When did surnames become first names

[user764329056]

Been thinking about this, examples:

Harrison
Lewis
Spencer
Mitchell
Blake

Am sure there’s more

Been happening for centuries I think. Way back to the time when people didn't have a first name and surname, they only had one.

Forever!

A quick Google says the 12th Century, that we know of.

It's also been usual to give the first born Son the surname of the Grandfather, for Centuries in some parts of the UK.

All names were once made up and changed spelling, so I don't get the angst tbh.

Surely it's been for quite a while- for instance, James is a common first and surname, and has been for a long time. And Spencer Percival was born in 1762. It's not really a new thing.

I think it’s been more prevalent in America for the last 20 years with names like Hunter etc.

Literally forever. What makes a name a surname, anyway? I know families with the surname of John, Andrew, George, etc. What a daft post.

Is and has been a thing in Scotland for a long time. Graham, Fraser, Campbell etc all used as first as well as surnames. I think often mother's maiden name used as first name too here. Eg ..... James calls son James .....

Common in Scotland as well for mother’s maiden name to be sons first name.

Its been like that for years. Where have you been? meant lightheartedly..