All posts tagged: surname

My surname makes people laugh. So I turned it into a research tool

My surname makes people laugh. So I turned it into a research tool

Published by Daniella Wilson

Stay ahead of the curve with our weekly guide to the latest trends, fashion, relationships and more Stay ahead of the curve with our weekly guide to the latest trends, fashion, relationships and more Stay ahead of the curve with our weekly guide to the latest trends, fashion, relationships and more Surnames shape our identity. They can be a point of reflection, especially if the surname is rare, has a unique meaning, or holds special sentimental value. They often spark curiosity about family history or the need to carry on a legacy. I have what many might think is an unfortunate or embarrassing surname – Mycock. It has powerfully shaped my personal and professional life. Having my surname is a daily trial, eliciting a range of responses from suppressed to open laughter and unsolicited comments. But I am also aware of the joy my surname brings and how it can break down barriers when meeting people. This has opened up space for me to consider the potential of comedy as a form of research communication. …

What is the British royal family’s surname? The use of Wales, Sussex and Mountbatten-Windsor explained

What is the British royal family’s surname? The use of Wales, Sussex and Mountbatten-Windsor explained

Published by Daniella Wilson

Members of the British royal family are typically known by their official titles, but when a surname is needed, one does exist. Though prior to 1917, royal family members didn’t have a surname, instead they went by the name of the house or dynasty that they belonged to. That changed when George V adopted Windsor as both the name of the “House” and his family’s surname. While the same name was confirmed by Queen Elizabeth in 1952, she and Prince Philip, according to the royal family’s website, decided in 1960 that they wanted their “own direct descendants to be distinguished from the rest of the Royal Family.” It was then declared in 1960 that descendants of Queen Elizabeth, excluding those who enjoy “the style, title or attribute of Royal Highness and the titular dignity of Prince or Princess,” as well as female members who marry, would use the surname “Mountbatten-Windsor,” a combination of two names linked to Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip. WATCH: The late Queen’s strict fashion rules for her staff revealed by former …