Last Names with the Letter M: A Comprehensive List

Looking for a last name that starts with the letter "M"? You've come to the right place! This comprehensive list provides a wide variety of surnames, each with its unique history and meaning. Whether you're researching your family genealogy or simply seeking inspiration for a new character, you'll find a wealth of options here. Explore the origins and meanings behind these last names, from classic choices to more unusual finds, and discover the perfect fit for your needs.
1. **Madden:** Irish origin, meaning "dog," "hound," or "wolf." It was a common surname for hunters or those associated with dogs.
2. **Malone:** Irish origin, meaning "bald head." It's believed to have been a nickname given to someone with a distinctive lack of hair.
3. **Manning:** English origin, meaning "man of Mann," a reference to the Isle of Man. It was a common surname in areas with historical ties to the island.
4. **Marlowe:** English origin, meaning "meadow by the lake." It was a descriptive surname for someone who lived near a body of water.
5. **Marsh:** English origin, meaning "swampy ground" or "wetland." It was a common surname for those living in marshy areas.
6. **Martin:** Latin origin, meaning "warlike" or "devoted to Mars." It was a popular surname in medieval times, often given to soldiers or those associated with the god of war.
7. **Matthews:** English origin, meaning "son of Matthew," a biblical name meaning "gift of God." It was a common surname for those descended from someone named Matthew.
8. **May:** English origin, meaning "month of May." It was a common surname for someone born in May, or possibly a descriptive name for someone associated with the month.
9. **McCarthy:** Irish origin, meaning "son of Carthaigh," a personal name meaning "love." It was a common surname in Ireland, with many branches of the McCarthy family.
10. **McDaniel:** Irish origin, meaning "son of Daniel," a biblical name meaning "God is my judge." It was a common surname in areas with Irish immigration.
11. **McDonald:** Scottish origin, meaning "son of Donald," a Gaelic name meaning "world ruler." It was a common surname in Scotland, particularly in the Highlands.
12. **McGregor:** Scottish origin, meaning "son of Gregor," a Gaelic name meaning "watchful" or "vigilant." It was a common surname in Scotland, often associated with clan MacGregor.
13. **McKinney:** Scottish origin, meaning "son of Kinnin," a Gaelic name meaning "descendant of the king." It was a common surname in Scotland, with strong historical ties to the area.
14. **McLaughlin:** Irish origin, meaning "son of Lochlann," a Gaelic name meaning "descendant of Lochlan." It was a common surname in Ireland, often associated with the clan McLaughlin.
15. **McMahon:** Irish origin, meaning "son of Maol Mhuire," a Gaelic name meaning "devotee of Mary." It was a common surname in Ireland, with strong connections to the Catholic faith.
16. **Meadows:** English origin, meaning "meadows" or "pastureland." It was a descriptive surname for someone who lived near meadows.
17. **Melton:** English origin, meaning "mill town." It was a descriptive surname for someone who lived in a town with a mill.
18. **Mercer:** English origin, meaning "merchant" or "trader." It was a common surname for those involved in commerce.
19. **Meyer:** German origin, meaning "farmhouse" or "estate." It was a common surname for someone who owned or worked on a farm.
20. **Miller:** English origin, meaning "miller," someone who worked in a mill. It was a common surname in areas with mills.
21. **Mitchell:** English origin, meaning "son of Michael," a biblical name meaning "who is like God?" It was a common surname for those descended from someone named Michael.
22. **Montgomery:** Scottish origin, meaning "hill of the wild boar." It was a place name for an area near a hill where wild boars were found.
23. **Moore:** English origin, meaning "moor" or "swampy ground." It was a common surname for someone who lived in a moorland area.
24. **Morgan:** Welsh origin, meaning "sea warrior" or "defender of the sea." It was a common surname in Wales, often associated with those who lived near the coast.
25. **Morris:** English origin, meaning "dark-skinned." It was a descriptive surname for someone with dark complexion.
26. **Murphy:** Irish origin, meaning "sea warrior" or "defender of the sea." It was a common surname in Ireland, often associated with those who lived near the coast.
27. **Murray:** Scottish origin, meaning "dweller by the sea." It was a common surname for someone who lived near the coast, often in the area of Moray.
28. **Myers:** German origin, meaning "farmhouse" or "estate." It was a common surname for someone who owned or worked on a farm.
29. **Nelson:** English origin, meaning "son of Neil." It was a common surname for those descended from someone named Neil.
30. **Newman:** English origin, meaning "new man" or "stranger." It was a common surname for someone who was recently settled in an area.
