ferdinand Lewis Alcindor, Jr.

We don’t always know what’s in a name and some of them may not have an actual meaning. Sometimes Johnson doesn’t actually mean John’s son. And there is no way I can justify the existence of Johnston or be able to understand what it might actually mean.

What does your surname mean? Check it out. You might be surprised.