Our Last Names

Last names, commonly seen as family identifiers, can carry different meanings, structures and significance depending on each family’s traditions. Traditionally passed down from generation to generation in America, typically on the father’s side, last names can hold various meanings. Across the world, different countries have different cultural significance in their surnames, bringing people together while telling stories through waves of each generation. Samo’s diverse student body shares the stories behind their last names.

“A long time ago, in the 15th century, my family owned a castle called Warwick Castle in England. Since then, it’s been passed down [with the last name] through each generation in my family. It means ‘the beautiful fields’ in French, and means a lot to my family.” – Joshua Debeauchamp (’25)

“My mom didn’t want me to have just my dad’s last name and she didn’t want to take his name when they were married. So she made sure that both of their names were in there, but hers first. My father’s last name is Polish, so when he came to America, the symbol for the a and e was often written wrong. That’s why the name Kramer is spelled differently throughout the U.S.” – Emme Fields-Kremer (’26)

“When my family moved to America, through Ellis Island, the workers asked them what their last name was. [My parents] didn’t understand, so they pointed at a sign, and that’s how we got our last name.” – Ryan Feldman (’25)