31. **Nichols:** English origin, meaning "son of Nicholas," a biblical name meaning "victory of the people." It was a common surname for those descended from someone named Nicholas.
32. **Nolan:** Irish origin, meaning "champion." It was a common surname in Ireland, often given to those known for their strength or bravery.
33. **Norman:** French origin, meaning "man from the north." It was a common surname for people from Normandy, France.
34. **Norton:** English origin, meaning "north town." It was a descriptive surname for someone who lived in a town located to the north.
35. **O'Brien:** Irish origin, meaning "descendant of Brian," a Gaelic name meaning "strong" or "noble." It was a common surname in Ireland, with a long and distinguished history.
36. **O'Connell:** Irish origin, meaning "descendant of Connell," a Gaelic name meaning "wolf cub." It was a common surname in Ireland, associated with the O'Connell clan.
37. **O'Donnell:** Irish origin, meaning "descendant of Donnell," a Gaelic name meaning "world ruler." It was a common surname in Ireland, with strong historical ties to the area.
38. **O'Malley:** Irish origin, meaning "descendant of Maol-mhuire," a Gaelic name meaning "devotee of Mary." It was a common surname in Ireland, often associated with the O'Malley clan.
39. **Owen:** Welsh origin, meaning "noble" or "well-born." It was a common surname in Wales, often given to those of high social standing.
40. **Palmer:** English origin, meaning "pilgrim" or "one who carries palms." It was a common surname for those who had traveled to the Holy Land.
41. **Parker:** English origin, meaning "park keeper." It was a common surname for those who worked as keepers of parks or enclosed areas.
42. **Patterson:** Scottish origin, meaning "son of Patrick," a biblical name meaning "nobleman." It was a common surname for those descended from someone named Patrick.
43. **Payne:** English origin, meaning "pagan" or "non-Christian." It was a common surname in medieval times, often given to those who were not Christians.
44. **Pearson:** English origin, meaning "son of Peter," a biblical name meaning "rock" or "stone." It was a common surname for those descended from someone named Peter.
45. **Phelps:** English origin, meaning "horse" or "colt." It was a common surname for those who were associated with horses.
46. **Phillips:** English origin, meaning "son of Philip," a biblical name meaning "lover of horses." It was a common surname for those descended from someone named Philip.
47. **Pierce:** English origin, meaning "stone." It was a descriptive surname for someone who lived near a stone or rock.
48. **Porter:** English origin, meaning "gatekeeper." It was a common surname for those who worked as gatekeepers or guards.
49. **Powell:** Welsh origin, meaning "son of Howell," a Welsh name meaning "whole" or "healthy." It was a common surname in Wales.
50. **Price:** English origin, meaning "priest." It was a common surname for those who were priests or associated with the church.
51. **Quinn:** Irish origin, meaning "descendant of Conn," a Gaelic name meaning "wolf cub." It was a common surname in Ireland, associated with the O'Neill clan.
52. **Ramirez:** Spanish origin, meaning "son of Ramiro," a Germanic name meaning "famous counsel." It was a common surname in Spain, with strong historical ties to the area.
53. **Ramos:** Spanish origin, meaning "branches." It was a common surname in Spain, often used to describe a family with multiple branches.
54. **Reagan:** Irish origin, meaning "descendant of Rían," a Gaelic name meaning "little king." It was a common surname in Ireland, often associated with the O'Regan clan.
55. **Reed:** English origin, meaning "reed" or "plant growing in water." It was a common surname for someone who lived near a reed bed or other marshy area.
56. **Reese:** English origin, meaning "ardor" or "fiery." It was a common surname in Wales, often given to someone with a strong personality.
57. **Reynolds:** English origin, meaning "son of Reginald," a Germanic name meaning "powerful ruler." It was a common surname for those descended from someone named Reginald.
58. **Rice:** English origin, meaning "powerful ruler." It was a common surname for those who held positions of power or authority.
59. **Richards:** English origin, meaning "son of Richard," a Germanic name meaning "strong ruler." It was a common surname for those descended from someone named Richard.
60. **Robertson:** Scottish origin, meaning "son of Robert," a Germanic name meaning "bright fame." It was a common surname for those descended from someone named Robert.
61. **Robinson:** English origin, meaning "son of Robin," a diminutive form of Robert. It was a common surname for those descended from someone named Robin.
62. **Rodgers:** English origin, meaning "son of Roger," a Germanic name meaning "famous spear." It was a common surname for those descended from someone named Roger.
