Last Names in Medieval Times: A Comprehensive Guide

Medieval last names, also known as surnames, evolved over time, often reflecting the social and cultural landscapes of the era. These names provided a means of distinguishing individuals and families, and their meanings offer insights into the lives and occupations of those who bore them. This comprehensive list explores the origins and meanings of a wide range of medieval last names, providing a glimpse into the rich tapestry of medieval society.
1. **Adams:** Son of Adam, a common biblical name.
2. **Alexander:** Defender of mankind, a popular name associated with the Greek hero Alexander the Great.
3. **Anderson:** Son of Andrew, a biblical name meaning "manly" or "strong."
4. **Arnold:** Ruler of power, a Germanic name reflecting strength and authority.
5. **Arthur:** Bear, a Celtic name associated with the legendary King Arthur.
6. **Baker:** Someone who bakes bread, an occupational name reflecting the trade.
7. **Barnett:** Son of Bernard, a name meaning "brave bear."
8. **Barrett:** Son of Bertram, a name meaning "bright glory."
9. **Bates:** Son of Bartholomew, a name meaning "son of Talmai."
10. **Bell:** Someone who makes or sells bells, an occupational name reflecting the trade.
11. **Bennett:** Son of Benedict, a name meaning "blessed."
12. **Blackburn:** Someone who lives near a black rock, a locational name reflecting the terrain.
13. **Blake:** Dark, a descriptive name referencing hair or complexion.
14. **Bloom:** Someone who works with flowers, an occupational name reflecting the trade.
15. **Bolton:** Someone who lives near a fortified dwelling, a locational name reflecting the terrain.
16. **Bowman:** Someone who makes or uses bows and arrows, an occupational name reflecting the trade.
17. **Brooks:** Someone who lives near a stream, a locational name reflecting the terrain.
18. **Brown:** Someone with brown hair, a descriptive name referencing complexion.
19. **Butler:** Someone who serves as a butler, an occupational name reflecting the trade.
20. **Campbell:** Crooked mouth, a descriptive name referencing physical features.
21. **Carpenter:** Someone who works with wood, an occupational name reflecting the trade.
22. **Carter:** Someone who drives a cart, an occupational name reflecting the trade.
23. **Chapman:** Someone who trades goods, an occupational name reflecting the trade.
24. **Charles:** Free man, a Germanic name reflecting freedom and independence.
25. **Clark:** Scholar, a descriptive name referencing education.
26. **Clay:** Someone who works with clay, an occupational name reflecting the trade.
27. **Clayton:** Someone who lives near a clay field, a locational name reflecting the terrain.
28. **Clemens:** Merciful, a Latin name reflecting kindness and compassion.
29. **Cobb:** Someone who works with cob, an occupational name reflecting the trade.
30. **Cole:** Coal, a descriptive name referencing color or material.
31. **Collins:** Son of Colin, a name meaning "victory."
32. **Cook:** Someone who prepares food, an occupational name reflecting the trade.
33. **Cooper:** Someone who makes barrels, an occupational name reflecting the trade.
34. **Crawford:** A strong man, a descriptive name referencing physical attributes.
35. **Cross:** Someone who lives near a cross, a locational name reflecting the terrain.
36. **Davies:** Son of David, a biblical name meaning "beloved."
37. **Davis:** Son of David, a biblical name meaning "beloved."
38. **Day:** A day laborer, an occupational name reflecting the trade.
39. **Dean:** A valley, a locational name reflecting the terrain.
40. **Dennis:** Follower of Dionysus, a Greek name associated with the god of wine and revelry.
41. **Dixon:** Son of Dickon, a diminutive form of Richard.
42. **Douglas:** Dark water, a locational name reflecting the terrain.
43. **Edwards:** Son of Edward, a name meaning "wealthy guardian."
44. **Elliott:** The Lord is my God, a biblical name reflecting faith.
45. **Ellis:** The Lord is my God, a biblical name reflecting faith.
