Old English Last Names: A Comprehensive Guide to Traditional Surnames

Looking for an old-fashioned, traditional last name? Perhaps you're writing a fantasy novel or crafting a family tree, or maybe you just want to explore your roots. Whatever your reason, this guide will introduce you to the rich tapestry of Old English surnames. These names often reflect the lives, occupations, and geographical locations of our ancestors, offering a fascinating glimpse into the past.
1. **Aethelred:** "noble counsel" or "noble strength"
2. **Aethelstan:** "noble stone"
3. **Aelfric:** "elf-ruler"
4. **Aelfwine:** "elf-friend"
5. **Algar:** "all-strong"
6. **Alwin:** "all-victorious"
7. **Athelbald:** "noble bold"
8. **Athelberht:** "noble bright"
9. **Athelgar:** "noble spear"
10. **Athelhard:** "noble strong"
11. **Athelred:** "noble counsel"
12. **Athelstan:** "noble stone"
13. **Athelward:** "noble protector"
14. **Beorn:** "bear" (often indicating strength and courage)
15. **Beornwulf:** "bear-wolf"
16. **Brihtric:** "bright ruler"
17. **Ceawlin:** "sea-lion"
18. **Cuthbert:** "famous bright"
19. **Cyneheard:** "king's army"
20. **Eadbald:** "rich bold"
21. **Eadbert:** "rich bright"
22. **Eadgar:** "rich spear"
23. **Eadgyth:** "rich in battle"
24. **Eadric:** "rich ruler"
25. **Eadweard:** "rich protector"
26. **Ealhstan:** "holy stone"
27. **Eanmund:** "one-minded"
28. **Eardwulf:** "wealth-wolf"
29. **Ecgberht:** "edge-bright"
30. **Edmund:** "wealth-protector"
31. **Edwin:** "wealth-friend"
32. **Edgar:** "rich spear"
33. **Ethelbert:** "noble bright"
34. **Ethelred:** "noble counsel"
35. **Ethelstan:** "noble stone"
36. **Ethelwulf:** "noble wolf"
37. **Godric:** "god-ruler"
38. **Godwine:** "god-friend"
39. **Harold:** "army ruler"
40. **Hereward:** "army-protector"
41. **Hrothgar:** "fame-spear"
42. **Osric:** "god-ruler"
43. **Osward:** "god-protector"
44. **Redwald:** "red-ruler"
45. **Sigmund:** "victory-protector"
46. **Siward:** "victory-protector"
47. **Sweyn:** "young pig"
48. **Thorfinn:** "Thor's finder"
49. **Ulf:** "wolf"
50. **Wulfric:** "wolf-ruler"
51. **Wulfstan:** "wolf-stone"
52. **Wulfward:** "wolf-protector"
53. **Wyrd:** "fate"
54. **Aethelgar:** "noble spear"
55. **Aethelheard:** "noble strong"
56. **Aethelmund:** "noble protector"
57. **Aethelred:** "noble counsel"
58. **Aethelstan:** "noble stone"
59. **Aethelweard:** "noble guardian"
60. **Beowulf:** "bee-wolf"