Last Names in the Victorian Era: A Comprehensive Guide

The Victorian era, spanning from 1837 to 1901, was a time of significant social and cultural change in England. During this period, last names, also known as surnames, reflected the evolving landscape of society, revealing fascinating insights into family history, occupation, and place of origin. This comprehensive guide explores the diverse meanings and origins of last names prevalent during the Victorian era, offering a glimpse into the rich tapestry of English surnames.
1. **Abbott:** Meaning "father of the abbot", this surname was often given to someone who lived near an abbey or worked for a monastery.
2. **Abernathy:** Derived from the Gaelic "Abhainn a' Bhathaidh", meaning "river of the ford", this name indicates a place of origin.
3. **Adams:** Derived from the Hebrew "Adam", meaning "man", this name is one of the oldest and most common surnames in England.
4. **Ainsworth:** Meaning "worth near the ash tree", this surname denotes a place of origin.
5. **Alexander:** Derived from the Greek "Alexandros", meaning "defender of mankind", this name was popular throughout the Victorian era.
6. **Allen:** Meaning "handsome" or "bright", this name is of Old English origin.
7. **Anderson:** Derived from the Old English "Andersen", meaning "son of Andrew", this name is a patronymic.
8. **Andrews:** Meaning "son of Andrew", this name is a patronymic.
9. **Arnold:** Meaning "eagle power", this name is of Germanic origin.
10. **Ashby:** Meaning "ash tree settlement", this name indicates a place of origin.
11. **Atkinson:** Meaning "son of Atkin", this name is a patronymic.
12. **Austin:** Derived from the Latin "Augustinus", meaning "venerable", this name was popular throughout the Victorian era.
13. **Baker:** This occupational surname was given to those who baked bread.
14. **Ball:** Meaning "a hill", this surname denotes a place of origin.
15. **Banks:** Meaning "a place where there are banks", this surname denotes a place of origin.
16. **Barber:** This occupational surname was given to those who cut hair.
17. **Barker:** This occupational surname was given to those who tanned and prepared animal hides.
18. **Barnett:** Meaning "son of Bernard", this name is a patronymic.
19. **Barrett:** Meaning "small hill", this surname denotes a place of origin.
20. **Bartlett:** Meaning "small hill", this surname denotes a place of origin.
21. **Bates:** Meaning "son of Bate", this name is a patronymic.
22. **Baxter:** This occupational surname was given to those who baked bread.
23. **Beard:** This surname originated from a physical characteristic - a beard.
24. **Beckett:** Meaning "small stream", this surname denotes a place of origin.
25. **Bell:** Meaning "beautiful" or "handsome", this name is of Old English origin.
26. **Bennett:** Meaning "son of Benedict", this name is a patronymic.
27. **Bentley:** Meaning "settlement near the meadow", this surname denotes a place of origin.
28. **Bernard:** Meaning "brave bear", this name is of Germanic origin.
29. **Berry:** Meaning "berry patch", this surname denotes a place of origin.
30. **Black:** This surname originated from a physical characteristic - dark hair or complexion.
31. **Blake:** Meaning "dark", this name is of Old English origin.
32. **Bloomfield:** Meaning "field of flowers", this surname denotes a place of origin.
33. **Bond:** Meaning "a bond or agreement", this surname indicates a profession or role.
34. **Booth:** Meaning "a small building", this surname denotes a place of origin.
35. **Bowen:** Meaning "son of Owen", this name is a patronymic.
36. **Bowman:** This occupational surname was given to those who made or used bows and arrows.
37. **Boyd:** Meaning "yellow", this name is of Gaelic origin.
38. **Bradshaw:** Meaning "broad meadow", this surname denotes a place of origin.
39. **Brown:** This surname originated from a physical characteristic - brown hair or complexion.
40. **Bryant:** Meaning "strong" or "bright", this name is of Old English origin.