46. **Evans:** Son of Evan, a Welsh name meaning "the Lord is gracious."
47. **Everett:** Strong boar, a Germanic name reflecting strength and resilience.
48. **Farmer:** Someone who works on a farm, an occupational name reflecting the trade.
49. **Fisher:** Someone who fishes, an occupational name reflecting the trade.
50. **Fitzgerald:** Son of Gerald, a name meaning "strong spear."
51. **Fletcher:** Someone who makes arrows, an occupational name reflecting the trade.
52. **Ford:** Someone who lives near a ford, a locational name reflecting the terrain.
53. **Foster:** Someone who raises children, an occupational name reflecting the trade.
54. **Fox:** Someone who lives near a fox den, a locational name reflecting the terrain.
55. **Franklin:** Free man, a descriptive name referencing status and independence.
56. **Freeman:** Free man, a descriptive name referencing status and independence.
57. **Gardner:** Someone who works in a garden, an occupational name reflecting the trade.
58. **Garrett:** Strong spear, a Germanic name reflecting strength and resilience.
59. **George:** Farmer, a Greek name associated with agriculture.
60. **Gibson:** Son of Gilbert, a name meaning "bright pledge."
61. **Gilbert:** Bright pledge, a Germanic name reflecting honor and commitment.
62. **Gill:** A stream, a locational name reflecting the terrain.
63. **Giles:** Young goat, a Greek name associated with animals.
64. **Goddard:** God's gift, a religious name reflecting faith.
65. **Godfrey:** Peaceful ruler, a Germanic name reflecting peace and authority.
66. **Goldsmith:** Someone who works with gold, an occupational name reflecting the trade.
67. **Goodman:** Good man, a descriptive name referencing character.
68. **Gordon:** Hill fortress, a locational name reflecting the terrain.
69. **Graham:** Grey, a descriptive name referencing complexion or appearance.
70. **Grant:** Large, a descriptive name referencing size or stature.
71. **Gray:** Grey, a descriptive name referencing complexion or appearance.
72. **Green:** Green, a descriptive name referencing color or appearance.
73. **Griffin:** Strong, a descriptive name referencing physical attributes.
74. **Hall:** A large building, a locational name reflecting the terrain.
75. **Hamilton:** Settlement by the river, a locational name reflecting the terrain.
76. **Harris:** Son of Harry, a diminutive form of Henry.
77. **Harrison:** Son of Harry, a diminutive form of Henry.
78. **Harvey:** Battle warrior, a Germanic name reflecting strength and courage.
79. **Hawkins:** Someone who lives near a hawthorn tree, a locational name reflecting the terrain.
80. **Haynes:** Someone who lives near a hedge, a locational name reflecting the terrain.
81. **Heath:** A clearing, a locational name reflecting the terrain.
82. **Henderson:** Son of Henry, a name meaning "ruler of the home."
83. **Henry:** Ruler of the home, a Germanic name reflecting authority and family.
84. **Herbert:** Bright army, a Germanic name reflecting strength and glory.
85. **Hill:** Someone who lives on a hill, a locational name reflecting the terrain.
86. **Hodges:** Son of Hodge, a diminutive form of Roger.
87. **Hoffman:** Home protector, a Germanic name reflecting strength and defense.
88. **Holmes:** A small valley, a locational name reflecting the terrain.
89. **Howard:** Wise guardian, a Germanic name reflecting wisdom and protection.
90. **Hughes:** Son of Hugh, a name meaning "mind" or "spirit."
91. **Hunter:** Someone who hunts, an occupational name reflecting the trade.
92. **Jackson:** Son of Jack, a diminutive form of John.
93. **James:** Supplanter, a Hebrew name associated with biblical significance.
94. **Jenkins:** Son of Jenkin, a diminutive form of John.
95. **Jennings:** Son of Jenkin, a diminutive form of John.
96. **Johnson:** Son of John, a name meaning "God is gracious."
