Last Names: Origin and Meanings

Want to know where your last name came from? Last names, also known as surnames, have a fascinating history and often reveal clues about a family's origin, occupation, or even physical characteristics. While the development of surnames varies across different cultures, they generally emerged as a way to distinguish individuals within growing communities.
1. **Smith:** A common occupational surname for blacksmiths, who were essential in pre-industrial societies.
2. **Johnson:** A patronymic surname meaning "son of John," a common name in many cultures.
3. **Williams:** Another patronymic surname, meaning "son of William."
4. **Brown:** Often derived from the color of hair, skin, or clothing, indicating a dark complexion.
5. **Jones:** A Welsh patronymic surname meaning "son of John."
6. **Miller:** An occupational surname for someone who works in a mill, typically a grain mill.
7. **Davis:** A patronymic surname meaning "son of David," a popular biblical name.
8. **Garcia:** A Spanish surname with several possible origins, including a place name or a patronymic.
9. **Rodriguez:** A Spanish patronymic surname meaning "son of Rodrigo."
10. **Wilson:** A patronymic surname meaning "son of William."
11. **Moore:** An occupational surname for someone who lives near or works with a moor (a tract of open land).
12. **Taylor:** An occupational surname for a tailor, someone who sews and makes clothes.
13. **Anderson:** A patronymic surname meaning "son of Andrew."
14. **Thomas:** A patronymic surname meaning "son of Thomas."
15. **Jackson:** A patronymic surname meaning "son of Jack," a nickname for John.
16. **White:** Often derived from the color of hair, skin, or clothing, indicating a light complexion.
17. **Harris:** A patronymic surname meaning "son of Harry," a nickname for Henry.
18. **Martin:** A surname of Latin origin, possibly derived from the name "Martinus," meaning "warlike."
19. **Thompson:** A patronymic surname meaning "son of Thomas."
20. **Garcia:** A Spanish surname with several possible origins, including a place name or a patronymic.
21. **Martinez:** A Spanish patronymic surname meaning "son of Martin."
22. **Robinson:** A patronymic surname meaning "son of Robin," a nickname for Robert.
23. **Clark:** An occupational surname for a scribe or a scholar.
24. **Lewis:** A surname of Welsh origin, meaning "famous warrior."
25. **Lee:** A surname of Chinese origin, meaning "plum" or "willow."
26. **Walker:** An occupational surname for someone who walks or transports goods.
27. **Hall:** A surname denoting residence near or within a hall.
28. **Allen:** A surname of Germanic origin, meaning "noble" or "handsome."
29. **Young:** A surname describing someone who is youthful or young in age.
30. **Hernandez:** A Spanish patronymic surname meaning "son of Hernando."
31. **King:** A surname indicating a person of royal lineage or holding a position of authority.
32. **Wright:** An occupational surname for a craftsman, particularly a carpenter or a wheelwright.
33. **Lopez:** A Spanish surname with several possible origins, including a place name or a patronymic.
34. **Hill:** A surname denoting residence on or near a hill.
35. **Scott:** A surname of Scottish origin, meaning "Scot" or "Irish."
36. **Green:** A surname often derived from the color of vegetation or a location near a green space.
37. **Adams:** A patronymic surname meaning "son of Adam."
38. **Baker:** An occupational surname for someone who bakes bread or pastries.
39. **Gonzalez:** A Spanish patronymic surname meaning "son of Gonzalo."
40. **Nelson:** A patronymic surname meaning "son of Neil."
41. **Carter:** An occupational surname for someone who transports goods by cart.
42. **Mitchell:** A patronymic surname meaning "son of Michael."
43. **Perez:** A Spanish patronymic surname meaning "son of Pedro."
44. **Roberts:** A patronymic surname meaning "son of Robert."
45. **Turner:** An occupational surname for someone who turns wood or metal.
46. **Phillips:** A patronymic surname meaning "son of Philip."
47. **Campbell:** A surname of Scottish origin, meaning "crooked mouth."
48. **Parker:** An occupational surname for someone who maintains a park or a keeper of a park.
49. **Evans:** A Welsh patronymic surname meaning "son of Evan."
50. **Edwards:** A Welsh patronymic surname meaning "son of Edward."