English Royal Last Names: A Comprehensive Guide

This article will delve into the fascinating world of English royal last names. Throughout history, numerous families have held the coveted title of royalty, each with their own unique lineage and heritage. These names have resonated through the ages, leaving an enduring mark on the annals of British history. Join us as we explore the origins and meanings behind some of the most prominent and historically significant English royal last names.
1. **Windsor:** Meaning "winding river," this name was adopted by King George V in 1917, replacing the German Saxe-Coburg and Gotha surname. It was chosen to reflect the family's connection to Windsor Castle, a royal residence since the 11th century.
2. **Plantagenet:** Derived from the Latin "planta genista" (broom plant), this name was first used by Geoffrey of Anjou, the father of King Henry II. The name symbolized strength and resilience, traits associated with the broom plant.
3. **York:** This name refers to the city of York, a major center of power and influence in England. The House of York, a branch of the Plantagenet dynasty, competed with the House of Lancaster for the English throne during the Wars of the Roses.
4. **Lancaster:** Like York, this name derives from the city of Lancaster, a historical seat of power in England. The House of Lancaster, another branch of the Plantagenet dynasty, fought against the House of York for the throne.
5. **Stuart:** This name originates from the Scottish Gaelic "Stiùbhart," meaning "steward." The Stuart dynasty ruled Scotland and England for over a century, beginning with King James VI of Scotland, who became James I of England in 1603.
6. **Tudor:** This name is believed to be derived from the Welsh "Tudur," meaning "descendant of Tudor." The Tudor dynasty ruled England for over a century, starting with King Henry VII, who defeated Richard III at the Battle of Bosworth Field in 1485.
7. **Monmouth:** This name refers to the town of Monmouth in Wales. The Duke of Monmouth, an illegitimate son of King Charles II, was a major figure in the rebellion against King James II in 1685.
8. **Clarence:** This name refers to the honorific title bestowed upon several royal figures. The title was associated with the Duchy of Clarence, a royal duchy established in 1362.
9. **Gloucester:** This name derives from the city of Gloucester, a historical center of power in England. The Duke of Gloucester, a title bestowed upon numerous royal figures, was often associated with the Duchy of Gloucester, a royal duchy established in 1385.
10. **Norfolk:** This name refers to the county of Norfolk in England. The Duke of Norfolk, a title bestowed upon several royal figures, was associated with the Duchy of Norfolk, a royal duchy established in 1461.
11. **Kent:** This name refers to the county of Kent in England. The Duke of Kent, a title bestowed upon several royal figures, was associated with the Duchy of Kent, a royal duchy established in 1362.
12. **Richmond:** This name refers to the town of Richmond, Yorkshire, England. The Duke of Richmond, a title bestowed upon several royal figures, was associated with the Duchy of Richmond, a royal duchy established in 1372.
13. **York:** This name is derived from the city of York, a major center of power and influence in England. The House of York, a branch of the Plantagenet dynasty, competed with the House of Lancaster for the English throne during the Wars of the Roses.
14. **Lancaster:** This name refers to the city of Lancaster, a historical seat of power in England. The House of Lancaster, another branch of the Plantagenet dynasty, fought against the House of York for the throne.
15. **Anglesey:** This name refers to the island of Anglesey off the coast of Wales. The Duke of Anglesey, a title bestowed upon several royal figures, was associated with the Duchy of Anglesey, a royal duchy established in 1797.
16. **Berwick:** This name refers to the town of Berwick-upon-Tweed, a historic border town between England and Scotland. The Duke of Berwick, a title bestowed upon several royal figures, was associated with the Duchy of Berwick, a royal duchy established in 1687.
17. **Somerset:** This name refers to the county of Somerset in England. The Duke of Somerset, a title bestowed upon several royal figures, was associated with the Duchy of Somerset, a royal duchy established in 1397.
18. **Bedford:** This name refers to the town of Bedford in England. The Duke of Bedford, a title bestowed upon several royal figures, was associated with the Duchy of Bedford, a royal duchy established in 1394.
19. **Devon:** This name refers to the county of Devon in England. The Duke of Devon, a title bestowed upon several royal figures, was associated with the Duchy of Devon, a royal duchy established in 1511.
20. **Exeter:** This name refers to the city of Exeter in England. The Duke of Exeter, a title bestowed upon several royal figures, was associated with the Duchy of Exeter, a royal duchy established in 1397.
