Tip: Surnames are often the definition of a job your ancestors held or something that described the person or position they held. For example, Crukshank (Cruikshank) is a bent or hooked leg bone. Chances are if you have this name, you had an ancestor with a problematic leg. McGowan is a blacksmith in Ireland, while Smith is a blacksmith in the U.S. Some McGowan's changed their name to Smith in England or America. #genealogy #surnames