Above is a copy of a portrait of Lewis Latham. He was my 12 times Great Grandfather (14 generations from me). He was a Sergeant Falconer under King Charles I of the United Kingdom. Lewis was born in about 1584 and died a little before May 15, 1655.
His daughter Franches Latham (my 11 times great grandmother) is known as “the Mother of Governors”. She is the ancestor to at least ten governors, three deputy/lieutenant governors, and is related by marriage to an an additional six governors and one deputy governor. Frances was baptized in England on February 15, 1609/1610 (so was probably born a few days before the 15th). She died in September of 1677 in Newport, Rhode Island.
Genealogy research is easier in some parts of Europe compared to other parts. This is one of only a few of my family lines that goes this far back. If Lewis’s daughter hadn’t had so many notable descendants in North America I have a feeling I never would have learned his name, let alone seen a portrait of him.
I am at least thankful that I don’t have any ancestors with the surname Smith. It is one of the most common surnames in English and is also common in a few other languages in Europe. One of my favorite surnames in my tree is Shingledecker.
Which surnames are the most common in your country? Which surnames sound the most interesting, unique, or funny to you, no matter the language?
On Their Shoulders 