Podcast Summary: "Who Smarted?" Episode - Where do Last Names Come From?

Release Date: January 15, 2025

Introduction to the Episode

In the episode titled "Where do Last Names Come From?" from the educational podcast "Who Smarted?", hosts Blurt Filbert and the Trusty Narrator delve into the fascinating origins and variations of last names across different cultures and eras. The episode seamlessly blends humor with informative content, making complex topics accessible and engaging for young listeners and their families.

Exploring the Origins of Last Names

Bob Smith, an onomastician (a specialist in the study of names), joins the hosts to unravel the mysteries behind last names. He categorizes last names into five primary types, providing historical contexts and examples for each:

1. Occupational Surnames

   Bob explains that many last names originated from the occupations of ancestors. For instance, his own last name, Smith, derives from the blacksmiths or metalworkers in his lineage. The Trusty Narrator engages listeners with a quiz segment:

   "Which of these names is not an occupational surname? A. Farmer, B. King, or C. Eisenhower? If you said King, you're right." (06:39)

2. Cognominal Names

   These surnames stem from nicknames. Bob uses King as an example, suggesting it could have been assigned to someone who behaved regally or played a king in medieval plays:

   "A cognominal name is a name that comes from a nickname." (08:07)

3. Toponymic Surnames

   Derived from geographical locations, these names indicate where a family originated. Examples include Evelyn England or Maria Monte (Italian for "mountain"):

   "Toponymic surnames are location names like Evelyn England or Maria Monte." (09:08)

4. Ornamental Surnames

   Often inspired by nature or descriptions from noble coats of arms, such as Rosencrans (meaning "rose wreath") or Gallo (Italian for "rooster"):

   "Ornamental surnames sometimes come from descriptions of a noble house's coat of arms." (09:32)

5. Patronymic and Metronymic Names

   These are derived from the names of fathers or mothers. For example, Peterson signifies "son of Peter":

   "Patronymic names are the oldest and most common type of last name." (10:14)

The Evolution and Adoption of Last Names

Bob Smith elaborates on how last names became standardized. Initially, individuals didn't have fixed last names. In cases where multiple people shared the same first name, patronymic naming was employed by adding the father's name, such as Milton Martinson (son of Martin). This system led to constantly changing surnames with each generation.

By the 11th century, practical administrative needs, such as those arising from William the Conqueror's Doomsday Book (completed in 1086), necessitated the adoption of fixed last names to keep accurate records for taxation and land ownership. By the 1400s, most English people had established last names, a trend that spread globally as monarchs and governments sought efficient ways to organize populations.

"Around the 1600s, family names were adopted. No more 'son' stuff every time a guy has a kid, but rather one last name that's the same for everyone in the family." (13:42)

Cultural Variations in Naming Conventions

The episode highlights diverse naming practices across different cultures:

1. Spanish Naming Traditions

   In Spanish-speaking countries, children inherit both parents' surnames in a specific order. For example, a daughter named Joanna Geraldine Diaz Vergara combines elements from her parents' names:

   "In Spanish, a child takes both their last names and has a combined name... Joanna Geraldine Diaz Vergara." (18:05)

2. Eastern Naming Order

   Unlike the Western tradition of placing the first name before the last name, some Eastern cultures (e.g., China, Korea, Japan) use the Eastern naming order, placing the family name first:

   "In some cultures your last name is actually written before your first name. This is called the Eastern naming order." (18:42)

3. Gender-Based Surnames in Eastern Europe

   In countries like Poland, surnames can change based on gender. A male surname Perowski becomes Perowska for a female sibling:

   "In some Eastern European countries, your last name depends on whether you're a boy or a girl." (18:42)

4. Icelandic Naming Practices

   In Iceland, first names are more prominent, and individuals are often addressed by their first names even in professional settings:

   "In Iceland, first names carry more weight than last names. So much so that you call your teacher and doctor by their first names." (19:32)

Legal Restrictions on Names

Bob Smith shares intriguing facts about legal name restrictions in various countries:

• United States: It's illegal to name a child King, Queen, or Santa Claus.

  "In the United States, it's illegal to name your child King, Queen, or Santa Claus." (20:17)

• Japan: Naming a person Devil is prohibited.

  "In Japan, you can't name a person Devil." (20:23)

• Malaysia: The name Snake is banned.

  "In Malaysia, you can't name a person Snake." (20:27)

Additionally, the Trusty Narrator presents a true or false question about Portugal's naming laws:

"True or false? In Portugal, it is illegal to name your kid Tom. If you said true, you're right." (20:57)

Popularity of Names Globally

The episode concludes with insights into the most popular names worldwide:

• Muhammad: Holds the title of the most popular first name globally, with over 133 million people bearing the name.

  "According to a 2023 survey, the most popular first name in the world is Muhammad, with over 133 million people with that name." (21:04)

• Maria: Ranks second, followed by Nushi.

The Trusty Narrator humorously acknowledges the ubiquity of such names:

"But I can only think of one trusty narrator." (21:18)

Conclusion

“Who Smarted?” effectively transforms a seemingly mundane topic—last names—into an engaging exploration of history, culture, and linguistics. By combining expert insights with interactive elements like quizzes, the podcast not only educates but also entertains its young audience, fostering a deeper appreciation for the names that define us.

Notable Quotes:

• Blurt Filbert introducing the contest:

  "Who's gonna take home the trophy this year? Well, that we're gonna find out." (00:05)

• Trusty Narrator on patronymic naming:

  "If one of the Aristotle's dads was named Bob, he'd be Aristotle Bobson." (11:21)

• Bob Smith on the necessity of last names:

  "It was called the Doomsday Book. It was just a long, boring list." (12:15)

• Trusty Narrator reflecting on name uniqueness:

  "But you've been saying stuff like someone was given their last name based on a nickname... Does that mean there was a time when people didn't have last names?" (10:24)

Episode Credits:

Names was written by Phil (Jeremy), voiced by Brad Cool Name Raider and Jerry Colbert, with technical direction and sound design by Josh What's In a Name Han. Associate producer Max No Middle Name Kamowski, theme song by Brian Say My Name Suarez, lyrics by Adam What's His Name Davis. Produced by Adam, Tex Davis, and Jerry Colbert under Atomic Entertainment.