Last Names: English Origins and Meanings

Looking for a unique and meaningful last name? English surnames are rich in history and etymology, offering a wide range of options for those seeking a name that reflects their heritage or personal values. This list explores some of the most common and interesting English last names, delving into their origins and meanings. Whether you're interested in finding the perfect surname for your fictional character, researching your family tree, or simply learning more about the fascinating world of names, this comprehensive guide will provide you with valuable insights.
1. **Smith:** meaning "blacksmith", a common occupation in medieval England.
2. **Jones:** meaning "son of John", a common patronymic surname.
3. **Brown:** meaning "brown hair", a descriptive surname based on physical appearance.
4. **Davis:** meaning "son of David", a common biblical name.
5. **Miller:** meaning "one who grinds grain", an occupational surname.
6. **Wilson:** meaning "son of William", a common patronymic surname.
7. **Moore:** meaning "moor", a place name referring to open, marshland.
8. **Taylor:** meaning "tailor", an occupational surname.
9. **Anderson:** meaning "son of Andrew", a common patronymic surname.
10. **Thomas:** meaning "twin", a common biblical name.
11. **Jackson:** meaning "son of Jack", a common patronymic surname.
12. **White:** meaning "white hair", a descriptive surname based on physical appearance.
13. **Harris:** meaning "son of Harry", a common patronymic surname.
14. **Martin:** meaning "war-like", a common biblical name.
15. **Thompson:** meaning "son of Thomas", a common patronymic surname.
16. **Garcia:** meaning "bear", a common Spanish surname.
17. **Martinez:** meaning "son of Martin", a common Spanish surname.
18. **Robinson:** meaning "son of Robin", a common patronymic surname.
19. **Clark:** meaning "clerk", an occupational surname.
20. **Lewis:** meaning "famous warrior", a common Welsh name.
21. **Lee:** meaning "meadow", a place name.
22. **Walker:** meaning "one who walks", an occupational surname.
23. **Hall:** meaning "large house", a place name.
24. **Allen:** meaning "handsome", a common Celtic name.
25. **Young:** meaning "young", a descriptive surname.
26. **Hernandez:** meaning "son of Hernando", a common Spanish surname.
27. **King:** meaning "ruler", a title surname.
28. **Wright:** meaning "craftsman", an occupational surname.
29. **Lopez:** meaning "wolf", a common Spanish surname.
30. **Hill:** meaning "hill", a place name.
31. **Scott:** meaning "Scot", a surname referring to Scottish origin.
32. **Green:** meaning "green", a descriptive surname.
33. **Adams:** meaning "son of Adam", a common biblical name.
34. **Baker:** meaning "one who bakes", an occupational surname.
35. **Gonzalez:** meaning "son of Gonzalo", a common Spanish surname.
36. **Nelson:** meaning "son of Neil", a common patronymic surname.
37. **Carter:** meaning "one who transports goods", an occupational surname.
38. **Mitchell:** meaning "son of Michael", a common patronymic surname.
39. **Perez:** meaning "Peter", a common Spanish surname.
40. **Roberts:** meaning "son of Robert", a common patronymic surname.
41. **Turner:** meaning "one who works with wood", an occupational surname.
42. **Phillips:** meaning "son of Philip", a common patronymic surname.
43. **Campbell:** meaning "crooked mouth", a common Gaelic name.
44. **Parker:** meaning "park keeper", an occupational surname.
45. **Evans:** meaning "son of Evan", a common Welsh name.
46. **Edwards:** meaning "son of Edward", a common patronymic surname.
47. **Collins:** meaning "son of Colin", a common patronymic surname.
48. **Stewart:** meaning "steward", an occupational surname.
49. **Sanchez:** meaning "Saint John", a common Spanish surname.
50. **Morris:** meaning "dark-skinned", a common Welsh name.