📝 My Last Name Project Worksheet
Discovering the Meaning Behind Your Family Name
Name: _________________________ Date: _________________________
🔍 Part 1: Discover Your Name
1. What Does My Last Name Mean?
Go to a name website like BehindTheName.com or talk to a family member.
My last name is: _______________________________
It comes from (country or culture): _______________________________
It means: ________________________________________________________
2. How Did African Americans Get Their Last Names?
Read, research, or discuss how African Americans received their last names (from enslavers, free ancestors, or choosing their own).
Write 3–4 sentences:
🏡 Part 2: Family & Identity
1. Ask a Family Member
Talk to a parent, grandparent, or guardian and write what you learn.
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Do you know where our last name comes from?
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Has it changed over time?
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What does it mean to our family?
Write 2–3 sentences about what you learned:
2. If You Could Choose a Last Name...
If you could pick a last name that shows who you are, what would it be?
My chosen name would be: _______________________________________
Why?
🎨 Part 3: Show What You Learned
✅ Choose ONE way to show what you discovered about your name:
⬜ Poster – Draw your name, its meaning, and pictures or symbols that represent your family.
⬜ Short Report – Write 1 page (or a paragraph) explaining everything you learned.
⬜ Family Tree – Draw a simple family tree that shows people with your last name.
⬜ Video or Audio Interview – Record yourself explaining what you learned!
🧠 Need Help?
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Ask your teacher for a printed family interview sheet.
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Use a sentence starter if you're stuck.
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Draw instead of writing where needed!
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