97. **Jones:** Son of John, a name meaning "God is gracious."
98. **Jordan:** To descend, a Hebrew name associated with the river Jordan.
99. **Joseph:** God will increase, a Hebrew name associated with biblical significance.
100. **Joyce:** Joyful, a descriptive name referencing happiness.
101. **Kay:** Keeper, a descriptive name referencing responsibility.
102. **Keenan:** Ancient, a descriptive name referencing age or origin.
103. **Keller:** Cellar, a locational name reflecting the terrain.
104. **Kelly:** Fighter, a descriptive name referencing combat skills.
105. **Kennedy:** Fiery head, a Gaelic name associated with strength and power.
106. **Kent:** Corner land, a locational name reflecting the terrain.
107. **Kerr:** Black, a descriptive name referencing complexion or appearance.
108. **King:** Ruler, a descriptive name referencing authority and status.
109. **Knight:** Warrior, a descriptive name referencing combat skills.
110. **Koch:** Cook, an occupational name reflecting the trade.
111. **Lambert:** Bright land, a Germanic name reflecting prosperity and beauty.
112. **Lawrence:** Laurel wreath, a Latin name associated with victory and triumph.
113. **Lee:** Meadow, a locational name reflecting the terrain.
114. **Leonard:** Brave lion, a Germanic name reflecting strength and courage.
115. **Lewis:** Famous warrior, a Germanic name associated with battle and strength.
116. **Lincoln:** Settlement near a flax pool, a locational name reflecting the terrain.
117. **Lloyd:** Grey, a descriptive name referencing complexion or appearance.
118. **Logan:** Little hollow, a locational name reflecting the terrain.
119. **Long:** Tall, a descriptive name referencing height.
120. **Lowe:** Mound, a locational name reflecting the terrain.
121. **Lucas:** Man from Lucania, a Roman name associated with a region in Italy.
122. **MacDonald:** Son of Donald, a Gaelic name meaning "world ruler."
123. **MacGregor:** Son of Gregor, a Gaelic name meaning "watchful."
124. **Maddox:** Son of Matthew, a name meaning "gift of God."
125. **Malcolm:** Devotee of Saint Columba, a Gaelic name associated with religious faith.
126. **Manning:** Powerful, a descriptive name referencing strength or influence.
127. **March:** Border, a locational name reflecting the terrain.
128. **Mark:** Warrior, a Hebrew name associated with biblical significance.
129. **Marshall:** Horse keeper, an occupational name reflecting the trade.
130. **Martin:** War god, a Latin name associated with Mars, the Roman god of war.
131. **Mason:** Someone who works with stone, an occupational name reflecting the trade.
132. **Matthews:** Son of Matthew, a name meaning "gift of God."
133. **Maxwell:** Great field, a locational name reflecting the terrain.
134. **May:** A meadow, a locational name reflecting the terrain.
135. **McCarthy:** Son of Carthaigh, a Gaelic name meaning "love."
136. **McConnell:** Son of Connell, a Gaelic name meaning "strong-willed."
137. **McDaniel:** Son of Daniel, a name meaning "God is my judge."
138. **McFarlane:** Son of Farlan, a Gaelic name meaning "strong warrior."
139. **McGee:** Son of Gee, a Gaelic name meaning "bright."
140. **McGuire:** Son of Gwyre, a Gaelic name meaning "watchful."
141. **McKinney:** Son of Kinne, a Gaelic name meaning "handsome."
142. **McLaughlin:** Son of Lachlan, a Gaelic name meaning "land of the lakes."
143. **McLean:** Son of Leán, a Gaelic name meaning "little bright one."
144. **McMahon:** Son of Máomhón, a Gaelic name meaning "strong will."
145. **McMurphy:** Son of Murchadh, a Gaelic name meaning "sea warrior."
146. **Neal:** Champion, a Gaelic name associated with strength and victory.
147. **Nelson:** Son of Neil, a Gaelic name meaning "champion."
