Last Name S: Explore the Meaning and Origin of Surnames Starting with 'S'

Are you curious about the origins and meanings of last names starting with 'S'? This comprehensive list delves into the fascinating world of surnames, exploring their history, etymology, and cultural significance. From classic and common names to more unique and rare finds, we'll uncover the stories behind these last names, giving you insights into their potential origins and meanings. Dive in and discover the captivating world of surnames beginning with 'S'!
1. **Sable:** Derived from the Old French word "sable," meaning "dark brown" or "black," this surname likely originated from the coat of arms or personal characteristics of early bearers. It could also have been occupational, referring to a furrier or someone who worked with sable fur.

2. **Sachs:** This German surname, meaning "sack," could have been occupational, referring to someone who made or sold sacks. It could also have been a nickname for someone with a sack-like appearance.

3. **Sadler:** An occupational surname for a saddle-maker. The name derives from the Old English word "sadol," meaning "saddle."

4. **Saint:** This surname is derived from the Latin word "sanctus," meaning "holy." It could have been given to someone who was considered holy or who lived near a church or shrine dedicated to a saint.

5. **Salisbury:** This English place name surname originates from the city of Salisbury in Wiltshire, England. It is thought to be derived from the Old English words "Sal," meaning "salt," and "burh," meaning "fortified place."

6. **Sampson:** This Biblical surname is derived from the name of the strong man Samson, known for his incredible strength.

7. **Sanchez:** This Spanish surname is a patronymic form of "Sancho," which is itself derived from the Germanic name "Sankto," meaning "holy."

8. **Sanders:** An occupational surname for a sandal-maker. The name is derived from the Old English word "sand," meaning "sandal."

9. **Sandoval:** This Spanish surname is derived from the place name "Sandoval" in Spain, which is believed to be of Arabic origin and means "fortress of the sand."

10. **Santana:** This Spanish surname is derived from the place name "Santana," which is a common place name in Spain and means "holy."

11. **Santiago:** This Spanish surname is a patronymic form of "Santiago," the Spanish form of the name "James." It is derived from the Hebrew name "Ya'akov," meaning "supplanter."

12. **Santos:** This Spanish surname is derived from the Portuguese word "santos," meaning "saints." It could have been given to someone who was considered holy or who lived near a church or shrine dedicated to saints.

13. **Sapp:** This English surname is likely derived from the Old English word "sæppe," meaning "sap." It could have been an occupational surname for someone who worked with sap, or it could have been a nickname for someone who was considered sap-like, meaning "foolish" or "stupid."

14. **Sargeant:** An occupational surname for a sergeant, a non-commissioned officer in the military. The name is derived from the Old French word "sergent," meaning "servant."

15. **Sargent:** Another spelling of the surname "Sargeant."

16. **Sasso:** This Italian surname is derived from the Italian word "sasso," meaning "stone" or "rock." It could have been a nickname for someone who lived near a stone formation or who had a stone-like appearance.

17. **Sauer:** This German surname, meaning "sour," is likely a nickname for someone who was sour or who made sour food.

18. **Saunders:** An occupational surname for someone who worked as a shepherd. The name is derived from the Old English word "sand," meaning "shepherd."

19. **Savage:** This surname is derived from the Old French word "sauvage," meaning "wild" or "untamed." It could have been a nickname for someone who was considered wild or who lived in a wild area.

20. **Savoy:** This French surname is derived from the region of Savoy in the French Alps. It is thought to be of Latin origin and means "meadow" or "valley."

21. **Sawyer:** An occupational surname for someone who worked as a sawyer, a person who cut timber with a saw. The name is derived from the Old English word "sag," meaning "saw."

22. **Sax:** This German surname is derived from the Old High German word "sahs," meaning "axe." It could have been an occupational surname for someone who worked with axes, or it could have been a nickname for someone who was considered strong or forceful.

23. **Saxon:** This surname is derived from the Anglo-Saxon people, an ancient Germanic people who inhabited parts of England.

24. **Sayer:** An occupational surname for someone who worked as a sayer, a person who spoke or recited things. The name is derived from the Old English word "sag," meaning "to say."

25. **Scarborough:** This English place name surname originates from the town of Scarborough in Yorkshire, England. It is thought to be derived from the Old English words "scarf," meaning "cliff," and "burh," meaning "fortified place."

26. **Schafer:** This German surname, meaning "shepherd," is an occupational surname for someone who worked as a shepherd.

27. **Schmitt:** This German surname, meaning "blacksmith," is an occupational surname for someone who worked as a blacksmith.

28. **Schneider:** This German surname, meaning "tailor," is an occupational surname for someone who worked as a tailor.

29. **Schofield:** This English place name surname originates from the village of Schofield in Yorkshire, England. It is thought to be derived from the Old English words "sceaft," meaning "shaft," and "feld," meaning "field."

30. **Schroeder:** This German surname, meaning "tailor," is an occupational surname for someone who worked as a tailor.

31. **Schultz:** This German surname is derived from the Old High German word "sculz," meaning "steward" or "administrator."

32. **Schwab:** This German surname, meaning "Swabian," is a regional surname for someone who came from the Swabia region of Germany.

