History Origin While the use of given names to identify individuals is attested in the oldest historical records, the advent of surnames is relatively recent. Content available by subscription only. The first page of content is available via Google Scholar. Many cultures have used and continue to use additional descriptive terms in identifying individuals. These terms may indicate personal attributes, location of origin, occupation, parentage, patronage, adoption, or clan affiliation.
History Origin While the use of given names to identify individuals is attested in the oldest historical records, the advent of surnames is relatively recen?t. Content available by subscription only. The first page of content is available via Google Scholar. Many cultures have used and continue to use additional descriptive terms in identifying individuals. These terms may indicate personal attributes, location of origin, occupation, parentage, patronage, adoption, or clan affiliation.