21. **Huntingdon:** This name refers to the town of Huntingdon in England. The Duke of Huntingdon, a title bestowed upon several royal figures, was associated with the Duchy of Huntingdon, a royal duchy established in 1337.
22. **Cambridge:** This name refers to the city of Cambridge in England. The Duke of Cambridge, a title bestowed upon several royal figures, was associated with the Duchy of Cambridge, a royal duchy established in 1660.
23. **Gloucester:** This name refers to the city of Gloucester in England. The Duke of Gloucester, a title bestowed upon several royal figures, was associated with the Duchy of Gloucester, a royal duchy established in 1385.
24. **Suffolk:** This name refers to the county of Suffolk in England. The Duke of Suffolk, a title bestowed upon several royal figures, was associated with the Duchy of Suffolk, a royal duchy established in 1385.
25. **Essex:** This name refers to the county of Essex in England. The Duke of Essex, a title bestowed upon several royal figures, was associated with the Duchy of Essex, a royal duchy established in 1399.
26. **Sussex:** This name refers to the county of Sussex in England. The Duke of Sussex, a title bestowed upon several royal figures, was associated with the Duchy of Sussex, a royal duchy established in 1801.
27. **Wessex:** This name refers to the ancient Anglo-Saxon kingdom of Wessex, which dominated England in the 9th century. The Duke of Wessex, a title bestowed upon several royal figures, was associated with the Duchy of Wessex, a royal duchy established in 1866.
28. **York:** This name refers to the city of York, a major center of power and influence in England. The House of York, a branch of the Plantagenet dynasty, competed with the House of Lancaster for the English throne during the Wars of the Roses.
29. **Lancaster:** This name refers to the city of Lancaster, a historical seat of power in England. The House of Lancaster, another branch of the Plantagenet dynasty, fought against the House of York for the throne.
30. **Northumberland:** This name refers to the county of Northumberland in England. The Duke of Northumberland, a title bestowed upon several royal figures, was associated with the Duchy of Northumberland, a royal duchy established in 1377.
31. **Westminster:** This name refers to the historic district of Westminster in London. The Duke of Westminster, a title bestowed upon several royal figures, was associated with the Duchy of Westminster, a royal duchy established in 1874.
32. **Edinburgh:** This name refers to the city of Edinburgh, the capital of Scotland. The Duke of Edinburgh, a title bestowed upon several royal figures, was associated with the Duchy of Edinburgh, a royal duchy established in 1866.
33. **Connaught:** This name refers to the province of Connaught in Ireland. The Duke of Connaught, a title bestowed upon several royal figures, was associated with the Duchy of Connaught, a royal duchy established in 1866.
34. **Albany:** This name refers to the city of Albany, New York, USA. The Duke of Albany, a title bestowed upon several royal figures, was associated with the Duchy of Albany, a royal duchy established in 1398.
35. **Fife:** This name refers to the county of Fife in Scotland. The Duke of Fife, a title bestowed upon several royal figures, was associated with the Duchy of Fife, a royal duchy established in 1889.
36. **York:** This name refers to the city of York, a major center of power and influence in England. The House of York, a branch of the Plantagenet dynasty, competed with the House of Lancaster for the English throne during the Wars of the Roses.
37. **Lancaster:** This name refers to the city of Lancaster, a historical seat of power in England. The House of Lancaster, another branch of the Plantagenet dynasty, fought against the House of York for the throne.
38. **Clarence:** This name refers to the honorific title bestowed upon several royal figures. The title was associated with the Duchy of Clarence, a royal duchy established in 1362.
39. **Gloucester:** This name refers to the city of Gloucester in England. The Duke of Gloucester, a title bestowed upon numerous royal figures, was often associated with the Duchy of Gloucester, a royal duchy established in 1385.
40. **Norfolk:** This name refers to the county of Norfolk in England. The Duke of Norfolk, a title bestowed upon several royal figures, was associated with the Duchy of Norfolk, a royal duchy established in 1461.
41. **Kent:** This name refers to the county of Kent in England. The Duke of Kent, a title bestowed upon several royal figures, was associated with the Duchy of Kent, a royal duchy established in 1362.
42. **Richmond:** This name refers to the town of Richmond, Yorkshire, England. The Duke of Richmond, a title bestowed upon several royal figures, was associated with the Duchy of Richmond, a royal duchy established in 1372.