Last Name Origin: Discover Your Ancestry

Want to learn about the origin and meaning of your last name? Unravel the history behind your family name and discover its roots. Many last names have fascinating stories to tell, from their origins in ancient times to their evolution through generations. Explore the cultural significance of your surname and connect with your ancestral heritage.
1. **Abbott:** A shortened form of the medieval English occupational name Abbot, meaning "father" or "head of a monastery."
2. **Abernathy:** Meaning "the dwelling place of the people of the mouth of the river." This name is derived from the Gaelic words "abhan" (river) and "sraid" (street).
3. **Adams:** Means "son of Adam." This is a popular surname of English origin.
4. **Addison:** Derived from the English place name "Addington," meaning "the hill of Add."
5. **Aguilar:** Spanish surname, meaning "eagle."
6. **Aiken:** Derived from the Gaelic words "ach" (field) and "cain" (ancient), meaning "ancient field."
7. **Alexander:** Means "defender of mankind," derived from the Greek name "Alexandros."
8. **Allen:** An English surname derived from the Old English words "aellan" (all) and "leah" (meadow), meaning "all meadow."
9. **Allison:** A variant spelling of Alison, meaning "noble" or "bright."
10. **Anderson:** Means "son of Andrew."
11. **Andrews:** Meaning "son of Andrew."
12. **Anthony:** Means "priceless" or "invaluable."
13. **Arnold:** A German surname meaning "eagle power" or "strong as an eagle."
14. **Arthur:** Means "bear" or "strong man."
15. **Ashby:** Derived from the Old English place name "Asceby," meaning "ash tree settlement."
16. **Asher:** Hebrew name meaning "happy" or "blessed."
17. **Austin:** Means "august" or "noble."
18. **Avery:** Means "ruler of the elves" or "wise ruler."
19. **Baker:** An English occupational surname, meaning "one who bakes bread."
20. **Baldwin:** Derived from the Old German words "bald" (bold) and "wein" (friend), meaning "bold friend."
21. **Ballard:** Means "one who dwells near a ball court."
22. **Barber:** An English occupational surname, meaning "one who shaves or cuts hair."
23. **Barker:** An English occupational surname, meaning "one who tans hides."
24. **Barnes:** Derived from the Old English word "bern," meaning "barn."
25. **Barnett:** Means "son of Bernard."
26. **Barrett:** A variant spelling of "Barret," meaning "brave."
27. **Bartlett:** Derived from the Old English place name "Bertlet," meaning "Bartlet's clearing."
28. **Barton:** Derived from the Old English place name "Berton," meaning "settlement of barley."
29. **Baxter:** An English occupational surname, meaning "baker."
30. **Beale:** Means "one who lives by the stream."
31. **Beard:** An English surname, meaning "one with a beard."
32. **Beckett:** Derived from the Old English word "bech," meaning "beech tree."
33. **Bell:** Means "handsome."
34. **Bennett:** Means "blessed" or "good."
35. **Benson:** Means "son of Ben."
36. **Berger:** A German surname meaning "farmer."
37. **Berry:** Means "one who lives near a berry bush."
38. **Bishop:** A title meaning "overseer" or "supervisor."
39. **Black:** A surname meaning "dark-haired" or "dark-skinned."
40. **Blair:** Derived from the Gaelic word "blair," meaning "plain" or "field."