Last Names: Definitions and Meanings

Discovering the origins and meanings behind last names can be a fascinating journey into the past. These surnames, often passed down through generations, carry within them stories of family heritage, geographic location, and even ancestral occupations. This comprehensive list explores a diverse range of last names, unveiling their unique histories and the rich tapestry of meanings they represent.
1. **Smith:** A common occupational surname, meaning "blacksmith" or "metalworker."
2. **Johnson:** Meaning "son of John," this surname reflects the common practice of using patronymics.
3. **Williams:** Meaning "son of William," another patronymic surname, prevalent throughout the English-speaking world.
4. **Brown:** Derived from the color brown, often referring to a person's hair or complexion, or their occupation (e.g., a tanner).
5. **Jones:** Meaning "son of John," a common patronymic surname in Wales and England.
6. **Miller:** An occupational surname indicating someone who worked as a miller, grinding grain.
7. **Davis:** Meaning "son of David," a common patronymic surname, particularly prevalent in Wales.
8. **Garcia:** A Spanish surname meaning "one who is from a place named Garcias."
9. **Rodriguez:** A Spanish surname meaning "son of Rodrigo," a patronymic surname.
10. **Wilson:** Meaning "son of Will," a patronymic surname with roots in England and Scotland.
11. **Moore:** Meaning "moor" or "marsh," this surname likely originated from a place name.
12. **Taylor:** An occupational surname indicating someone who worked as a tailor, making and mending clothes.
13. **Anderson:** Meaning "son of Andrew," a patronymic surname, widely distributed in the English-speaking world.
14. **Thomas:** Meaning "twin," this surname originates from the Hebrew name תומָא (To'ma).
15. **Jackson:** Meaning "son of Jack," a patronymic surname derived from the nickname "Jack."
16. **White:** Derived from the color white, likely referring to a person's hair or complexion, or a geographical location.
17. **Harris:** Meaning "son of Harry," a patronymic surname derived from the Germanic name "Heinrich."
18. **Martin:** Meaning "war god," this surname originates from the Roman god Mars.
19. **Thompson:** Meaning "son of Thomas," a patronymic surname, prevalent in England and Scotland.
20. **Garcia:** A Spanish surname meaning "one who is from a place named Garcias."
21. **Martinez:** A Spanish surname meaning "son of Martin," a patronymic surname.
22. **Robinson:** Meaning "son of Robin," a patronymic surname derived from the nickname "Robin."
23. **Clark:** An occupational surname meaning "clerk" or "scribe," associated with administrative tasks.
24. **Lewis:** Meaning "famous warrior," this surname originates from the French name "Louis."
25. **Lee:** A surname with multiple origins, possibly indicating a place name, an occupational term ("clearing in the woods"), or a patronymic ("son of Leo").
26. **Walker:** An occupational surname indicating someone who worked as a walker, typically transporting goods.
27. **Hall:** A surname often derived from a place name, meaning "dwelling" or "hall."
28. **Allen:** Meaning "handsome" or "noble," this surname originates from the Germanic name "Allanu."
29. **Young:** A surname indicating someone who was young or a junior member of a family.
30. **Hernandez:** A Spanish surname meaning "son of Hernando," a patronymic surname.
31. **King:** An occupational surname indicating someone who was a king or held a position of royalty.
32. **Wright:** An occupational surname meaning "craftsman" or "worker," particularly referring to someone who builds or makes things.
33. **Lopez:** A Spanish surname meaning "wolf," likely referring to a place name or a personal characteristic.
34. **Hill:** A surname often derived from a place name, meaning "hill" or "elevated land."
35. **Scott:** Meaning "Scot," this surname is often associated with the Scottish region.
36. **Green:** Derived from the color green, likely referring to a person's complexion, a geographical location, or an occupation (e.g., a gardener).
37. **Adams:** Meaning "son of Adam," a patronymic surname, widespread in the English-speaking world.
38. **Baker:** An occupational surname indicating someone who worked as a baker, making bread and pastries.
39. **Gonzalez:** A Spanish surname meaning "son of Gonzalo," a patronymic surname.
