1. Europe:
- England: Surnames became common in England in the 11th and 12th centuries. They were initially associated with the nobility but gradually spread to the general population.
- France: Surnames emerged in France during the 12th and 13th centuries. Many French surnames were derived from place names, occupations, or nicknames.
- Germany: Surnames developed in Germany around the 12th century. They often indicated a person's origin, occupation, or physical characteristics.
- Italy: Surnames started appearing in Italy during the 10th and 11th centuries. Italian surnames could be derived from place names, occupations, or patronymic naming (adding "son of" or "daughter of" to a name).
2. Asia:
- China: Surnames have a long history in China, dating back several millennia. They were traditionally passed down from the father and remained unchanged for generations.
- Korea: Korean surnames are relatively limited in number compared to other cultures. They are often based on place names or ancestral clans, and traditionally, they were inherited from the father.
- Japan: Japanese surnames emerged during the Heian period (794-1185), and many are derived from place names, occupations, or noble titles.
3. Africa:
- West Africa: Surnames in West African cultures are often patronymic, meaning they reflect the name of the father. They can also indicate a person's clan, ethnic background, or other significant family connections.
- East Africa: Some East African communities have adopted surnames relatively recently, influenced by European colonization and modern administrative practices. Surnames can be based on patronymic traditions or adopted from other sources.
4. Middle East:
- Arab World: Surnames in the Arab world commonly follow a patronymic pattern, where "bin" or "ibn" is used to indicate "son of," followed by the father's name. They may also be derived from a person's tribe, place of origin, or occupation.
It's important to note that the development of surnames varied greatly across cultures and regions. Some societies adopted formal surnames relatively late, while others have used surnames for centuries. Additionally, immigration, cultural exchange, and other historical events have influenced the spread and evolution of surnames globally.