Last Name: Definition and Meaning

Last names, also known as surnames, are a vital part of personal identity and family history. They often carry rich meaning, revealing ancestral origins, occupations, or even physical characteristics. This comprehensive list delves into the depths of last name definitions, offering detailed explanations for a diverse range of surnames. Whether you're curious about your own family lineage or simply seeking to uncover the fascinating stories behind names, this resource provides a starting point for your explorations.
1. **Abbott:** Meaning "father of the abbot," derived from the Old French word "abbot."
2. **Abernathy:** A Scottish surname, meaning "from the town at the mouth of the river."
3. **Adams:** Meaning "son of Adam," derived from the biblical figure.
4. **Adkins:** An occupational surname, meaning "son of the baker."
5. **Agnew:** A Scottish surname, meaning "descendant of a noble leader."
6. **Aiken:** Meaning "from the oak tree," derived from the Old English word "aken."
7. **Akins:** Meaning "son of the baker," derived from the Old English word "acen."
8. **Alexander:** Meaning "defender of mankind," derived from the Greek words "alexo" and "aner."
9. **Allen:** Meaning "handsome" or "bright," derived from the Old English word "allen."
10. **Anderson:** Meaning "son of Andrew," derived from the Greek name "Andreas."
11. **Andrews:** Meaning "son of Andrew," derived from the Greek name "Andreas."
12. **Armstrong:** Meaning "strong arm" or "powerful warrior," derived from the Old English words "arm" and "strong."
13. **Arnold:** Meaning "powerful ruler," derived from the Old High German words "arn" and "wald."
14. **Ashley:** Meaning "ash tree meadow," derived from the Old English words "æsce" and "lēah."
15. **Atkins:** An occupational surname, meaning "son of the baker."
16. **Austin:** Meaning "august" or "worthy of respect," derived from the Latin name "Augustinus."
17. **Avery:** Meaning "ruler of the elves," derived from the Old English word "ælf."
18. **Bailey:** Meaning "bailiff" or "court officer," derived from the Old French word "bailli."
19. **Baker:** An occupational surname, meaning "one who bakes bread."
20. **Baldwin:** Meaning "brave and bold," derived from the Old English words "bald" and "wine."
21. **Ballard:** Meaning "bold" or "brave," derived from the Old French word "bard."
22. **Barber:** An occupational surname, meaning "one who cuts hair."
23. **Barker:** An occupational surname, meaning "one who barks or tans hides."
24. **Barnes:** Meaning "son of the barn owner," derived from the Old English word "berne."
25. **Barrett:** Meaning "little bear," derived from the Old French word "barret."
26. **Barron:** Meaning "nobleman" or "baron," derived from the Old French word "baron."
27. **Bates:** Meaning "son of the baker," derived from the Old English word "bate."
28. **Bauer:** Meaning "farmer," derived from the German word "bauer."
29. **Beaumont:** Meaning "beautiful mountain," derived from the Old French words "beau" and "mont."
30. **Beck:** Meaning "stream" or "brook," derived from the Old English word "bekk."
31. **Bell:** An occupational surname, meaning "one who makes bells."
32. **Bennett:** Meaning "little son," derived from the Old French word "benet."
33. **Berger:** Meaning "shepherd," derived from the German word "berger."
34. **Berry:** Meaning "a berry-producing place," derived from the Old English word "berie."
35. **Bishop:** Meaning "overseer" or "bishop," derived from the Old English word "biscop."
36. **Black:** Meaning "dark-haired" or "dark-skinned," derived from the Old English word "blæc."
37. **Blair:** Meaning "meadow" or "field," derived from the Scottish Gaelic word "blair."
38. **Blake:** Meaning "dark-haired" or "dark-skinned," derived from the Old English word "blac."
39. **Bloom:** Meaning "flower," derived from the Old English word "blōma."
40. **Boone:** Meaning "dweller near the bean field," derived from the Old English word "bōn."