Estonia - Paradise of the North

Ilus Eesti, beautiful Estonia. My family's homeland. Estonia's countryside and people have an endearing gentleness about them which you fall in love with slowly and imperceptibly. I have nothing but respect and admiration for Estonians' courage and determination to survive despite centuries of repression, tyranny and foreign occupation. This blog aims to promote Estonian news, history and culture and seeks to enlighten readers about everything this unique country has to offer.

Monday 26 September 2016

How Estonians got their family names (Vikerraadio) Keelesaade. Perekonnanimed 1

The use of surnames were introduced in Estonia nearly 200 years ago. After the abolition of serfdom in 1816 and 1819 Estonian were given surnames by parish administrators often relating to fauna, flora or the landscape.

Fred Puss from the Estonian Biographical Society in Tartu recently gave a radio interview detailing the history of surnames in Estonia.

To listen (in Estonian) please click here: Keelesaade. Perekonnanimed 1