Do you think that surnames or first names evolved first?

Question

Do you think that surnames or first names evolved first?

Answer 1

First names were created first...then, for instance, in a village, two people were called "John", the need to be able to differentiate between them was created - so surnames (usually based on their occupation, or where they lived, or some physical characteristic) were created.  For instance, one of the two "Johns" might then be called "John Cooper" ("Cooper" means barrel maker...what this "John" did for a living).  The other

"John" might have been called "John Smith" - because he worked as a blacksmith....etc. etc.... This to be able to distinguish which "John" a person might be referring to.  Hope this makes sense.

Answer 2

I think when the vikings were chilling together they came up with them first names, then surnames. Ericson= Eric's son. lol. I heard that when I was 5.