Medieval Last Names: A Journey Through Time

Delve into the fascinating world of medieval last names! These surnames, born from a bygone era, offer a glimpse into the lives, occupations, and origins of our ancestors. From descriptive traits to geographical locations, these names reveal the rich tapestry of medieval society. Explore this comprehensive list of medieval last names and their detailed meanings, unlocking a treasure trove of historical insights.
1. **Abbott:** "One who lives by the rules of a religious order, specifically a monastery."
2. **Abernathy:** "From the town of Abernethy, Scotland, meaning 'mouth of the River Nethy'."
3. **Adams:** "Son of Adam," a common surname derived from the biblical figure.
4. **Ainsworth:** "One who lives near a meadow or pasture."
5. **Aldridge:** "Old ruler or lord."
6. **Alexander:** "Defender of mankind."
7. **Allen:** "Handsome" or "rock" (from the Welsh "alen").
8. **Anderson:** "Son of Andrew."
9. **Andrews:** "Brave" or "manly" (from the Greek "andros").
10. **Arnold:** "Powerful ruler" or "eagle strength."
11. **Ashworth:** "One who lives near an ash tree."
12. **Atkinson:** "Son of Atkin."
13. **Austin:** "Worthy" or "august" (from the Latin "augustus").
14. **Baker:** "One who makes bread."
15. **Baldwin:** "Bold friend" or "brave warrior."
16. **Ballard:** "Bold" or "strong."
17. **Banks:** "One who lives near a bank or river."
18. **Barber:** "One who shaves or cuts hair."
19. **Barclay:** "Barley meadow."
20. **Barlow:** "Bare hill."
21. **Barnes:** "One who lives near a barn."
22. **Barrett:** "Brave" or "strong."
23. **Bartlett:** "Barley meadow."
24. **Barton:** "Barley farm."
25. **Bates:** "One who lives near a bath."
26. **Bayley:** "Bailiff" or "steward."
27. **Beaumont:** "Beautiful mountain."
28. **Beckett:** "Little stream."
29. **Bell:** "One who rings bells."
30. **Bennett:** "Blessed" or "good."
31. **Bernard:** "Brave" or "strong bear."
32. **Berry:** "One who lives near a berry bush."
33. **Black:** "One who has dark hair or skin."
34. **Blake:** "Black" or "dark."
35. **Bloom:** "One who lives near a blossoming field."
36. **Blythe:** "Happy" or "joyful."
37. **Bolton:** "Bold town."
38. **Bond:** "One who is bound by an agreement."
39. **Booth:** "A small building or stall."
40. **Bowman:** "One who uses a bow and arrow."
41. **Boyd:** "Yellow" or "fair."
42. **Bradley:** "Broad meadow."
43. **Bradshaw:** "Broad meadow."
44. **Brooks:** "One who lives near a stream."
45. **Brown:** "One who has brown hair or skin."
46. **Bruce:** "From the town of Bruce, Scotland."
47. **Bryan:** "Strong" or "brave."
48. **Bryant:** "Strong" or "brave."
49. **Buckingham:** "Buck's home."
50. **Bullock:** "Young bull."
51. **Burnett:** "Dark" or "brown."
52. **Burton:** "Fort" or "settlement."
53. **Bush:** "One who lives near a bush."
54. **Butler:** "One who serves a lord."
55. **Byrne:** "Strong" or "warrior."
56. **Campbell:** "Crooked mouth."
57. **Carey:** "Loving" or "dear."
58. **Carlisle:** "Fort on the wall."
59. **Carpenter:** "One who makes furniture."
60. **Carter:** "One who drives a cart."
61. **Case:** "One who makes casks or boxes."
62. **Cassidy:** "One who is cunning."
63. **Cavendish:** "Hollow" or "valley."
64. **Chadwick:** "One who lives near a ford."
65. **Chamberlain:** "One who manages a household."
66. **Chandler:** "One who makes candles."
67. **Chapman:** "Merchant" or "trader."
68. **Charles:** "Free man."
69. **Chase:** "One who hunts."
70. **Chevalier:** "Knight" or "horseman."
71. **Chilton:** "Child's town."
72. **Churchill:** "Church's hill."
73. **Clark:** "Scholar" or "clerk."
74. **Clayton:** "Clay town."
75. **Clemens:** "Merciful" or "kind."
76. **Clifford:** "Cliff by the ford."
77. **Clinton:** "Hill by the cliff."
78. **Cobb:** "One who makes shoes."
79. **Cole:** "Black" or "dark."
80. **Coleman:** "Coal merchant."
81. **Collins:** "Son of Colin."
82. **Colton:** "Cold town."
83. **Cooper:** "One who makes barrels."
84. **Corbett:** "Raven" or "crow."
85. **Corder:** "One who makes ropes."
86. **Cornwall:** "Corn wall."
87. **Cotton:** "One who lives near a cotton field."
88. **Cox:** "Cook" or "chef."
89. **Craig:** "Rock" or "cliff."
90. **Crawford:** "From the town of Crawford, Scotland."
91. **Crisp:** "Curly" or "curled."
92. **Cromwell:** "Crooked meadow."
93. **Crosby:** "Cross's meadow."
94. **Crow:** "One who is black or dark."
95. **Culpepper:** "One who gathers pepper."
96. **Cunningham:** "From the town of Cunningham, Scotland."
97. **Curtis:** "Courteous" or "polite."
98. **Dalton:** "Dale town."
99. **Daniel:** "God is my judge."
100. **David:** "Beloved."