Obituaries by Last Name: A Comprehensive Guide to Finding and Understanding Surnames

Finding an obituary by last name can be a helpful way to learn more about a deceased individual's life and legacy. This comprehensive guide provides an in-depth look at common last names, their origins, and their meanings, making it easier to connect with the individuals whose stories they represent.
1. **Abbott**: Derived from the Old French word "abbot," meaning "father of a monastery." It was originally an occupational name for a monk or abbot.
2. **Adams**: An English patronymic surname, meaning "son of Adam." It is one of the most common last names in the English-speaking world.
3. **Acosta**: A Spanish surname, meaning "he who lives near a hill or slope." It is derived from the Latin word "acutus."
4. **Aguirre**: A Basque surname, meaning "water." It is a popular surname in Spain and Latin America.
5. **Alexander**: A Greek name, meaning "defender of mankind." It is a popular name throughout the Western world.
6. **Allen**: An English surname, meaning "handsome" or "noble." It is derived from the Old English word "allan."
7. **Anderson**: An English patronymic surname, meaning "son of Andrew." It is a common surname in Scandinavian countries as well.
8. **Andrews**: A variant of Anderson, meaning "son of Andrew."
9. **Anthony**: A Latin name, meaning "priceless" or "worthy of praise." It is a common name in many cultures.
10. **Arnold**: A German surname, meaning "strong as an eagle." It is derived from the Old High German word "arn."
11. **Bailey**: An English surname, meaning "bailiff" or "court official." It was originally an occupational name.
12. **Baker**: An English occupational surname, meaning "one who bakes bread."
13. **Ball**: An English surname, meaning "one who lives by a ball court." It is a common surname in the United States.
14. **Banks**: An English surname, meaning "one who lives by a bank." It is a common surname in the United Kingdom.
15. **Barber**: An English occupational surname, meaning "one who shaves and cuts hair."
16. **Barnes**: An English surname, meaning "son of Barnaby." It is a common surname in the United States.
17. **Barrett**: An English surname, meaning "son of Bartholomew." It is a common surname in Ireland.
18. **Barton**: An English surname, meaning "barley farm" or "barley field." It is a common surname in the United Kingdom.
19. **Bates**: An English surname, meaning "son of Bath." It is a common surname in the United States.
20. **Bauer**: A German surname, meaning "farmer." It is a common surname in German-speaking countries.
21. **Baxter**: An English occupational surname, meaning "baker."
22. **Bean**: An English surname, meaning "one who lives near a bean field."
23. **Bell**: An English surname, meaning "one who makes bells." It is a common surname in the United Kingdom.
24. **Bennett**: An English surname, meaning "son of Benedict." It is a common surname in the United States.
25. **Benson**: An English patronymic surname, meaning "son of Benjamin." It is a common surname in Scandinavian countries as well.
26. **Berger**: A German surname, meaning "farmer." It is a common surname in German-speaking countries.
27. **Best**: An English surname, meaning "the best." It is a common surname in the United States.
28. **Bishop**: An English surname, meaning "one who is a bishop." It was originally an occupational name.
29. **Black**: An English surname, meaning "one who has black hair or skin."
30. **Blake**: An English surname, meaning "black." It is a common surname in the United States.
31. **Blair**: A Scottish surname, meaning "field" or "meadow." It is a common surname in the United Kingdom.
32. **Bloom**: An English surname, meaning "one who lives near a flowering plant."
33. **Boone**: An English surname, meaning "one who lives in a valley." It is a common surname in the United States.
34. **Bowman**: An English occupational surname, meaning "one who makes bows and arrows."
35. **Boyd**: A Scottish surname, meaning "yellow." It is a common surname in the United Kingdom.
36. **Boyer**: A French surname, meaning "one who drinks." It is a common surname in France.
37. **Bradley**: An English surname, meaning "broad meadow." It is a common surname in the United States.
38. **Brown**: An English surname, meaning "one who has brown hair or skin." It is a common surname in the United States.
39. **Bryant**: An English surname, meaning "son of Brian." It is a common surname in the United States.
40. **Buck**: An English surname, meaning "male goat." It is a common surname in the United States.