Last Names Plural: Exploring Common Surnames and Their Meanings

Are you curious about the origins and meanings of common last names? This comprehensive list delves into the world of surnames, revealing the rich history and diverse cultural influences that shaped them. From ancient roots to modern variations, explore the fascinating stories behind these familiar last names and discover the unique heritage they represent.
1. **Smith:** A common occupational surname, derived from the Old English word "smiþ," meaning "blacksmith." It signifies a skilled craftsman who worked with metal.
2. **Johnson:** A patronymic surname meaning "son of John," derived from the Hebrew name "Yochanan," meaning "Yahweh is gracious."
3. **Williams:** Another patronymic surname, meaning "son of William," which originates from the Germanic name "Wilhelm," meaning "resolute protector."
4. **Brown:** A descriptive surname referring to a person with brown hair or complexion, derived from the Old English word "brūn."
5. **Davis:** A patronymic surname meaning "son of David," from the Hebrew name "David," meaning "beloved."
6. **Miller:** An occupational surname indicating someone who worked as a miller, grinding grain into flour.
7. **Wilson:** A patronymic surname meaning "son of William," derived from the Germanic name "Wilhelm."
8. **Moore:** A descriptive surname referring to a person who lived near a moor, a type of open heathland.
9. **Taylor:** An occupational surname signifying a tailor, a person who makes or repairs clothing.
10. **Anderson:** A patronymic surname meaning "son of Andrew," from the Greek name "Andreas," meaning "manly."
11. **Thomas:** A patronymic surname meaning "son of Thomas," from the Aramaic name "Thoma," meaning "twin."
12. **Jackson:** A patronymic surname meaning "son of Jack," which is a diminutive form of the name John.
13. **White:** A descriptive surname indicating a person with fair skin or hair, derived from the Old English word "hwit."
14. **Harris:** A patronymic surname meaning "son of Harry," which is a diminutive form of the name Henry.
15. **Martin:** A surname derived from the Latin name "Martinus," meaning "warlike."
16. **Thompson:** A patronymic surname meaning "son of Thomas," from the Aramaic name "Thoma."
17. **Garcia:** A Spanish surname originating from the Germanic name "Warin," meaning "protector."
18. **Martinez:** A Spanish surname meaning "son of Martin," from the Latin name "Martinus."
19. **Robinson:** A patronymic surname meaning "son of Robin," which is a diminutive form of the name Robert.
20. **Clark:** An occupational surname indicating someone who worked as a clerk, a scribe or administrator.
21. **Lewis:** A surname derived from the French name "Louis," meaning "famous warrior."
22. **Lee:** A surname that can have various origins, including a place name, a descriptive name referring to a meadow, or a patronymic.
23. **Walker:** An occupational surname indicating someone who worked as a walker, a person who moved on foot.
24. **Hall:** A surname derived from the Old English word "hēall," meaning "hall," referring to a large house or building.
25. **Allen:** A surname that can have various origins, including a place name, a descriptive name referring to a rock, or a patronymic.
26. **Young:** A descriptive surname indicating someone who is young or youthful, derived from the Old English word "geong."
27. **Hernandez:** A Spanish surname meaning "son of Hernando," a variant of the Germanic name "Ferdinand."
28. **King:** A surname derived from the Old English word "cyning," meaning "king."
29. **Wright:** An occupational surname indicating someone who worked as a wright, a skilled craftsman.
30. **Lopez:** A Spanish surname derived from the Latin name "Lupus," meaning "wolf."
31. **Hill:** A surname derived from the Old English word "hyll," meaning "hill."
32. **Scott:** A surname derived from the Old English word "scytta," meaning "shooter," indicating a person skilled in archery.
33. **Green:** A descriptive surname referring to a person who lived near a green space or had a green complexion.
34. **Adams:** A patronymic surname meaning "son of Adam," from the biblical name Adam, meaning "man."
35. **Baker:** An occupational surname indicating someone who worked as a baker, someone who makes bread.
36. **Gonzalez:** A Spanish surname meaning "son of Gonzalo," derived from the Germanic name "Gundisalvus," meaning "God's protection."
37. **Nelson:** A patronymic surname meaning "son of Neil," derived from the Gaelic name "Niall," meaning "champion."
38. **Carter:** An occupational surname indicating someone who worked as a carter, a person who transported goods by cart.
39. **Mitchell:** A patronymic surname meaning "son of Michael," from the Hebrew name "Micha'el," meaning "who is like God?"
40. **Perez:** A Spanish surname meaning "son of Pedro," from the Greek name "Petros," meaning "stone."