Belgium Naturalization and Citizenship

Belgium

Naturalization and name adoption records (Naamsaanneming registers, Lettres de naturalisation)
Research use: Patronymic surnames were common in Dutch provinces prior to 1795. After that all citizens were required to adopt a fixed surname. These records are used to determine prior naming patterns and residences.

Record type: Naturalization and assignment of surnames for patronymic families and Jews.

Time Period: 1635- present.

Content: Heads of families’ previous and new residences, names, ages and/or birth dates, number or names and ages of children and grandchildren, marks or signatures.

Location: Provincial, state, city and municipal archives.

Population coverage: 10%.