Victorian Era Last Names: A Guide to Common Surnames

The Victorian era was a time of great social and cultural change in England, and it's reflected in the surnames people bore. From traditional family names to newly adopted occupational titles, the Victorian era saw a diverse range of last names become commonplace. If you're researching your family history or simply curious about the origins of these names, this list explores some of the most common Victorian era surnames, along with their fascinating meanings.
1. **Smith:** A very common surname, meaning "blacksmith" or "metalworker."
2. **Jones:** Derived from the Welsh word "John," meaning "God is gracious."
3. **Brown:** A descriptive surname meaning "someone with brown hair or complexion."
4. **Davis:** An anglicized form of the Welsh name "David," meaning "beloved."
5. **Miller:** An occupational surname meaning "one who grinds grain."
6. **Wilson:** A surname meaning "son of William."
7. **Moore:** A surname meaning "moorland" or "swamp."
8. **Taylor:** An occupational surname meaning "one who cuts cloth."
9. **Anderson:** A surname meaning "son of Andrew."
10. **Thomas:** A surname meaning "twin."
11. **Jackson:** A surname meaning "son of Jack."
12. **White:** A descriptive surname meaning "someone with white hair or complexion."
13. **Harris:** A surname meaning "son of Harry."
14. **Martin:** A surname meaning "warlike" or "belonging to Mars."
15. **Thompson:** A surname meaning "son of Thomas."
16. **Garcia:** A Spanish surname meaning "bear."
17. **Martinez:** A Spanish surname meaning "son of Martin."
18. **Robinson:** A surname meaning "son of Robin."
19. **Clark:** An occupational surname meaning "clerk" or "scribe."
20. **Lewis:** A surname meaning "famous warrior."
21. **Lee:** A surname meaning "meadow" or "clearing."
22. **Walker:** An occupational surname meaning "one who walks."
23. **Hall:** A surname meaning "large building" or "dwelling."
24. **Allen:** A surname meaning "handsome" or "noble."
25. **Young:** A descriptive surname meaning "someone who is young."
26. **Hernandez:** A Spanish surname meaning "son of Hernando."
27. **King:** A surname meaning "ruler" or "monarch."
28. **Wright:** An occupational surname meaning "craftsman" or "builder."
29. **Lopez:** A Spanish surname meaning "wolf."
30. **Hill:** A surname meaning "elevated land."
31. **Scott:** A surname meaning "from Scotland."
32. **Green:** A descriptive surname meaning "someone with green hair or complexion."
33. **Adams:** A surname meaning "son of Adam."
34. **Baker:** An occupational surname meaning "one who bakes bread."
35. **Gonzalez:** A Spanish surname meaning "son of Gonzalo."
36. **Nelson:** A surname meaning "son of Neil."
37. **Carter:** An occupational surname meaning "one who transports goods."
38. **Mitchell:** A surname meaning "son of Michael."
39. **Perez:** A Spanish surname meaning "Peter" or "stone."
40. **Roberts:** A surname meaning "son of Robert."
41. **Turner:** An occupational surname meaning "one who turns wood."
42. **Phillips:** A surname meaning "son of Philip."
43. **Campbell:** A Scottish surname meaning "crooked mouth."
44. **Parker:** An occupational surname meaning "one who keeps the park."
45. **Evans:** A surname meaning "son of Evan."
46. **Edwards:** A surname meaning "son of Edward."
47. **Collins:** A surname meaning "son of Colin."
48. **Stewart:** A Scottish surname meaning "steward."
49. **Sanchez:** A Spanish surname meaning "saint."
50. **Morris:** A surname meaning "dark-skinned."