Something you will inevitably find when you research German ancestors who immigrated to America are names that changed to something more “English sounding”. Can you blame somebody named “Balthasar” for desiring a name that fits in a little better in America? Some Germans would change their names only slightly: Wilhelms would become Bills, and Adelheids […]
Tag: translation
German Genealogy Tip #6: In Germany, People Used Their Occupation as a Title
When looking at genealogical records in Germany, especially from the pre-20th century era, you will often find that individuals’ names were prefixed by their job title. These occupational prefixes were capitalized, so don’t confuse the job title for being part of their given name. Common examples are: Taglöhner Johann Brack (English: day laborer Johann Brack) Leinweber […]