My surname

[KGarrad]

I started off in Family History because I knew nothing about my surname.
My grandfather died before I was born, and my father's siblings had all died, too.

I had (and have!) no interest in any alleged origin of the surname - I only want documented proof of links between generations.

So, I started methodically, pre-internet, working from micro-fiche, microfilms and books, until I got back to the early/mid 1800's.

Since then, I have linked my tree to someone doing a one name study, and have data back to the mid-1500's.

Is my name, Garrad, Germanic (No!), or French (Family story - No!) - it's pure English all the way!!

So, the moral of this story is - never second guess - do your research methodically and systematically.

Also, learn your history! The interwoven histories of Germany, Prussia, Poland, Belarus, Armenia etc are very, very complicated!!

[timeforteasir]

I know. I will start proper research! Thanks for the help everyone

[timeforteasir]

Found out my Ancestors were Russian and so is my Surname. I am a little Belarusian after my Grand father and when he was born it used to be part of Russia in 1939 so yeah!

[timeforteasir]

Also a thing to point out is that I am Lubuszian because I was born in Gorzow, Western Poland and before I end the thread I have to say I thought I had Scottish ancestors because I look really really Germanic but again what can I say? My town used to be East Brandenburg in Germany until 1945!

[KGarrad]

Because of my looks (short, dark and handsome overweight!) , I have been accused of being Irish, Italian and Celtic!

None of those apply!

You cannot go by looks or names - you simply have to do the research!!

[larkspur]

Europe was a mess, to say the least, just a little info I found on a man called Zenon Bernatowitcz
http://benmangel.wordpress.com/2012/08/11/rzeczpospolita-the-last-days-of-private-zenon-bernatowicz/

Under Secretary for State of Poland Grazyna Bernatowicz
http://strasbourgre.mfa.gov.pl/en/news/current_news/bernatowicz

http://www.houseofnames.com/Bernatowicz-history?A=54323-292

[Ruskie]

Because of my looks (short, dark and handsome overweight!) , I have been accused of being Irish, Italian and Celtic!

None of those apply!

You cannot go by looks or names - you simply have to do the research!!

You have been advised to do systematic research backing it up with paperwork. Saying you are German one minute, then Armenian, and then Russian the next and speculating that you thought you had Scottish ancestors because you look Germanic, is quite meaningless and leads you nowhere.

You might have more success if you visit the places of your and your ancestor's birth, to see if you can find records of their births, marriages and deaths.

Also, take a DNA test and see what that tells you.

[Gaie]

Hi

Found out my Ancestors were Russian and so is my Surname. I am a little Belarusian after my Grand father and when he was born it used to be part of Russia in 1939 so yeah!

And your mother's ancestors, and your paternal grandmother's ancestors......?

Your ancestry is just as much of them as your grandfather!

KR
Gaie