Namesake surname maps that show their sources

Type a surname. See where it really came from, how sure we are, and where the record runs out.

Researched names include Cohen, Levi, Malka, Toledano, Shapiro, Ashkenazi, Romano, Haddad, Smith and Miller.

Map of the surname's route
Lines show each hop. Line style shows our confidence.certain probable possible

    Cousins

    The same job, a dozen languages

    Occupational surnames repeat across Europe and beyond. These are cousins in meaning. Some share a root word; many arose on their own. Each one carries its own grade.

      The print

      Build the poster

      The print shows what you see above, grades included. Where a step is unknown, the print leaves it unknown.

      Style
      Total$89 50 × 70 cm print, unframed. Printed on 200 gsm matte paper.

      Why honest

      If we don't know, the poster says so

      Many name-meaning prints pick the most flattering story and print it as fact. We print the best-supported account, its grade, and any serious rival. Below is an illustrative comparison, not a quote from any company.

      A typical name-meaning print (illustrative)

      Shapiro

      “Beautiful. From the ancient Hebrew for beauty, given to a family of noble character.”

      • One meaning, stated as fact
      • The better-supported origin is missing
      • “Noble character” has no source

      The Namesake treatment

      Shapiro

      From Speyer, a city on the Rhine. probable

      Main account
      Medieval Hebrew called Speyer Shpira, from Latin Spira. Most references derive the surname from it.
      Also proposed
      Hebrew shapir “fine, beautiful”. It matches the sound. References treat it as the weaker account. possible
      Not known
      When your own branch left Speyer. We leave that line blank.
      • Every claim is gradedCertain, probable, possible, disputed or unknown, on screen and in print.
      • Rivals sit side by sideWhen sources disagree, both accounts appear at the same size.
      • Blank beats inventedNo made-up dates, crests or “noble” lines. An unknown step stays unknown.

      Gift moments

      When people order one

      • Father's Day

        His surname, its road and its grades, framed for the study wall.

      • Weddings

        Two surnames on one print with the family pack. Both roads on one map.

      • Holidays

        One print for the grandparents, with every branch's name on it.