I'm trying to trace as far back as possible in my family tree.

My surname is BRYAN, but i was just acknowledged that my last name was randomly assigned to my father as well as his siblings. My father is not certain of the reasonings why-- but i'm interested in knowing. His father's surname was THOMPSON. My grandmother's maiden name is WILLIAMS and my great grand mothers maiden name is PRETTY.

My mother's maiden name is GAYLE. My grandmother's maiden name is WILSON, and my great-grandmother's maiden is KITSON. They were inhabitants of St. Ann.

I would appreciate any information, thank you very much.