British Last Names: A Comprehensive Guide to Their Origins and Meanings

This comprehensive guide delves into the fascinating world of British last names, exploring their diverse origins and rich meanings. From Anglo-Saxon roots to Norman conquests, these surnames offer a glimpse into the history and culture of the British Isles. This list provides detailed explanations of the most common British last names, shedding light on their historical significance and the stories they hold.
1. **Smith:** A common occupational surname meaning "one who works with metals." This name is derived from the Old English word "smið."

2. **Jones:** A patronymic surname meaning "son of John." This name is derived from the Hebrew name "Yochanan," meaning "God is gracious."

3. **Brown:** An occupational surname meaning "one who works with brown materials, such as leather or wool." The name is derived from the Old English word "brūn."

4. **Davies:** A patronymic surname meaning "son of David." This name is derived from the Hebrew name "David," meaning "beloved."

5. **Wilson:** An occupational surname meaning "son of William." This name is derived from the Germanic name "Willahelm," meaning "resolute protector."

6. **Evans:** A patronymic surname meaning "son of Evan." This name is derived from the Welsh name "Evan," meaning "God is gracious."

7. **Taylor:** An occupational surname meaning "one who cuts cloth." This name is derived from the Old French word "tailleur."

8. **Thomas:** A patronymic surname meaning "son of Thomas." This name is derived from the Aramaic name "T'oma," meaning "twin."

9. **Williams:** A patronymic surname meaning "son of William." This name is derived from the Germanic name "Willahelm," meaning "resolute protector."

10. **Robinson:** A patronymic surname meaning "son of Robin." This name is derived from the Germanic name "Hrodeberht," meaning "famous brightness."

11. **White:** A descriptive surname meaning "white," possibly referring to the person's hair or complexion. The name is derived from the Old English word "hwīt."

12. **Thompson:** A patronymic surname meaning "son of Thomas." This name is derived from the Aramaic name "T'oma," meaning "twin."

13. **Clark:** An occupational surname meaning "scribe" or "clerk." This name is derived from the Old French word "clerc."

14. **King:** An occupational surname meaning "one who rules a country." The name is derived from the Old English word "cyning."

15. **Harris:** A patronymic surname meaning "son of Harry." This name is derived from the Germanic name "Heinrich," meaning "ruler of the house."

16. **Lewis:** A patronymic surname meaning "son of Louis." This name is derived from the Germanic name "Hludwig," meaning "famous warrior."

17. **Lee:** A place name surname, referring to a clearing in a forest or a meadow. The name is derived from the Old English word "lēah."

18. **Walker:** An occupational surname meaning "one who travels on foot." This name is derived from the Old English word "wealcan."

19. **Hall:** A place name surname, referring to a large house or a manor. The name is derived from the Old English word "hāl."

20. **Carter:** An occupational surname meaning "one who drives a cart." This name is derived from the Old French word "carter."

21. **Green:** A descriptive surname meaning "green," possibly referring to the person's residence or occupation. The name is derived from the Old English word "grēne."

22. **Cooper:** An occupational surname meaning "barrel maker." This name is derived from the Middle English word "coppere."

23. **Allen:** A patronymic surname meaning "son of Alan." This name is derived from the Breton name "Alan," meaning "handsome."

24. **Turner:** An occupational surname meaning "one who works with wood, especially a lathe." This name is derived from the Old French word "tourneur."

25. **Hill:** A place name surname, referring to a high area of land. The name is derived from the Old English word "hyll."

26. **Morgan:** A patronymic surname meaning "son of Morgan." This name is derived from the Welsh name "Morgan," meaning "sea defender."

27. **Jackson:** A patronymic surname meaning "son of Jack." This name is derived from the English name "Jack," which is a diminutive of "John."

28. **Wright:** An occupational surname meaning "craftsman" or "worker." This name is derived from the Old English word "wyrhta."

29. **Davis:** A patronymic surname meaning "son of David." This name is derived from the Hebrew name "David," meaning "beloved."

30. **Miller:** An occupational surname meaning "one who operates a mill." This name is derived from the Old English word "mylnere."

31. **Moore:** A place name surname, referring to a bog or wetland. The name is derived from the Old English word "mōr."

32. **Scott:** A place name surname, referring to people from Scotland. The name is derived from the Old English word "Scot."

33. **Phillips:** A patronymic surname meaning "son of Philip." This name is derived from the Greek name "Philippos," meaning "lover of horses."

34. **James:** A patronymic surname meaning "son of James." This name is derived from the Hebrew name "Ya'akov," meaning "supplanter."

35. **Reed:** A place name surname, referring to a reed bed or marsh. The name is derived from the Old English word "rīd."

36. **Watson:** A patronymic surname meaning "son of Walter." This name is derived from the Germanic name "Waldher," meaning "ruler of the army."

37. **Bennett:** A patronymic surname meaning "son of Benedict." This name is derived from the Latin name "Benedictus," meaning "blessed."

38. **Harper:** An occupational surname meaning "one who plays the harp." The name is derived from the Old French word "harpeur."

39. **Young:** A descriptive surname meaning "young," possibly referring to the person's age or appearance. The name is derived from the Old English word "geong."

40. **Price:** An occupational surname meaning "one who sells goods." This name is derived from the Old French word "prix."