Hi Jennifer -

From my research into the name Zujus, there were two areas in which this rare surname can be found. One was in the Preinai region, and the other (which is where my lineage came) was in the Kaisiadorys (?sp) region near Kaunas. I recall reading that your grandfather was a writer and published a newspaper, and his relations were connected with the Zujus families from Preinai. I have not found a specific connection between the families from the two areas, but given the relative rarity of the surname from a relatively small country, I suspect there may be a connection. An expert on Lithuanian surnames once told be that the name came from a nickname, and depending upon the ultimate origin could mean either one who ruminates on things and acts slowly, or one who moves about quickly and nervously. I suppose depending whether I am on my first or second pot of coffee in the morning, either could fit... ;)
- Jim Zuis (Zujus)