40. **Parker:** An occupational surname meaning "park keeper" or "forest ranger."
41. **Mitchell:** Meaning "son of Michael," a patronymic surname, common in the English-speaking world.
42. **Hunter:** An occupational surname indicating someone who hunted for a living.
43. **Reed:** A surname with multiple origins, possibly indicating a place name, a type of plant, or an occupation related to reeds.
44. **Carter:** An occupational surname meaning "cart driver" or "wagoner."
45. **Murphy:** Meaning "sea warrior," this surname originates from the Irish name "Murchadh."
46. **Rivera:** A Spanish surname meaning "river bank," likely referring to a place name.
47. **Morgan:** Meaning "sea warrior," this surname originates from the Welsh name "Morgan."
48. **Cooper:** An occupational surname indicating someone who worked as a cooper, making barrels and casks.
49. **Peterson:** Meaning "son of Peter," a patronymic surname, common in the Scandinavian region.
50. **Edwards:** Meaning "son of Edward," a patronymic surname, prevalent in England and Wales.
51. **Collins:** Meaning "son of Colin," a patronymic surname derived from the Gaelic name "Cólán."
52. **Stewart:** A surname with multiple meanings, possibly indicating a steward, a person who manages property, or a place name.
53. **Sanchez:** A Spanish surname meaning "saint," likely referring to a patron saint or a religious figure.
54. **Turner:** An occupational surname indicating someone who worked as a turner, crafting wood or metal using a lathe.
55. **Phillips:** Meaning "son of Philip," a patronymic surname, prevalent in the English-speaking world.
56. **Campbell:** A Scottish surname meaning "twisted mouth," likely referring to a geographical location.
57. **Parker:** An occupational surname meaning "park keeper" or "forest ranger."
58. **Evans:** Meaning "son of Evan," a patronymic surname, particularly common in Wales.
59. **Rogers:** Meaning "son of Roger," a patronymic surname, prevalent in England and Wales.
60. **Harris:** Meaning "son of Harry," a patronymic surname derived from the Germanic name "Heinrich."
61. **Jackson:** Meaning "son of Jack," a patronymic surname derived from the nickname "Jack."
62. **Perez:** A Spanish surname meaning "Peter," likely referring to a patron saint or a religious figure.
63. **Davis:** Meaning "son of David," a common patronymic surname, particularly prevalent in Wales.
64. **Miller:** An occupational surname indicating someone who worked as a miller, grinding grain.
65. **Wilson:** Meaning "son of Will," a patronymic surname with roots in England and Scotland.
66. **Moore:** Meaning "moor" or "marsh," this surname likely originated from a place name.
67. **Taylor:** An occupational surname indicating someone who worked as a tailor, making and mending clothes.
68. **Anderson:** Meaning "son of Andrew," a patronymic surname, widely distributed in the English-speaking world.
69. **Thomas:** Meaning "twin," this surname originates from the Hebrew name תומָא (To'ma).
70. **White:** Derived from the color white, likely referring to a person's hair or complexion, or a geographical location.
71. **Martin:** Meaning "war god," this surname originates from the Roman god Mars.
72. **Thompson:** Meaning "son of Thomas," a patronymic surname, prevalent in England and Scotland.
73. **Robinson:** Meaning "son of Robin," a patronymic surname derived from the nickname "Robin."
74. **Clark:** An occupational surname meaning "clerk" or "scribe," associated with administrative tasks.
75. **Lewis:** Meaning "famous warrior," this surname originates from the French name "Louis."
76. **Lee:** A surname with multiple origins, possibly indicating a place name, an occupational term ("clearing in the woods"), or a patronymic ("son of Leo").
77. **Walker:** An occupational surname indicating someone who worked as a walker, typically transporting goods.
78. **Hall:** A surname often derived from a place name, meaning "dwelling" or "hall."
79. **Allen:** Meaning "handsome" or "noble," this surname originates from the Germanic name "Allanu."
80. **Young:** A surname indicating someone who was young or a junior member of a family.