63. **Rogers:** English origin, meaning "son of Roger," a Germanic name meaning "famous spear." It was a common surname for those descended from someone named Roger.
64. **Romero:** Spanish origin, meaning "pilgrim" or "one who makes pilgrimages." It was a common surname in Spain, often given to those who traveled to religious sites.
65. **Rose:** English origin, meaning "rose." It was a common surname for someone who lived near a rose garden or was known for their beauty.
66. **Ross:** Scottish origin, meaning "headland" or "promontory." It was a common surname for someone who lived near a headland or coastal area.
67. **Russell:** French origin, meaning "red" or "ruddy." It was a descriptive surname for someone with a red complexion.
68. **Ryan:** Irish origin, meaning "little king." It was a common surname in Ireland, often associated with the O'Ryan clan.
69. **Salazar:** Spanish origin, meaning "from the place of salt." It was a common surname in Spain, often associated with areas where salt was produced.
70. **Sanchez:** Spanish origin, meaning "son of Sancho," a Germanic name meaning "defender" or "warrior." It was a common surname in Spain, with strong historical ties to the area.
71. **Sanders:** English origin, meaning "son of Alexander," a Greek name meaning "defender of men." It was a common surname for those descended from someone named Alexander.
72. **Santos:** Spanish origin, meaning "saints." It was a common surname in Spain, often given to those who were devoted to the saints.
73. **Saunders:** English origin, meaning "son of Alexander," a Greek name meaning "defender of men." It was a common surname for those descended from someone named Alexander.
74. **Savage:** English origin, meaning "wild" or "uncivilized." It was a common surname in medieval times, often given to those who lived in wild or untamed areas.
75. **Sawyer:** English origin, meaning "sawyer," someone who worked with a saw. It was a common surname for those who were involved in woodworking.
76. **Schmid:** German origin, meaning "blacksmith." It was a common surname for someone who worked as a blacksmith.
77. **Schmidt:** German origin, meaning "blacksmith." It was a common surname for someone who worked as a blacksmith.
78. **Schmitz:** German origin, meaning "blacksmith." It was a common surname for someone who worked as a blacksmith.
79. **Schneider:** German origin, meaning "tailor." It was a common surname for someone who worked as a tailor.
80. **Scott:** Scottish origin, meaning "from Scotland." It was a common surname for people from Scotland.
81. **Seitz:** German origin, meaning "seat" or "bench." It was a common surname for someone who made or sold seats.
82. **Sellers:** English origin, meaning "seller" or "merchant." It was a common surname for someone who sold goods.
83. **Shepherd:** English origin, meaning "shepherd," someone who tended to sheep. It was a common surname for those who worked as shepherds.
84. **Sherman:** English origin, meaning "shearer" or "one who shears sheep." It was a common surname for someone who worked as a shearer.
85. **Short:** English origin, meaning "short." It was a descriptive surname for someone of short stature.
86. **Simmons:** English origin, meaning "son of Simon," a biblical name meaning "he who listens." It was a common surname for those descended from someone named Simon.
87. **Simpson:** English origin, meaning "son of Simon," a biblical name meaning "he who listens." It was a common surname for those descended from someone named Simon.
88. **Smith:** English origin, meaning "smith," someone who worked with metals. It was a common surname for those who were blacksmiths or other metalworkers.
89. **Snider:** English origin, meaning "tailor." It was a common surname for someone who worked as a tailor.
90. **Snow:** English origin, meaning "snow." It was a common surname for someone who lived in a snowy area or was born during a snowstorm.
91. **Snyder:** German origin, meaning "tailor." It was a common surname for someone who worked as a tailor.
92. **Solomon:** Hebrew origin, meaning "peace" or "peaceable." It was a biblical name for the king of Israel known for his wisdom.
93. **Sommers:** German origin, meaning "summer." It was a common surname for someone born in the summer or associated with the season.
94. **Spencer:** English origin, meaning "storekeeper" or "dispenser." It was a common surname for someone who worked as a storekeeper or dispenser of goods.
95. **Stark:** German origin, meaning "strong" or "firm." It was a common surname for someone known for their strength or fortitude.
96. **Steele:** English origin, meaning "steel." It was a common surname for someone who worked with steel or was known for their strength.
97. **Stephens:** English origin, meaning "son of Stephen," a Greek name meaning "crown" or "wreath." It was a common surname for those descended from someone named Stephen.
98. **Stevenson:** English origin, meaning "son of Stephen," a Greek name meaning "crown" or "wreath." It was a common surname for those descended from someone named Stephen.
