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ArchivesRe: anyone give me background on surname Diamond?
in reply to a message by Diamond
First, it could be Irish. A County Derry clan named O Diamain became O'Deeman in English, then settled for Diamond.
Diamond is better known though as a Jewish surname of Central and Eastern European origin. Many Jews did not have surnames until the 19th century. In the Prussian territories surnames were imposed on the Kaiser's Jewish subjects. Some anti-semitic officials handed out very offensive names; others, more enterprising, started with an unacceptable name which they would change for a price. Apparently the names of precious stones were the most highly prized - Diamant, Rubinstein, Garfunkel, etc.
Jewish surnames - a fascinating subject.
Diamond is better known though as a Jewish surname of Central and Eastern European origin. Many Jews did not have surnames until the 19th century. In the Prussian territories surnames were imposed on the Kaiser's Jewish subjects. Some anti-semitic officials handed out very offensive names; others, more enterprising, started with an unacceptable name which they would change for a price. Apparently the names of precious stones were the most highly prized - Diamant, Rubinstein, Garfunkel, etc.
Jewish surnames - a fascinating subject.
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