33. **Scott:** This Scottish surname is derived from the Gaelic word "Sgeòth," meaning "Scotsman."

34. **Seaman:** This occupational surname for someone who worked as a seaman, a person who sailed on ships. The name is derived from the Old English word "sæman," meaning "sailor."

35. **Searle:** An occupational surname for a plowman or farmer. The name is derived from the Old English word "seol," meaning "plow."

36. **Sears:** An occupational surname for someone who worked as a shearer, a person who cut wool from sheep. The name is derived from the Old English word "scēran," meaning "to shear."

37. **Sebastian:** This Latin surname is derived from the name of the Roman saint Sebastian, who was martyred in the 3rd century.

38. **Sedgwick:** This English place name surname originates from the village of Sedgwick in Cumbria, England. It is thought to be derived from the Old English words "sē," meaning "sea," and "wic," meaning "dwelling place."

39. **Seeley:** This English surname is derived from the Old English word "sēlig," meaning "happy" or "blessed." It could have been a nickname for someone who was considered happy or fortunate.

40. **Seifert:** This German surname, meaning "silk," is an occupational surname for someone who worked with silk.

41. **Selby:** This English place name surname originates from the town of Selby in Yorkshire, England. It is thought to be derived from the Old English words "sel," meaning "seal," and "by," meaning "dwelling place."

42. **Sellers:** An occupational surname for someone who worked as a seller, a person who sold goods. The name is derived from the Old English word "sellan," meaning "to sell."

43. **Selman:** This English surname is derived from the Old English word "seol," meaning "seal." It could have been a nickname for someone who was considered strong or powerful, like a seal.

44. **Semple:** This Scottish surname is derived from the Gaelic word "samhladh," meaning "likeness" or "resemblance."

45. **Seneca:** This Latin surname is derived from the name of the Seneca people, an Iroquoian people who lived in the eastern United States.

46. **Sergeant:** Another spelling of the surname "Sargeant."

47. **Severin:** This Latin surname is derived from the name of the Roman saint Severinus, who was martyred in the 3rd century.

48. **Seward:** This English surname is derived from the Old English word "sēawēard," meaning "sea-ward" or "coast-ward." It could have been a nickname for someone who lived near the coast or who was a seafarer.

49. **Shaffer:** This English surname is derived from the Old English word "sceaft," meaning "shaft." It could have been an occupational surname for someone who worked with shafts, or it could have been a nickname for someone who was considered strong or powerful.

50. **Shannon:** This Irish surname is derived from the Irish word "sean," meaning "old," and "abhain," meaning "river." It could have been a place name surname for someone who lived near the River Shannon, or it could have been a nickname for someone who was considered old or wise.

51. **Sharp:** This English surname is derived from the Old English word "scearp," meaning "sharp." It could have been a nickname for someone who was considered sharp-witted or who had a sharp appearance.

52. **Shaw:** This English surname is derived from the Old English word "scēaw," meaning "wood" or "forest." It could have been a place name surname for someone who lived near a wood or forest.

53. **Sheppard:** An occupational surname for someone who worked as a shepherd. The name is derived from the Old English word "scipe," meaning "sheep."

54. **Sheridan:** This Irish surname is derived from the Gaelic word "Síodaire," meaning "silk-weaver." It could have been an occupational surname for someone who worked as a silk-weaver.

55. **Sherman:** An occupational surname for someone who worked as a shearman, a person who cut wool from sheep. The name is derived from the Old English word "scēran," meaning "to shear."

56. **Shields:** This English surname is derived from the Old English word "scild," meaning "shield." It could have been a nickname for someone who was considered strong or brave, or it could have been an occupational surname for someone who worked as a shield-maker.

57. **Shirley:** This English surname is derived from the Old English word "scir," meaning "bright" or "clear," and "leah," meaning "clearing." It could have been a place name surname for someone who lived near a clearing in a forest.

58. **Short:** This English surname is derived from the Old English word "sceort," meaning "short." It could have been a nickname for someone who was considered short in stature.

59. **Shuman:** This German surname, meaning "human," is a nickname for someone who was considered kind or compassionate.

60. **Sibley:** This English surname is derived from the Old English word "sib," meaning "kinship" or "relationship," and "leah," meaning "clearing." It could have been a place name surname for someone who lived near a clearing in a forest.

61. **Sidwell:** This English surname is derived from the Old English word "sid," meaning "wide" or "broad," and "well," meaning "spring." It could have been a place name surname for someone who lived near a wide spring.

62. **Siegel:** This German surname, meaning "seal," is an occupational surname for someone who worked as a seal-maker.

63. **Silberman:** This German surname, meaning "silver man," is a nickname for someone who was considered valuable or precious.

64. **Silverman:** An alternate spelling of the surname "Silberman."

65. **Simmons:** An occupational surname for someone who worked as a simmon, a person who made or sold simmons, a type of fruit. The name is derived from the Old English word "sim," meaning "simmons."

66. **Simon:** This Hebrew surname is derived from the name of the biblical prophet Simon, who was one of the twelve apostles of Jesus Christ.

