Examples of surnames are documented in the 11th century by the barons in England. Surnames began as a way of identifying a certain aspect of that individual, such as by trade, father's name, location of birth, or physical features. It was not until the 15th century that surnames were used to denote inheritance.

When did last names begin?

Family names came into use in the later Middle Ages (beginning roughly in the 11th century); the process was completed by the end of the 16th century.

Why did last names start?

Last names started as a way to separate one “John” from another “John.” European last names had many sources. However, they can be put into four groups: patronymic, locative, occupational or status, and nicknames. ... Patronymic names identify people as their fathers' children.