Last Name of English Royals: A Comprehensive Guide

Are you curious about the last names of the English royal family? You're not alone! Many people are surprised to learn that they don't actually have a last name in the traditional sense. However, the royal family does have a long and fascinating history with various surnames, each with its own unique story. Let's delve into the world of English royal last names and uncover the rich history behind them.
1. **Windsor:** This surname, adopted by the royal family in 1917, signifies their lineage from the royal house of Saxe-Coburg and Gotha. "Windsor" is derived from Windsor Castle, a significant royal residence.
2. **Mountbatten:** A surname of German origin, "Mountbatten" was adopted by Prince Philip, the Duke of Edinburgh, in 1917. It is a combination of "Battenberg" and "Mount," reflecting his family's origins.
3. **Wales:** The title "Prince of Wales" has been bestowed upon the heir apparent to the English throne since the 14th century. It signifies their association with the principality of Wales.
4. **York:** The Duke of York is one of the traditional titles held by members of the royal family. "York" reflects their association with the city of York, a significant historical location.
5. **Cambridge:** The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge are known as the "Cambridges" – a surname derived from their official title and associated with the University of Cambridge.
6. **Sussex:** The Duke and Duchess of Sussex, Harry and Meghan, are known as the "Sussexes" – a surname reflecting their official title and linked to the county of Sussex.
7. **Wessex:** The title of "Earl of Wessex" has been bestowed upon members of the royal family since the 10th century. It signifies their association with the historical kingdom of Wessex.
8. **Clarence:** The Duke of Clarence is a traditional title associated with members of the royal family. "Clarence" reflects its origins in the historic county of Clarence.
9. **Gloucester:** The Duke of Gloucester is a traditional title held by members of the royal family. "Gloucester" signifies their association with the city of Gloucester, a historically significant location.
10. **Kent:** The Duke of Kent is a traditional title associated with members of the royal family. "Kent" reflects its origins in the historic county of Kent.
11. **Edinburgh:** Prince Philip, the Duke of Edinburgh, held the title "Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh." "Edinburgh" signifies his connection to the city of Edinburgh.
12. **Saxe-Coburg and Gotha:** This was the original royal house of the British monarchy from 1837 until 1917. It signifies their German ancestry and lineage.
13. **Plantagenet:** A powerful royal dynasty that reigned in England from 1154 to 1399. The name "Plantagenet" is derived from a sprig of broom plant (Latin: "planta genista") worn by one of the dynasty's ancestors.
14. **Tudor:** A Welsh dynasty that ruled England from 1485 to 1603. "Tudor" is believed to be derived from the Welsh word "tudur," meaning "founder" or "establisher."
15. **York:** A prominent branch of the Plantagenet dynasty, the "House of York" fought for the English throne during the Wars of the Roses. The name reflects their association with the city of York.
16. **Lancaster:** Another branch of the Plantagenet dynasty, the "House of Lancaster" also fought for the English throne during the Wars of the Roses. The name reflects their association with the city of Lancaster.
17. **Stuart:** The "House of Stuart" ruled England from 1603 to 1714. The name "Stuart" is thought to be derived from the Scottish territory of Stewart, an area associated with the family.
18. **Hanover:** The "House of Hanover" reigned in England from 1714 to 1901. The name "Hanover" derives from the city of Hanover, Germany, where the royal family originated.
19. **Saxe-Coburg and Gotha:** This royal house, ruled England from 1837 to 1917. The name "Saxe-Coburg and Gotha" reflects their origins in the German duchies of Saxe-Coburg and Gotha.
20. **Windsor:** The current royal house, established in 1917, adopted the surname "Windsor" to reflect their connection to Windsor Castle.
21. **Battenberg:** A branch of the Saxe-Coburg and Gotha family, the "House of Battenberg" was prominent in Germany and Britain. The name "Battenberg" signifies their origins in the German town of Battenberg.
22. **Schleswig-Holstein-Sonderburg-Glücksburg:** A branch of the Oldenburg dynasty, the "House of Schleswig-Holstein-Sonderburg-Glücksburg" ruled Denmark and other countries. The name reflects their origins in the duchies of Schleswig-Holstein, Sonderburg, and Glücksburg.
23. **Oldenburg:** A powerful royal house in northern Germany, the "House of Oldenburg" ruled Denmark, Norway, Sweden, and other countries. The name "Oldenburg" signifies their origins in the German town of Oldenburg.
