Interesting article, Norma. kelly Norma <norma@geneanet.org> a écrit dans le message : 3A1AADB3.C40967FA@geneanet.org... > Hi, > > We generally accept that the usage of surnames began in the 12th > century, although there are exceptions to this statement. Generally, > however, from that time on, each inhabitant of a village was given a > name (later called the first or Christian name) and a nickname (which > later became the surname). At first, these were true nicknames. The > British have continued to use them as such, while the French have > continued use of the "prénom," or first name, and "nom de famille" or > family surname. > > To find out more : > http://www.geneanet.org/chronic.php3?lang=en&news=CH12 > > Regards > Norma > > -- > GeneaNet : Genealogical Database Network : http://www.geneanet.org/ > > **DISCOVER OUR NEW FEATURE TODAY** > **DECOUVREZ AUJOURD'HUI LE NOUVEAU SERVICE GENEANET** > >