Dutch Family History Plus.

Is our name Dutch? The question has appeared many times in the email response box of our website GoDutch.com. A simple Yes or No would hardly satisfy the curiosity hidden below the surface of that question. Many of such inquiries should not be answered either with Yes or No because it may well obscure an extremely interesting story.

A surname, even if it is is a one-syllable noun is still, at least in my opinion, ‘archeological’ evidence of family roots even if no document can be found to verify it.

The ancestor likely did not pick his own surname. Others, neighbours, friends or detractors should shoulder that blame.

My interest in this subject stems from the many questions we have received over the years. The history of family can turn dry genealogical information into a very interesting history once the context of origin is researched.

In numerous cases, the surname can serve as the landmark in such an effort.