Last Name Origin: London

Are you curious about the origins of last names with London connections? Whether you're searching for your own family history or simply interested in the fascinating tapestry of names, this guide explores some common surnames that originated in the bustling city of London. From ancient trades to royal connections, these last names tell stories of life and work in the heart of England's capital. Let's delve into the rich history of London surnames and uncover their meanings.
1. **Abbott:** This surname, derived from the Old French word "abbot," meaning "father," points to an ancestor who held a position of authority in a monastery or abbey.
2. **Ainsworth:** A surname originating from the village of Ainsworth in Lancashire, England, indicating ancestral ties to that area.
3. **Anderson:** This surname originates from the Old Norse word "andri," meaning "man," often used as a personal name. It is a common surname found in England and many other countries, reflecting a history of immigration and settlement.
4. **Ashworth:** A surname originating from the village of Ashworth in Lancashire, England, indicating ancestral ties to that area.
5. **Baker:** This surname, as you might guess, denotes an ancestor who worked as a baker, a vital trade in medieval London.
6. **Barber:** This surname, stemming from the Old French word "barbier," indicates an ancestor who worked as a barber, often performing other roles like surgery and dentistry.
7. **Barnett:** A surname originating from the village of Barnett in Hertfordshire, England, indicating ancestral ties to that area.
8. **Bates:** This surname, deriving from the Old English word "bāt," meaning "boat," may have been an occupational name for someone who worked on or around boats, or a topographical name for someone who lived near a body of water.
9. **Bell:** This surname has several origins. It may refer to someone who lived near a bell tower, or who worked as a bell maker or ringer. It could also be a nickname for someone who was known for their voice.
10. **Bennett:** A surname originating from the village of Bennett in Shropshire, England, indicating ancestral ties to that area.
11. **Blackburn:** A surname originating from the town of Blackburn in Lancashire, England, indicating ancestral ties to that area.
12. **Blake:** This surname has multiple origins. It may refer to someone with a dark complexion, be a topographic name for someone who lived near a black heath, or be a nickname for someone who was known for their dark hair.
13. **Bloomfield:** A surname originating from the village of Bloomfield in Suffolk, England, indicating ancestral ties to that area.
14. **Bond:** This surname derives from the Old English word "bond," meaning "a tie or connection," and likely refers to someone who had a strong sense of loyalty or connection to a group or individual.
15. **Booth:** This surname has multiple origins. It may refer to a dwelling, a small house or cabin, or an enclosure for animals. It could also be a topographical name for someone who lived near a booth or small structure.
16. **Bowen:** This surname, deriving from the Welsh word "bowen," meaning "son of Owen," has become established in London and other parts of England.
17. **Bowman:** This surname, indicating someone who worked as a maker or user of bows, was common in medieval times when bows were used in warfare and hunting.
18. **Bradley:** A surname originating from the village of Bradley in Staffordshire, England, indicating ancestral ties to that area.
19. **Brown:** This surname derives from the Old English word "brūn," meaning "brown," and may refer to someone with brown hair or skin, or who lived in a place with brown soil or vegetation.
20. **Butler:** This surname, derived from the Old French word "botelier," meaning "bottle carrier," originally referred to an individual who served wine or other drinks in a nobleman's household.
21. **Byrne:** This surname, originating from the Irish word "Ó Bairn," meaning "descendant of the red one," has become established in London and other parts of England.
22. **Campbell:** This surname, originating from the Gaelic word "caman," meaning "crooked," is a common surname in Scotland and has been found in London and other parts of England.
23. **Carter:** This surname, derived from the Old English word "carte," meaning "cart," indicates an ancestor who worked as a carter, transporting goods or people by cart.
24. **Chapman:** This surname, derived from the Middle English word "chapman," meaning "merchant," indicates an ancestor who was a merchant or trader, likely traveling around to sell goods.
25. **Clarke:** This surname, derived from the Old English word "clerc," meaning "scholar" or "scribe," likely indicates an ancestor who worked as a clerk or scribe.
26. **Clement:** This surname, derived from the Latin word "clemens," meaning "merciful," is a common surname found in England and other countries.
27. **Cole:** This surname, derived from the Old English word "cōl," meaning "charcoal," may have referred to someone who worked as a charcoal burner, or who lived near a place where charcoal was produced.
28. **Collins:** A surname originating from the village of Collins in Cornwall, England, indicating ancestral ties to that area.
29. **Cook:** This surname, as you might guess, denotes an ancestor who worked as a cook, a vital role in both noble households and taverns.
30. **Cooper:** This surname, derived from the Old English word "cūper," meaning "barrel maker," indicates an ancestor who made and repaired barrels, a crucial trade in medieval times.
31. **Davies:** This surname, originating from the Welsh word "Dafydd," meaning "David," is a common surname in Wales and has been found in London and other parts of England.
32. **Davis:** A surname originating from the village of Davis in Cheshire, England, indicating ancestral ties to that area.