148. **Newman:** New man, a descriptive name referencing a newcomer or recent arrival.
149. **Newton:** New town, a locational name reflecting the terrain.
150. **Nicholas:** Victory of the people, a Greek name associated with triumph.
151. **Norman:** Northern man, a descriptive name referencing origin.
152. **Oliver:** Olive tree, a Latin name associated with peace and prosperity.
153. **Owen:** Noble, a Welsh name associated with high status and honor.
154. **Palmer:** Someone who makes palm leaves, an occupational name reflecting the trade.
155. **Parker:** Someone who keeps a park, an occupational name reflecting the trade.
156. **Patrick:** Nobleman, a Latin name associated with high status and honor.
157. **Paul:** Small, a Latin name associated with humility and modesty.
158. **Payne:** Baker, an occupational name reflecting the trade.
159. **Pearce:** Someone who lives near a pear tree, a locational name reflecting the terrain.
160. **Peter:** Rock, a Greek name associated with strength and stability.
161. **Phillips:** Son of Philip, a name meaning "lover of horses."
162. **Pierce:** Someone who lives near a stone, a locational name reflecting the terrain.
163. **Porter:** Gatekeeper, an occupational name reflecting the trade.
164. **Powell:** Someone who lives near a pool, a locational name reflecting the terrain.
165. **Price:** Priest, an occupational name reflecting the trade.
166. **Prior:** Leader, a descriptive name referencing authority and status.
167. **Pruitt:** Someone who lives near a thicket, a locational name reflecting the terrain.
168. **Quinn:** Descendant of Conn, a Gaelic name associated with a legendary Irish king.
169. **Ramsey:** Settlement by the river, a locational name reflecting the terrain.
170. **Randall:** Wolf council, a Germanic name associated with strength and wisdom.
171. **Ray:** Wise ruler, a descriptive name referencing intelligence and authority.
172. **Reed:** A reed, a locational name reflecting the terrain.
173. **Reese:** Ardent, a descriptive name referencing passion or zeal.
174. **Reynolds:** Son of Reginald, a name meaning "kingly advisor."
175. **Richard:** Strong ruler, a Germanic name reflecting power and authority.
176. **Roberts:** Son of Robert, a name meaning "bright fame."
177. **Robinson:** Son of Robin, a diminutive form of Robert.
178. **Rodgers:** Son of Roger, a name meaning "famous spear."
179. **Rogers:** Son of Roger, a name meaning "famous spear."
180. **Roland:** Famous land, a Germanic name associated with glory and renown.
181. **Rose:** Rose, a descriptive name referencing a flower.
182. **Ross:** Headland, a locational name reflecting the terrain.
183. **Roy:** King, a descriptive name referencing authority and status.
184. **Russell:** Red, a descriptive name referencing color or appearance.
185. **Ryan:** Little king, a Gaelic name associated with authority and power.
186. **Salisbury:** Settlement by the willow tree, a locational name reflecting the terrain.
187. **Samuel:** God has heard, a Hebrew name associated with biblical significance.
188. **Sanders:** Son of Alexander, a name meaning "defender of mankind."
189. **Savage:** Wild, a descriptive name referencing nature or behavior.
190. **Sawyer:** Woodcutter, an occupational name reflecting the trade.
191. **Schultz:** Someone from the estate of a steward, a locational name reflecting the terrain.
192. **Scott:** Scot, a descriptive name referencing origin.
193. **Seaman:** Someone who sails on the sea, an occupational name reflecting the trade.
194. **Sellers:** Someone who sells goods, an occupational name reflecting the trade.
195. **Shepherd:** Someone who tends sheep, an occupational name reflecting the trade.
196. **Shirley:** A meadow, a locational name reflecting the terrain.
197. **Simmons:** Son of Simon, a name meaning "listener."
198. **Simpson:** Son of Simon, a name meaning "listener."
199. **Smith:** Blacksmith, an occupational name reflecting the trade.
