Assimilation and discrimination have been central topics in discussions about immigration in the United States, reflecting historical and contemporary perspectives on national identity and unity.

Family names, as understood in the modern sense, are a relatively recent phenomenon, but the practice of naming tribes, clans, and dynasties has ancient roots spanning various regions.

Family names evolved from occupations and attributes of women, often reflecting their roles in society and household affairs.

Surnames can serve as indicators of ethnicity, influencing labor market perceptions and explaining earnings differentials.