Discover the Stories Behind the Names You Know (or Have Never Heard Before!)

Have you ever wondered why your family's last name is what it is? Or how surnames like Goldberg, Cohen, or Shapiro came to be so prominent?

Join me for a virtual journey through the fascinating world of Ashkenazi Jewish surnames! From creative name adoptions to historical influences, this talk dives into the meanings, origins, and unique stories that shaped Eastern European Jewish surnames as we know them.

In this friendly and engaging session, you’ll explore:

• The fascinating roots and meanings behind some of the most common (and rare!) Jewish surnames;

• How surnames were adopted (sometimes by choice, sometimes not) and what that says about family histories;

• Key strategies for genealogical research: where to start, what to look for, and how to navigate the challenges of tracing your roots;

• Important questions to ask yourself that can uncover clues to the origin and meaning of your family name;

• Fun tidbits and little-known facts that might just surprise you about your own family name!

Whether you’re a history buff, a genealogy enthusiast, or just curious about names, this talk offers a warm, insightful, and memorable look at how the names we carry connect us to the past. Come with questions or just an open mind; everyone’s welcome!