24. **Bourbon:** A prominent royal house in France, the "House of Bourbon" ruled from the 16th to 19th centuries. The name "Bourbon" is derived from the French city of Bourbon-l'Archambault.
25. **Capet:** The "House of Capet" ruled France from 987 to 1328. The name "Capet" is believed to be derived from the Latin word "cappa," meaning "hood," referring to a cloak worn by one of the dynasty's founders.
26. **Valois:** A dynasty that ruled France from 1328 to 1589, the "House of Valois" inherited the throne from the House of Capet. The name "Valois" is derived from the Valois region in France.
27. **Monmouth:** A title bestowed upon the illegitimate son of King Charles II, the "Duke of Monmouth" played a key role in the English Restoration. The name "Monmouth" reflects his association with the city of Monmouth in Wales.
28. **Beauchamp:** A powerful noble family in medieval England, the "Beauchamps" held the title of Earl of Warwick and were prominent in military and political affairs. The name "Beauchamp" is derived from the Old French words "beau" (beautiful) and "champ" (field).
29. **Fitzwilliam:** An aristocratic family that rose to prominence during the Tudor period, the "Fitzwilliams" served as the Earls of Fitzwilliam and played important roles in government. The name "Fitzwilliam" signifies their lineage from a William ancestor, with "Fitz" being an old English word meaning "son of."
30. **Howard:** A prominent English aristocratic family, the "Howards" played significant roles in English history, holding the titles of Duke of Norfolk and Earl of Arundel. The name "Howard" is believed to be derived from the Old French word "haubert," meaning "hauberk" (a type of armor).
31. **Stanley:** Another powerful aristocratic family in England, the "Stanleys" played key roles in English politics and military affairs, holding the titles of Earl of Derby and Earl of Stanley. The name "Stanley" is derived from a place name, possibly from the Old English words "stān" (stone) and "lēah" (clearing).
32. **Spencer:** An aristocratic family that rose to prominence in the 17th century, the "Spencers" held the title of Earl Spencer and served as important figures in government. The name "Spencer" is believed to be derived from the Old English word "spensa," meaning "pantry" or "storehouse."
33. **Cavendish:** An aristocratic family with a long history in England, the "Cavendishes" served as Dukes of Devonshire and played key roles in politics and science. The name "Cavendish" is derived from the Old French word "cavendish," meaning "goat pasture."
34. **Hamilton:** A Scottish aristocratic family, the "Hamiltons" held the title of Duke of Hamilton and played significant roles in Scottish history. The name "Hamilton" is derived from a place name in Scotland, possibly from the Old English words "ham" (home) and "tun" (town).
35. **Douglas:** One of the most powerful families in Scotland, the "Douglases" played significant roles in Scottish history, holding the titles of Duke of Douglas and Earl of Angus. The name "Douglas" is derived from a place name in Scotland, possibly from the Old English words "doug" (water) and "lass" (a clearing or meadow).
36. **Stuart:** A prominent Scottish royal family, the "Stuarts" ruled Scotland from 1371 to 1714 and England from 1603 to 1714. The name "Stuart" is believed to be derived from the Scottish territory of Stewart, an area associated with the family.
37. **MacDonald:** A powerful Scottish clan, the "MacDonalds" played significant roles in Scottish history, holding the titles of Lord of the Isles and Earl of Ross. The name "MacDonald" signifies their lineage from a Donald ancestor, with "Mac" being a Gaelic word meaning "son of."
38. **Campbell:** One of the largest and most powerful clans in Scotland, the "Campbells" played significant roles in Scottish history, holding the titles of Duke of Argyll and Earl of Breadalbane. The name "Campbell" is derived from a place name in Scotland, possibly from the Gaelic words "cam" (crooked) and "beul" (mouth).
39. **Fraser:** A powerful Scottish clan, the "Frasers" played significant roles in Scottish history, holding the titles of Lord Lovat and Earl of Airlie. The name "Fraser" is derived from a place name in Scotland, possibly from the Gaelic word "fraoch" (heather).
40. **Gordon:** A powerful Scottish clan, the "Gordons" played significant roles in Scottish history, holding the titles of Duke of Gordon and Earl of Aberdeen. The name "Gordon" is derived from a place name in Scotland, possibly from the Old French words "gor" (wood) and "dun" (hill).