The study of surnames and their origin, whether Irish, Scottish or otherwise, is a fascinating pastime. While they can be misleading, as in the case of Shaun Svensen, surnames often indicate racial origin and in some cases pinpoint our ancestor's occupation and the area in which they once lived. I find it strange that like some once common words, surnames will sometimes fall out of usage. The explanation for some disappearing surnames can be found in the obituaries. On his or her death, in other words, there were no related survivors carrying on with the family name.
Attrition certainly explains why some surnames vanish.
And people have been known to stop using surnames that have racial, religious and demeaning connotations. Hants County had its share of uncommon surnames in the 19th century as well - Hanel, Coalfleet, Redon, Sherar, Drillio, Hilsher, Kissock and Beaddo, for example. Some of the surnames once common in the Valley may have disappeared because people changed the spelling. Redon may have been a misspelling of Redden, for example.