33. **Day:** This surname, derived from the Old English word "dæg," meaning "day," likely indicates an ancestor who had a job related to the passage of time, such as a watchmaker or calendar maker.
34. **Dean:** This surname, derived from the Old English word "dean," meaning "valley," is a common surname found in England and other countries.
35. **Denton:** A surname originating from the village of Denton in Lancashire, England, indicating ancestral ties to that area.
36. **Dixon:** This surname has multiple origins. It may refer to a person who lived near a ditch, be a nickname for someone who was dark-skinned, or be a shortened version of the name "Richard."
37. **Edwards:** This surname, originating from the Welsh word "Edward," meaning "wealthy guardian," is a common surname in Wales and has been found in London and other parts of England.
38. **Evans:** This surname, originating from the Welsh word "Evan," meaning "born on the feast of John the Baptist," is a common surname in Wales and has been found in London and other parts of England.
39. **Fisher:** This surname, as you might guess, denotes an ancestor who worked as a fisherman, a common profession in areas near the Thames River.
40. **Fletcher:** This surname, derived from the Old English word "flecche," meaning "arrow maker," indicates an ancestor who made and repaired arrows, a vital trade in medieval times.
41. **Ford:** This surname, derived from the Old English word "ford," meaning "shallow crossing," likely refers to someone who lived near a ford.
42. **Foster:** This surname, derived from the Old English word "fostre," meaning "foster," indicates an ancestor who worked as a foster parent or nurse.
43. **Fox:** This surname, derived from the Old English word "fox," meaning "fox," may refer to someone who hunted foxes, or who had some characteristics of a fox, such as cunning.
44. **Francis:** This surname, derived from the Latin word "Franciscus," meaning "Frenchman," is a common surname found in England and other countries.
45. **Freeman:** This surname, derived from the Old English word "freoman," meaning "free man," indicates an ancestor who was a free man, not a serf or slave.
46. **Frost:** This surname, derived from the Old English word "frost," meaning "frost," likely refers to someone who lived in a place where frost was common.
47. **Fuller:** This surname, derived from the Old English word "fullere," meaning "fuller," indicates an ancestor who worked as a fuller, a profession that involved cleaning and pressing wool cloth.
48. **Gallagher:** This surname, originating from the Irish word "Ó Gallchobhair," meaning "descendant of the helper," has become established in London and other parts of England.
49. **Gardner:** This surname, derived from the Old English word "gardnere," meaning "gardener," indicates an ancestor who worked as a gardener, tending to a garden or orchard.
50. **Garner:** This surname, derived from the Old French word "garnier," meaning "to furnish," may have referred to someone who stored or preserved grain or other goods.
51. **Gibson:** This surname, originating from the Old English word "gib," meaning "a forked stick or piece of wood," may have been a nickname for someone with a forked stick or piece of wood, or it may have been a topographic name for someone who lived near a forked stick or piece of wood.
52. **Gill:** This surname, derived from the Old English word "gille," meaning "servant," indicates an ancestor who worked as a servant in a household.
53. **Goddard:** This surname, derived from the Old English words "god" and "heard," meaning "good-hearted," likely indicates an ancestor who was known for their kind nature.
54. **Goldsmith:** This surname, derived from the Old English words "gold" and "smith," meaning "gold maker," indicates an ancestor who worked as a goldsmith, creating jewelry and other objects from gold.
55. **Goodman:** This surname, derived from the Old English words "god" and "man," meaning "good man," likely indicates an ancestor who was known for their good character.
56. **Gordon:** This surname, originating from the Gaelic word "Gòrdan," meaning "wide valley," is a common surname in Scotland and has been found in London and other parts of England.
57. **Graham:** This surname, originating from the Gaelic word "Gream," meaning "gravel," is a common surname in Scotland and has been found in London and other parts of England.
58. **Grant:** This surname, originating from the Gaelic word "gràn," meaning "grain," is a common surname in Scotland and has been found in London and other parts of England.
59. **Gray:** This surname, derived from the Old English word "græg," meaning "gray," likely refers to someone with gray hair or eyes, or who lived in a place with gray soil or vegetation.
60. **Green:** This surname, derived from the Old English word "grēne," meaning "green," likely refers to someone who lived in a place with green vegetation or a green field.
61. **Gregory:** This surname, derived from the Greek word "Gregorios," meaning "watchful" or "alert," is a common surname found in England and other countries.
62. **Griffiths:** This surname, originating from the Welsh word "Gruffydd," meaning "strong lord," is a common surname in Wales and has been found in London and other parts of England.
63. **Guest:** This surname, derived from the Old English word "gest," meaning "guest," likely indicates an ancestor who worked as an innkeeper or who often had guests in their home.
64. **Hall:** This surname, derived from the Old English word "hāl," meaning "whole," is a common surname found in England and other countries.
65. **Hamilton:** This surname, originating from the Gaelic word "Hamiltun," meaning "settlement of the lord," is a common surname in Scotland and has been found in London and other parts of England.