200. **Snow:** White, a descriptive name referencing color or appearance.
201. **Solomon:** Peaceful, a Hebrew name associated with wisdom and justice.
202. **Spencer:** Dispenser, an occupational name reflecting the trade.
203. **Stanley:** Stony valley, a locational name reflecting the terrain.
204. **Steele:** Steel, a descriptive name referencing material.
205. **Stevens:** Son of Stephen, a name meaning "crown."
206. **Stewart:** Steward, an occupational name reflecting the trade.
207. **Stone:** Someone who lives near a stone, a locational name reflecting the terrain.
208. **Strong:** Powerful, a descriptive name referencing physical attributes.
209. **Sullivan:** Black-eyed, a descriptive name referencing physical features.
210. **Taylor:** Someone who cuts cloth, an occupational name reflecting the trade.
211. **Thomas:** Twin, a Hebrew name associated with twins.
212. **Thompson:** Son of Thomas, a name meaning "twin."
213. **Thornton:** Thorny place, a locational name reflecting the terrain.
214. **Thurston:** Thor's stone, a Norse name associated with the god of thunder.
215. **Tillman:** Cultivator of land, an occupational name reflecting the trade.
216. **Todd:** Fox, a descriptive name referencing animals.
217. **Turner:** Someone who makes things by turning, an occupational name reflecting the trade.
218. **Tyler:** Tile maker, an occupational name reflecting the trade.
219. **Underwood:** Someone who lives under the wood, a locational name reflecting the terrain.
220. **Valentine:** Strong and healthy, a Latin name reflecting good health and vitality.
221. **Vance:** Forester, an occupational name reflecting the trade.
222. **Vaughan:** Small, a descriptive name referencing size or stature.
223. **Vernon:** Alder tree, a locational name reflecting the terrain.
224. **Victor:** Conqueror, a Latin name associated with victory and triumph.
225. **Vincent:** Conquering, a Latin name associated with victory and triumph.
226. **Wade:** To ford a river, a descriptive name referencing water travel.
227. **Walker:** Someone who walks, an occupational name reflecting the trade.
228. **Wallace:** Welshman, a descriptive name referencing origin.
229. **Walter:** Ruler of the army, a Germanic name reflecting authority and power.
230. **Ward:** Guardian, a descriptive name referencing protection.
231. **Warner:** Someone who warns, an occupational name reflecting the trade.
232. **Warren:** Rabbit warren, a locational name reflecting the terrain.
233. **Washington:** Settlement by the water, a locational name reflecting the terrain.
234. **Watson:** Son of Walter, a name meaning "ruler of the army."
235. **Weaver:** Someone who weaves cloth, an occupational name reflecting the trade.
236. **Webb:** Weaver, an occupational name reflecting the trade.
237. **Webster:** Weaver, an occupational name reflecting the trade.
238. **Wells:** Someone who lives near a well, a locational name reflecting the terrain.
239. **West:** Western direction, a locational name reflecting the terrain.
240. **White:** White, a descriptive name referencing color or appearance.
241. **Whitfield:** White field, a locational name reflecting the terrain.
242. **Williams:** Son of William, a name meaning "resolute protector."
243. **Williamson:** Son of William, a name meaning "resolute protector."
244. **Wilson:** Son of William, a name meaning "resolute protector."
245. **Winchester:** Settlement by the white house, a locational name reflecting the terrain.
246. **Wise:** Someone who is wise, a descriptive name referencing intelligence.
247. **Wood:** Someone who lives near a wood, a locational name reflecting the terrain.
248. **Woodward:** Forest guardian, an occupational name reflecting the trade.
249. **Wright:** Someone who works with wood, an occupational name reflecting the trade.
250. **Wyatt:** Brave in war, a descriptive name referencing courage and strength.
251. **Young:** Young, a descriptive name referencing age.
252. **Zachary:** The Lord has remembered, a Hebrew name associated with biblical significance.