British Royal Family Last Names: A Comprehensive Guide

Discovering the last names of British royalty provides a fascinating glimpse into the rich history and lineage of the monarchy. While the current reigning family is known as "Windsor," this wasn't always the case. The last names of British royalty have evolved over centuries, reflecting changes in tradition, political climate, and even personal preference. This comprehensive guide explores the diverse range of surnames associated with the British royal family, shedding light on their origins, significance, and how they have shaped the identity of the monarchy.
1. **Windsor:** This name was adopted in 1917 by King George V as a more English-sounding surname, replacing the German "Saxe-Coburg and Gotha." It is derived from Windsor Castle, a royal residence in Berkshire, England.
2. **Mountbatten:** This name, of German origin, was the surname of Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, and was adopted by his descendants. It signifies "battle mountain," hinting at its historical association with battles and warfare.
3. **Wales:** This surname is traditionally associated with the Prince of Wales, the heir apparent to the British throne. It originates from the country of Wales, historically a separate principality.
4. **York:** This surname is connected to the Duke of York, a title held by several members of the royal family. It is derived from the city of York, a historic city in northern England.
5. **Cambridge:** This name is associated with the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, Prince William and Catherine. It is derived from the city of Cambridge, renowned for its university.
6. **Sussex:** This name is linked to the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle. It comes from the county of Sussex, known for its picturesque coastline and rolling hills.
7. **Wessex:** This name is associated with the Earl and Countess of Wessex, Prince Edward and Sophie. It signifies the ancient kingdom of Wessex, a powerful Anglo-Saxon state in southern England.
8. **Gloucester:** This name belongs to the Duke of Gloucester, a title held by various members of the royal family. It is derived from the city of Gloucester, located in the Cotswolds region.
9. **Kent:** This surname is linked to the Duke of Kent, a title held by various members of the royal family. It is derived from the county of Kent, known for its historic castles and white cliffs.
10. **Edinburgh:** This name is associated with the Duke of Edinburgh, a title held by Prince Philip, husband of Queen Elizabeth II. It derives from the capital city of Scotland.
11. **Clarence:** This surname is linked to the Duke of Clarence, a title held by various members of the royal family. It is derived from the historical duchy of Clarence, located in northern France.
12. **Cornwall:** This name is associated with the Duke of Cornwall, a title held by the heir apparent to the British throne. It signifies the county of Cornwall, situated in southwestern England.
13. **Saxe-Coburg and Gotha:** This German surname was adopted by the British royal family in 1819 with the accession of King George IV's brother, Prince Leopold, as King of the Belgians. It signifies a German duchy and signifies German royal heritage.
14. **Hanover:** This name was used by the British royal family between 1714 and 1901, during the reign of the Hanoverian monarchs. It signifies the region of Hanover in Germany, where the royal family originated.
15. **Stuart:** This surname was used by the British royal family between 1603 and 1714, during the reigns of the Stuart monarchs. It signifies a Scottish family that rose to prominence during the 14th century.
16. **Tudor:** This surname was used by the British royal family between 1485 and 1603, during the reigns of the Tudor monarchs. It signifies a Welsh family that ascended to the throne following the War of the Roses.
17. **York:** This name was used by one of the two branches of the Plantagenet dynasty during the Wars of the Roses (1455-1487).
18. **Lancaster:** This name was used by one of the two branches of the Plantagenet dynasty during the Wars of the Roses (1455-1487).
19. **Plantagenet:** This name was used by the British royal family between 1154 and 1485, during the reigns of the Plantagenet monarchs. It signifies a French family that gained the English throne following the Norman Conquest.
20. **Norman:** This name signifies the Norman people who conquered England in 1066 under William the Conqueror.
21. **Anglesey:** This surname is linked to the Earl of Anglesey, a title held by various members of the royal family. It signifies the island of Anglesey, located off the northwest coast of Wales.
22. **Berkshire:** This surname is linked to the Earl of Berkshire, a title held by various members of the royal family. It signifies the county of Berkshire, located in southern England.
23. **Chester:** This surname is linked to the Earl of Chester, a title held by various members of the royal family. It signifies the city of Chester, located in northwestern England.
24. **Devon:** This surname is linked to the Earl of Devon, a title held by various members of the royal family. It signifies the county of Devon, located in southwestern England.
25. **Essex:** This surname is linked to the Earl of Essex, a title held by various members of the royal family. It signifies the county of Essex, located in southeastern England.
26. **Hertfordshire:** This surname is linked to the Earl of Hertfordshire, a title held by various members of the royal family. It signifies the county of Hertfordshire, located in southeastern England.
27. **Huntingdon:** This surname is linked to the Earl of Huntingdon, a title held by various members of the royal family. It signifies the county of Huntingdonshire, located in eastern England.
28. **Lincoln:** This surname is linked to the Earl of Lincoln, a title held by various members of the royal family. It signifies the city of Lincoln, located in eastern England.
29. **Norfolk:** This surname is linked to the Duke of Norfolk, a title held by various members of the royal family. It signifies the county of Norfolk, located in eastern England.
30. **Northumberland:** This surname is linked to the Duke of Northumberland, a title held by various members of the royal family. It signifies the county of Northumberland, located in northeastern England.
31. **Oxford:** This surname is linked to the Earl of Oxford, a title held by various members of the royal family. It signifies the city of Oxford, renowned for its university.
32. **Pembroke:** This surname is linked to the Earl of Pembroke, a title held by various members of the royal family. It signifies the county of Pembrokeshire, located in southwestern Wales.
33. **Richmond:** This surname is linked to the Duke of Richmond, a title held by various members of the royal family. It signifies the borough of Richmond, located in southwestern England.
34. **Somerset:** This surname is linked to the Duke of Somerset, a title held by various members of the royal family. It signifies the county of Somerset, located in southwestern England.
35. **Suffolk:** This surname is linked to the Earl of Suffolk, a title held by various members of the royal family. It signifies the county of Suffolk, located in eastern England.
36. **Surrey:** This surname is linked to the Earl of Surrey, a title held by various members of the royal family. It signifies the county of Surrey, located in southeastern England.
37. **Warwick:** This surname is linked to the Earl of Warwick, a title held by various members of the royal family. It signifies the town of Warwick, located in the West Midlands.
38. **Westmorland:** This surname is linked to the Earl of Westmorland, a title held by various members of the royal family. It signifies the county of Westmorland, located in northwestern England.
39. **Wiltshire:** This surname is linked to the Earl of Wiltshire, a title held by various members of the royal family. It signifies the county of Wiltshire, located in southwestern England.
40. **Worcester:** This surname is linked to the Earl of Worcester, a title held by various members of the royal family. It signifies the city of Worcester, located in the West Midlands.