The Origin of Surnames in Europe

• Did you know that before the 14th Century surnames were not widespread in Europe?
  • They were mandated by the sovereigns of emerging nation-states, eager to have accurate head counts for taxing and conscripting.
  • In the 16th Century a Welshman from Moston identified himself before an English judge as Thomas, son of William, son of Thomas, son of Richard, son of Hoel, son of Evan Vaghn.  You are Thomas Moston, the judge corrected him.
• The text: James C. Scott’s “State Simplification”
• The time: Saturday, 7/29, 3:30-5:00
• The place: Coral Gables Branch Library, 3443 Segovia St., Coral Gables
• We’ll be in either the Auditorium or (sufferin’ succotash) the Children’s Area.
• Materials (photocopied text & guiding questions): https://www.dropbox.com/sh/d6atcjw8d23i2q0/AABzqRLiOmnJCmQZvEekh2kma?dl=0