Naming customs in Germany and France

A wonderful explanation of the difference between the American custom of naming people (First name, Middle name, Last name or Surname) and the German and French (especially applicable to the Alsace) Vornamem/prénoms, 'call name' (Rufname/prénom usuel), 'family name' (Familienname/nom de famille) and sometimes in the Alsace, the 'farm name' (Hofname). Really excellent! Francis Busser, where are you? http://www.pantel-web.de/bw_mirror/text/t46.txt

Also see 18th Century PA German Naming Customs: http://www.kerchner.com/germname.htm

German First Names and Surnames: http://members.cox.net/hessen/table.htm#surnames

Behind the names: http://www.behindthename.com/ - Masculine and Feminine names, English, French, German, Italian, Spanish, Eastern European, Arabic, Indian, Irish, Mythology, Biblical, African Names, and More ...

Anglicized French Surnames: http://www.rootsweb.com/~canqc/angloabc.htm

Also - Kip Sperry's Naming Patterns: Tips for Finding Your Ancestors: http://www.ancestry.com/library/view/columns/tips/3589.asp
and Why You Can't Find Your Ancestors: http://www.rootsweb.com/~rwguide/lesson8.htm



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