Can Two People with the Same Last Name Be Related?

It is a common assumption that two people with the same last name must be related. However, this is not always the case. While surnames often indicate familial connections, especially if they stem from a common or historically significant origin, they can also belong to unrelated individuals due to various factors.

Surnames and Family Connections

Surnames can offer clues about family connections, particularly those with a common or well-known origin. For instance, in Moravia, the word Seidler appeared in three different lines of ancestors, all living near Moravsky Beroun. In the end, all these lines traced back to a single ancestor named Georg Seidler from Altliebe, confirming familial ties.

Errors in Surname Transcription

One of the reasons surnames may appear as the same can be transcription errors, especially in the past when literacy levels were lower. A classic example is when my great-grandfather attempted to name his daughter Selina, but due to a mumbled request, the registrar recorded her name as Selene. Another instance is a friend who has a surname similar to a small village, but a century ago, a registrar mistakenly added an extra letter to an ancestor's surname, which then became a part of the family lineage.

Geographical Disparity and Non-Relation

Two people with the same last name can live in entirely different geographical areas and still not be related. In one case, a young woman created a MyHeritage tree that linked my ancestors from a place 1000 kilometers away. I had to explain that the locations where both of our ancestors lived were far apart and it was highly unlikely they were related. Often, pastnames were invented due to similar reasons at different places, without any relation. This highlights the importance of thorough genealogical research when drawing conclusions about family connections.

Geographical and Historical Context

Some surnames have a historical origin, such as Siegel from Eibenstock. In my case, an ancestor from Eibenstock did not belong to the well-known Siegels of the region. Genealogical experts had examined the records and concluded that the two families likely did not have a relation. This example underscores the importance of professional genealogical research.

Conclusion

While it is tempting to assume familial connections based on shared last names, it is crucial to conduct thorough genealogical research. Many surnames can indicate familial links, especially if they have a common or historically significant origin. However, transcription errors, geographical disparities, and the history of pastnames can also lead to individuals with the same surname not being related. Therefore, it is always advisable to conduct proper research before drawing any conclusions.