Searching for the parents and siblings of Benita de Lema: surname usage in Galicia before 1790

Abstract

This genealogical reconstitution of the families of Benita de Lema eighteenth century woman from Cee, La Coruna explores the use of surnames during this period in Galicia. Documentation drawn from parish, notary and court records shows her as mother and daughter interacting with family and society and demonstrates the flexibility in the selection of surnames throughout much of that century in Galicia. In Galicia men and women during the time before 1790 could select surnames from their fathers or mothers, from their extended pedigree, or even from their spouse’s family, and often did so.