66. **Harris:** This surname, originating from the Old English word "hari," meaning "hare," may have been a nickname for someone who was quick or agile, or it may have been a topographic name for someone who lived near a hare's burrow.
67. **Harrison:** A surname originating from the village of Harrison in Yorkshire, England, indicating ancestral ties to that area.
68. **Harvey:** This surname, derived from the Old French word "haver," meaning "oats," may have been an occupational name for someone who grew or sold oats.
69. **Hawkins:** This surname, originating from the Old English word "hāw," meaning "hill," may have been a topographic name for someone who lived near a hill, or it may have been a nickname for someone who was tall or strong.
70. **Hayward:** This surname, derived from the Old English words "hēafod" and "weard," meaning "head guardian," indicates an ancestor who was responsible for guarding a gate or entrance.
71. **Heath:** This surname, derived from the Old English word "hæth," meaning "heath," likely refers to someone who lived near a heath.
72. **Henderson:** This surname, derived from the Old English words "hen" and "dēn," meaning "hen keeper," may have been an occupational name for someone who raised hens, or it may have been a nickname for someone who was fond of hens.
73. **Henry:** This surname, derived from the Germanic name "Heinrich," meaning "ruler of the house," is a common surname found in England and other countries.
74. **Herbert:** This surname, derived from the Germanic name "Heribert," meaning "bright army," is a common surname found in England and other countries.
75. **Hewitt:** A surname originating from the village of Hewitt in Derbyshire, England, indicating ancestral ties to that area.
76. **Hill:** This surname, derived from the Old English word "hyll," meaning "hill," likely refers to someone who lived near a hill.
77. **Hodges:** A surname originating from the village of Hodges in Gloucestershire, England, indicating ancestral ties to that area.
78. **Hoffman:** This surname, derived from the German words "hof" and "mann," meaning "court man," likely indicates an ancestor who worked as a servant or official in a court or noble household.
79. **Holmes:** A surname originating from the village of Holmes in Cheshire, England, indicating ancestral ties to that area.
80. **Holt:** This surname, derived from the Old English word "holt," meaning "wood," likely refers to someone who lived near a wood or forest.
81. **Howard:** This surname, derived from the Old English words "hōh" and "weard," meaning "hill guardian," likely indicates an ancestor who was responsible for guarding a hill or a place on a hill.
82. **Hughes:** This surname, originating from the Welsh word "Hughe," meaning "mind," is a common surname in Wales and has been found in London and other parts of England.
83. **Hunter:** This surname, derived from the Old English word "huntere," meaning "hunter," indicates an ancestor who hunted animals for food or sport.
84. **Hutchinson:** A surname originating from the village of Hutchinson in Lancashire, England, indicating ancestral ties to that area.
85. **Jackson:** This surname, derived from the Old English name "Jack," a nickname for "John," is a common surname found in England and other countries.
86. **James:** This surname, derived from the Hebrew name "Ya'akov," meaning "supplanter," is a common surname found in England and other countries.
87. **Jenkins:** A surname originating from the village of Jenkins in Glamorgan, Wales, indicating ancestral ties to that area.
88. **Jennings:** A surname originating from the village of Jennings in Kent, England, indicating ancestral ties to that area.
89. **Johnson:** This surname, derived from the Old English name "John," is a common surname found in England and other countries.
90. **Jones:** This surname, derived from the Welsh word "Ioan," meaning "John," is a common surname in Wales and has been found in London and other parts of England.
91. **Jordan:** This surname, derived from the Hebrew word "Yarden," meaning "to flow down," likely refers to someone who lived near a river or stream.
92. **Joseph:** This surname, derived from the Hebrew name "Yosef," meaning "God will add," is a common surname found in England and other countries.
93. **Joyce:** This surname, derived from the French word "Joie," meaning "joy," likely indicates an ancestor who was known for their cheerful disposition.
94. **Kay:** This surname, derived from the Old English word "cae," meaning "enclosure," likely refers to someone who lived near a field or garden.
95. **Kelly:** This surname, originating from the Irish word "Ó Caolaí," meaning "descendant of the slender one," has become established in London and other parts of England.
96. **Kennedy:** This surname, originating from the Gaelic word "Cinneide," meaning "handsome," is a common surname in Scotland and Ireland and has been found in London and other parts of England.
97. **Kent:** This surname, derived from the Old English word "Cēnt," meaning "chalk," likely refers to someone who lived in the county of Kent, known for its chalky soil.
98. **Kerr:** This surname, originating from the Gaelic word "Ceann," meaning "head," is a common surname in Scotland and has been found in London and other parts of England.
99. **King:** This surname, derived from the Old English word "cyning," meaning "king," likely indicates an ancestor who was a king or who worked for a king.
100. **Knight:** This surname, derived from the Old English word "cniht," meaning "youth," indicates an ancestor who was a knight, a warrior who was often trained from a young age.