99. **Stewart:** Scottish origin, meaning "steward" or "manager of an estate." It was a common surname for those who worked as stewards or managers.
100. **Stone:** English origin, meaning "stone." It was a common surname for someone who lived near a stone or rock, or worked with stone.
101. **Stout:** English origin, meaning "strong" or "sturdy." It was a descriptive surname for someone known for their strength or physique.
102. **Sullivan:** Irish origin, meaning "black-eyed." It was a common surname in Ireland, often given to those with dark eyes.
103. **Summers:** English origin, meaning "summer." It was a common surname for someone born in the summer or associated with the season.
104. **Sutton:** English origin, meaning "south town." It was a descriptive surname for someone who lived in a town located to the south.
105. **Swanson:** Swedish origin, meaning "son of Swan." It was a common surname for those descended from someone named Swan.
106. **Sweet:** English origin, meaning "sweet." It was a common surname for someone who was known for their sweetness or pleasant nature.
107. **Swift:** English origin, meaning "swift" or "fast." It was a descriptive surname for someone who was known for their speed or agility.
108. **Sweeney:** Irish origin, meaning "sweet" or "gentle." It was a common surname in Ireland, often associated with the O'Sweeney clan.
109. **Taylor:** English origin, meaning "tailor." It was a common surname for someone who worked as a tailor.
110. **Thomas:** English origin, meaning "twin." It was a common surname for those descended from someone named Thomas, a biblical name meaning "twin."
111. **Thompson:** English origin, meaning "son of Thomas," a biblical name meaning "twin." It was a common surname for those descended from someone named Thomas.
112. **Thornton:** English origin, meaning "thorn town." It was a descriptive surname for someone who lived in a town located near a thorn bush or thicket.
113. **Thurston:** English origin, meaning "thorn town." It was a descriptive surname for someone who lived in a town located near a thorn bush or thicket.
114. **Tillman:** German origin, meaning "man of the till" or "farmer." It was a common surname for someone who worked as a farmer.
115. **Todd:** English origin, meaning "fox." It was a common surname for someone who hunted foxes or was known for their cunning.
116. **Tompkins:** English origin, meaning "son of Thomas," a biblical name meaning "twin." It was a common surname for those descended from someone named Thomas.
117. **Townsend:** English origin, meaning "town dweller." It was a common surname for someone who lived in a town.
118. **Travis:** English origin, meaning "crossroads." It was a common surname for someone who lived at a crossroads or intersection.
119. **Turner:** English origin, meaning "turner," someone who worked with a lathe. It was a common surname for those who were woodturners or other craftsmen.
120. **Tyson:** English origin, meaning "son of Tytus," a Latin name meaning "trustworthy." It was a common surname for those descended from someone named Tytus.
121. **Underwood:** English origin, meaning "under the wood." It was a descriptive surname for someone who lived in an area beneath a forest or woodland.
122. **Valdez:** Spanish origin, meaning "valley." It was a common surname in Spain, often associated with areas where valleys were located.
123. **Vance:** English origin, meaning "from the valley." It was a common surname for someone who lived in a valley.
124. **Vaughan:** Welsh origin, meaning "little wolf." It was a common surname in Wales, often associated with those who lived in areas where wolves were found.
125. **Vega:** Spanish origin, meaning "meadow" or "plain." It was a common surname in Spain, often associated with areas where meadows or plains were located.
126. **Velasquez:** Spanish origin, meaning "little veil." It was a common surname in Spain, often associated with those who worked with veils or fabrics.
127. **Velez:** Spanish origin, meaning "veil." It was a common surname in Spain, often associated with those who worked with veils or fabrics.
128. **Venter:** Dutch origin, meaning "belly." It was a common surname in the Netherlands, often given to someone who was known for their large stomach.
129. **Vera:** Spanish origin, meaning "truth." It was a common surname in Spain, often associated with those who were known for their honesty or integrity.
130. **Vernon:** French origin, meaning "alder tree." It was a common surname in France, often associated with areas where alder trees grew.
131. **Victor:** Latin origin, meaning "conqueror." It was a common surname for those who were victorious in battle or were known for their strength.
132. **Villanueva:** Spanish origin, meaning "new town." It was a common surname in Spain, often associated with newly founded settlements.
133. **Vincent:** Latin origin, meaning "conquering." It was a common surname for those who were victorious in battle or were known for their strength.
134. **Vinson:** English origin, meaning "son of Vincent." It was a common surname for those descended from someone named Vincent.