67. **Simpson:** A patronymic surname for the son of Simon. The name is derived from the Hebrew name "Simon," meaning "he who has heard."

68. **Sims:** An alternate spelling of the surname "Simmons."

69. **Sinclair:** This Scottish surname is derived from the Gaelic word "Sinclair," meaning "clear spring." It could have been a place name surname for someone who lived near a clear spring.

70. **Skelton:** This English surname is derived from the Old English word "scealc," meaning "servant," and "tūn," meaning "farm." It could have been an occupational surname for someone who worked as a servant on a farm.

71. **Smith:** This English surname is an occupational surname for someone who worked as a smith, a person who worked with metal. The name is derived from the Old English word "smiþ," meaning "smith."

72. **Snell:** This English surname is derived from the Old English word "snæl," meaning "sleek" or "smooth." It could have been a nickname for someone who was considered sleek or smooth.

73. **Snow:** This English surname is derived from the Old English word "snāw," meaning "snow." It could have been a nickname for someone who was considered white or who lived in a snowy area.

74. **Snyder:** This German surname, meaning "tailor," is an occupational surname for someone who worked as a tailor.

75. **Soares:** This Portuguese surname is derived from the Portuguese word "soar," meaning "to rise." It could have been a nickname for someone who was considered tall or who rose above the rest.

76. **Solomon:** This Hebrew surname is derived from the name of the biblical king Solomon, who was known for his wisdom and wealth.

77. **Somers:** This English surname is derived from the Old English word "sumer," meaning "summer." It could have been a nickname for someone who was born in the summer or who was considered happy or cheerful like the summer season.

78. **Southerland:** An alternate spelling of the surname "Sutherland."

79. **Spence:** This Scottish surname is derived from the Gaelic word "spion," meaning "sparrow." It could have been a nickname for someone who was considered small or quick.

80. **Spencer:** This English surname is derived from the Old French word "espencier," meaning "dispenser" or "steward." It could have been an occupational surname for someone who worked as a steward or dispenser.

81. **Spicer:** An occupational surname for someone who worked as a spicer, a person who sold spices. The name is derived from the Old English word "spic," meaning "spice."

82. **Spinks:** This English surname is derived from the Old English word "spin," meaning "to spin." It could have been an occupational surname for someone who worked as a spinner, or it could have been a nickname for someone who was considered agile or quick.

83. **Stafford:** This English place name surname originates from the town of Stafford in Staffordshire, England. It is thought to be derived from the Old English words "staf," meaning "staff," and "ford," meaning "ford."

84. **Stanley:** This English place name surname originates from the village of Stanley in County Durham, England. It is thought to be derived from the Old English words "stan," meaning "stone," and "leah," meaning "clearing."

85. **Stark:** This English surname is derived from the Old English word "stearc," meaning "strong" or "firm." It could have been a nickname for someone who was considered strong or powerful.

86. **Steele:** This English surname is derived from the Old English word "stāl," meaning "steel." It could have been an occupational surname for someone who worked with steel, or it could have been a nickname for someone who was considered strong or hard.

87. **Stein:** This German surname, meaning "stone," is a nickname for someone who lived near a stone formation or who had a stone-like appearance.

88. **Stephens:** A patronymic surname for the son of Stephen. The name is derived from the Greek name "Stephanos," meaning "crown" or "wreath."

89. **Sterling:** This English surname is derived from the Old English word "ster," meaning "star." It could have been a nickname for someone who was considered bright or brilliant, or it could have been a place name surname for someone who lived near a place called "Star."

90. **Stevens:** Another spelling of the surname "Stephens."

91. **Stewart:** This Scottish surname is derived from the Gaelic word "stiùradh," meaning "steward." It could have been an occupational surname for someone who worked as a steward or manager.

92. **Stone:** This English surname is derived from the Old English word "stān," meaning "stone." It could have been a nickname for someone who lived near a stone formation or who had a stone-like appearance.

93. **Stowe:** This English place name surname originates from the town of Stowe in Buckinghamshire, England. It is thought to be derived from the Old English words "stān," meaning "stone," and "hȳð," meaning "landing place."

94. **Strawn:** This English surname is derived from the Old English word "strā," meaning "straw." It could have been an occupational surname for someone who worked with straw, or it could have been a nickname for someone who was considered thin or lean.

95. **Strong:** This English surname is derived from the Old English word "strang," meaning "strong." It could have been a nickname for someone who was considered strong or powerful.

96. **Stuart:** Another spelling of the surname "Stewart."

97. **Sullivan:** This Irish surname is derived from the Gaelic word "Suibhne," meaning "blackbird." It could have been a nickname for someone who was considered dark or mysterious.

98. **Summers:** This English surname is derived from the Old English word "sumer," meaning "summer." It could have been a nickname for someone who was born in the summer or who was considered happy or cheerful like the summer season.

99. **Sutton:** This English place name surname originates from the village of Sutton in Surrey, England. It is thought to be derived from the Old English words "sūð," meaning "south," and "tūn," meaning "farm."

100. **Swain:** This English surname is derived from the Old English word "swein," meaning "young man" or "youth." It could have been a nickname for someone who was considered young or strong.