This post explores the fascinating evolution of surnames that originated from nicknames that are now largely obsolete. The discussion includes examples from various cultures, such as Welsh patronymic surnames (e.g., Upjohn from ap John), Spanish surnames (like Diaz from Diego), and Scandinavian naming conventions (e.g., Björk Guðmundsdóttir). User comments highlight the transformation of names through history and the interesting connections between contemporary surnames and their roots, sparking reflections on cultural evolution in naming practices.