Common Last Names in the UK: A Comprehensive List

Are you curious about the most common surnames in the United Kingdom? This list explores the origins and meanings behind some of the most prevalent last names in Britain, offering insights into the history and cultural heritage of these names. Dive into the world of British surnames and discover the stories behind these enduring family identifiers.
1. **Smith:** A common occupational surname, referring to a blacksmith or someone who worked with metal.
2. **Jones:** A patronymic surname derived from the Welsh name "John," meaning "God is gracious."
3. **Brown:** A descriptive surname, referring to someone with brown hair or complexion.
4. **Davies:** A patronymic surname derived from the Welsh name "David," meaning "beloved."
5. **Wilson:** A patronymic surname derived from the name "William," meaning "resolute protector."
6. **Evans:** A patronymic surname derived from the Welsh name "Evan," a variant of "John," meaning "God is gracious."
7. **Taylor:** An occupational surname, referring to someone who makes or repairs clothes.
8. **Thomas:** A patronymic surname derived from the name "Thomas," meaning "twin."
9. **Roberts:** A patronymic surname derived from the name "Robert," meaning "bright fame."
10. **Williams:** A patronymic surname derived from the name "William," meaning "resolute protector."
11. **Johnson:** A patronymic surname derived from the name "John," meaning "God is gracious."
12. **Lewis:** A patronymic surname derived from the Welsh name "Lewis," meaning "famous warrior."
13. **Robinson:** A patronymic surname derived from the name "Robin," a diminutive of "Robert," meaning "bright fame."
14. **White:** A descriptive surname, referring to someone with fair skin or hair.
15. **Walker:** An occupational surname, referring to someone who walks or travels.
16. **Thompson:** A patronymic surname derived from the name "Thomas," meaning "twin."
17. **Clarke:** An occupational surname, referring to someone who writes or copies documents.
18. **Wright:** An occupational surname, referring to a craftsman, especially a carpenter or blacksmith.
19. **King:** An occupational surname, referring to a ruler.
20. **Morgan:** A patronymic surname derived from the Welsh name "Morgan," meaning "sea defender."
21. **Hughes:** A patronymic surname derived from the Welsh name "Hugh," meaning "mind."
22. **Green:** A descriptive surname, referring to someone who lives near a green space or has green eyes.
23. **Jackson:** A patronymic surname derived from the name "Jack," a diminutive of "John," meaning "God is gracious."
24. **Lee:** A descriptive surname, referring to someone who lives near a meadow or clearing.
25. **Martin:** A patronymic surname derived from the name "Martin," meaning "warlike."
26. **Allen:** A patronymic surname derived from the name "Alan," meaning "handsome."
27. **Harris:** A patronymic surname derived from the name "Harry," a diminutive of "Henry," meaning "ruler of the house."
28. **Cooper:** An occupational surname, referring to a barrel maker.
29. **Hill:** A descriptive surname, referring to someone who lives on or near a hill.
30. **James:** A patronymic surname derived from the name "James," meaning "supplanter."
31. **Young:** A descriptive surname, referring to someone who is young or youthful.
32. **Turner:** An occupational surname, referring to someone who makes or works with wood.
33. **Parker:** An occupational surname, referring to someone who keeps or manages a park.
34. **Scott:** A patronymic surname derived from the name "Scota," a legendary Irish queen.
35. **Collins:** A patronymic surname derived from the name "Colin," meaning "victory of the people."
36. **Mitchell:** A patronymic surname derived from the name "Michael," meaning "who is like God?"
37. **Ward:** An occupational surname, referring to someone who guards or protects.
38. **Butler:** An occupational surname, referring to a servant or steward.
39. **Davies:** A patronymic surname derived from the Welsh name "David," meaning "beloved."
40. **Murphy:** A patronymic surname derived from the Gaelic name "Murchadh," meaning "sea warrior."
41. **Lloyd:** A patronymic surname derived from the Welsh name "Llywelyn," meaning "lion-like."
42. **Harrison:** A patronymic surname derived from the name "Harry," a diminutive of "Henry," meaning "ruler of the house."
43. **Foster:** An occupational surname, referring to someone who cares for or raises children.
44. **Powell:** A patronymic surname derived from the Welsh name "Ap Howell," meaning "son of Howell."
45. **Price:** A patronymic surname derived from the Welsh name "Price," meaning "son of the priest."
46. **Bennett:** A patronymic surname derived from the name "Benedict," meaning "blessed."
47. **Rogers:** A patronymic surname derived from the name "Roger," meaning "famous spearman."
48. **Reed:** A descriptive surname, referring to someone who lives near a reed bed.
49. **Gray:** A descriptive surname, referring to someone with gray hair or complexion.
50. **Carter:** An occupational surname, referring to someone who drives a cart.