Last Name: Meaning and Origin

Discovering the meaning and origin of your last name can be a fascinating journey into your family history. Last names, also known as surnames, are inherited from one's ancestors and can provide clues about their heritage, geographical location, and even their profession. Explore the rich tapestry of meanings behind thousands of common last names and delve into the fascinating stories they tell.
1. **Smith:** A common surname, "Smith" originates from the Old English word "smiþ," meaning "blacksmith" or "metalworker." It signifies a person who worked with metals, primarily iron.
2. **Johnson:** A patronymic surname, "Johnson" means "son of John." It is a very common surname, reflecting the popularity of the name "John" throughout history.
3. **Williams:** Another patronymic surname, "Williams" means "son of William." Like "Johnson," it signifies the lineage of the father, reflecting the prevalence of the name "William."
4. **Brown:** The surname "Brown" has multiple origins. It can be a descriptive name, referring to someone with brown hair or complexion. Alternatively, it can be a topographic name, indicating someone who lived near a brown hill or moor.
5. **Jones:** A patronymic surname, "Jones" means "son of John." It is derived from the Welsh surname "Ap-John," which means "son of John."
6. **Miller:** A occupational surname, "Miller" signifies someone who worked as a miller, grinding grain into flour. It reflects the importance of grain production in past societies.
7. **Davis:** A patronymic surname, "Davis" means "son of David." It is a common surname in English-speaking countries and signifies a lineage associated with the name "David."
8. **Garcia:** A Spanish surname, "Garcia" means "son of Garcias." It is derived from the Germanic name "Garcius," meaning "spearman."
9. **Rodriguez:** A Spanish surname, "Rodriguez" means "son of Rodrigo." It is derived from the Germanic name "Hrodric," meaning "famous ruler."
10. **Wilson:** A patronymic surname, "Wilson" means "son of William." It is a common surname in English-speaking countries and signifies a lineage associated with the name "William."
11. **Moore:** The surname "Moore" has multiple origins. It can be a topographic name, indicating someone who lived near a moor, a large area of open land. Alternatively, it can be a descriptive name, referring to someone with dark hair or complexion.
12. **Taylor:** An occupational surname, "Taylor" signifies someone who worked as a tailor, making and mending clothes. It reflects the importance of clothing in past societies.
13. **Anderson:** A patronymic surname, "Anderson" means "son of Andrew." It is a common surname in English-speaking countries and signifies a lineage associated with the name "Andrew."
14. **Thomas:** A patronymic surname, "Thomas" means "son of Thomas." It is a common surname in English-speaking countries and signifies a lineage associated with the name "Thomas."
15. **Jackson:** A patronymic surname, "Jackson" means "son of Jack." It is derived from the name "Jack," which is a shortened form of "John."
16. **White:** The surname "White" has multiple origins. It can be a descriptive name, referring to someone with fair skin or light hair. Alternatively, it can be a topographic name, indicating someone who lived near a white cliff or hill.
17. **Harris:** A surname of Norman origin, "Harris" means "son of Harry." It is derived from the Germanic name "Heinrich," meaning "ruler of the house."
18. **Martin:** A surname of Latin origin, "Martin" means "warlike" or "devoted to Mars." It was a popular name in ancient Rome.
19. **Thompson:** A patronymic surname, "Thompson" means "son of Thomas." It is a common surname in English-speaking countries and signifies a lineage associated with the name "Thomas."
20. **Garcia:** A Spanish surname, "Garcia" means "son of Garcias." It is derived from the Germanic name "Garcius," meaning "spearman."
21. **Martinez:** A Spanish surname, "Martinez" means "son of Martin." It is derived from the Latin name "Martinus," meaning "warlike" or "devoted to Mars."
22. **Robinson:** A surname of English origin, "Robinson" means "son of Robin." It is derived from the name "Robin," which is a shortened form of "Robert."
23. **Clark:** An occupational surname, "Clark" signifies someone who worked as a clerk, a scribe, or a secretary. It reflects the importance of literacy in past societies.
24. **Lewis:** A surname of Welsh origin, "Lewis" means "famous warrior." It is derived from the Welsh name "Llywelyn," meaning "lion-like."
25. **Lee:** The surname "Lee" has multiple origins. It can be a topographic name, indicating someone who lived near a meadow or clearing. Alternatively, it can be a place name, referring to a town or village named "Lee."
26. **Walker:** An occupational surname, "Walker" signifies someone who worked as a walker, a messenger, or a carrier. It reflects the importance of transportation and communication in past societies.
27. **Hall:** A topographic surname, "Hall" indicates someone who lived near a hall, a large building used for gatherings and celebrations. It reflects the importance of social gatherings in past societies.
28. **Allen:** A surname of Germanic origin, "Allen" means "all" or "everything." It is derived from the Old German name "Allani."
29. **Young:** The surname "Young" has multiple origins. It can be a descriptive name, referring to someone who is young in age. Alternatively, it can be a patronymic surname, meaning "son of Young."
30. **Hernandez:** A Spanish surname, "Hernandez" means "son of Hernando." It is derived from the Germanic name "Fernand," meaning "brave traveler."
31. **King:** The surname "King" has multiple origins. It can be an occupational surname, referring to someone who worked as a king. Alternatively, it can be a descriptive name, referring to someone who was a leader or ruler.
32. **Wright:** An occupational surname, "Wright" signifies someone who worked as a wright, a skilled craftsman who built things. It reflects the importance of craftsmanship in past societies.
33. **Lopez:** A Spanish surname, "Lopez" means "son of Lope." It is derived from the Germanic name "Hlodowig," meaning "famous warrior."
34. **Hill:** A topographic surname, "Hill" indicates someone who lived near a hill or on a hillside. It reflects the importance of geography in shaping people's lives.
35. **Scott:** A surname of Scottish origin, "Scott" means "Scot." It is derived from the name "Scotia," the ancient name for Scotland.
36. **Green:** The surname "Green" has multiple origins. It can be a descriptive name, referring to someone with green eyes or a green complexion. Alternatively, it can be a topographic name, indicating someone who lived near a green field or meadow.
37. **Adams:** A patronymic surname, "Adams" means "son of Adam." It is a common surname in English-speaking countries and signifies a lineage associated with the name "Adam."
38. **Baker:** An occupational surname, "Baker" signifies someone who worked as a baker, baking bread and other pastries. It reflects the importance of food in past societies.
39. **Gonzalez:** A Spanish surname, "Gonzalez" means "son of Gonzalo." It is derived from the Germanic name "Gundisal," meaning "war god."
40. **Nelson:** A patronymic surname, "Nelson" means "son of Neil." It is derived from the name "Neil," which is a Gaelic name meaning "champion."