135. **Vivas:** Spanish origin, meaning "alive" or "living." It was a common surname in Spain, often associated with those who were known for their vitality or energy.
136. **Walker:** English origin, meaning "one who walks." It was a common surname for someone who worked as a walker or was known for their walking abilities.
137. **Wallace:** Scottish origin, meaning "Welshman." It was a common surname for those of Welsh descent who settled in Scotland.
138. **Walsh:** Irish origin, meaning "foreigner" or "stranger." It was a common surname in Ireland, often given to those who were not native to the area.
139. **Walter:** German origin, meaning "ruler of the army." It was a common surname for those who held positions of power or authority.
140. **Ward:** English origin, meaning "guard" or "protector." It was a common surname for someone who worked as a guard or protector.
141. **Warren:** English origin, meaning "enclosed land" or "park." It was a common surname for someone who lived in or near an enclosed area.
142. **Washington:** English origin, meaning "dweller near the wattle fence." It was a common surname for someone who lived near a wattle fence or enclosure.
143. **Watson:** English origin, meaning "son of Walter." It was a common surname for those descended from someone named Walter.
144. **Watts:** English origin, meaning "watchman" or "guard." It was a common surname for someone who worked as a watchman or guard.
145. **Weaver:** English origin, meaning "weaver," someone who worked with fabric. It was a common surname for those who were involved in weaving.
146. **Webb:** English origin, meaning "weaver." It was a common surname for someone who worked with fabric.
147. **Webster:** English origin, meaning "weaver." It was a common surname for someone who worked with fabric.
148. **Weeks:** English origin, meaning "week." It was a common surname for someone who was born during a specific week or was associated with a particular week.
149. **Weiner:** German origin, meaning "wine merchant." It was a common surname for someone who sold wine.
150. **Weiss:** German origin, meaning "white." It was a descriptive surname for someone with a fair complexion.
151. **Welch:** English origin, meaning "from Wales." It was a common surname for people from Wales.
152. **Wells:** English origin, meaning "spring" or "well." It was a common surname for someone who lived near a spring or well.
153. **West:** English origin, meaning "west." It was a common surname for someone who lived in the western part of a region.
154. **Wheeler:** English origin, meaning "one who makes wheels." It was a common surname for someone who worked as a wheelwright or was involved in the making of wheels.
155. **White:** English origin, meaning "white." It was a descriptive surname for someone with a fair complexion.
156. **Whitfield:** English origin, meaning "white field." It was a descriptive surname for someone who lived in an area with a white field or meadow.
157. **Williams:** English origin, meaning "son of William," a Germanic name meaning "strong will." It was a common surname for those descended from someone named William.
158. **Wilson:** English origin, meaning "son of William," a Germanic name meaning "strong will." It was a common surname for those descended from someone named William.
159. **Winters:** English origin, meaning "winter." It was a common surname for someone born in the winter or associated with the season.
160. **Wise:** English origin, meaning "wise." It was a descriptive surname for someone known for their wisdom or intelligence.
161. **Withers:** English origin, meaning "withers," the ridge between the shoulder blades of a horse. It was a common surname for those who were associated with horses.
162. **Wolfe:** German origin, meaning "wolf." It was a common surname for someone who hunted wolves or was known for their strength.
163. **Wood:** English origin, meaning "wood." It was a common surname for someone who lived in a wooded area or was associated with wood.
164. **Woodard:** English origin, meaning "ward of the wood." It was a common surname for someone who was responsible for protecting a forest or woodland.
165. **Woodruff:** English origin, meaning "wood ruff" or "plant growing in the woods." It was a common surname for someone who lived near a woodruff plant.
166. **Woods:** English origin, meaning "wood." It was a common surname for someone who lived in a wooded area or was associated with wood.
167. **Wright:** English origin, meaning "craftsman" or "worker." It was a common surname for someone who was a skilled craftsman or worker.
168. **Wyatt:** English origin, meaning "brave" or "strong." It was a common surname for someone known for their bravery or strength.
169. **Yates:** English origin, meaning "gatekeeper." It was a common surname for someone who worked as a gatekeeper or guard.
170. **Young:** English origin, meaning "young." It was a common surname for someone who was known for their youth or for being the youngest in a family.
171. **Zimmerman:** German origin, meaning "carpenter" or "woodworker." It was a common surname for someone who worked as a carpenter or woodworker.
172. **Zuniga:** Spanish origin, meaning "from the place of Zuniga." It was a common surname in Spain, often associated with a specific region or town.