Most Common British Last Names: A Comprehensive Guide

Are you curious about the most common last names in Britain? This comprehensive guide will explore the origins and meanings of the most prevalent surnames in the UK. Whether you're researching your family history, exploring British culture, or simply interested in the fascinating world of names, this list offers a deep dive into the most common last names and their rich history.
1. Smith: A common occupational surname, meaning "one who works with metal." It was a very general term, encompassing blacksmiths, silversmiths, and other metalworkers.
2. Jones: A patronymic surname meaning "son of John." It's one of the most widespread names in the British Isles, particularly in Wales.
3. Brown: An occupational surname, referring to someone who worked with or tanned animal skins.
4. Davis: A patronymic surname meaning "son of David." It's a popular name across the UK, with strong roots in Wales.
5. Wilson: A patronymic surname meaning "son of William." It's a common surname in Scotland, with a significant presence in England and Wales.
6. Taylor: An occupational surname, referring to someone who cuts and sews cloth, traditionally a tailor.
7. Evans: A patronymic surname meaning "son of Evan," a Welsh variant of John. It's a very common name in Wales.
8. Thomas: A patronymic surname meaning "son of Thomas." It's a popular name across the UK, particularly in Wales.
9. Roberts: A patronymic surname meaning "son of Robert." It's a common name in Wales and England.
10. Williams: A patronymic surname meaning "son of William." It's a popular name across the UK, particularly in Wales.
11. Thompson: A patronymic surname meaning "son of Thomas." It's a common name in England, particularly in the north.
12. White: A descriptive surname, referring to someone with fair hair or pale skin.
13. Walker: An occupational surname, referring to someone who walks or travels on foot.
14. Martin: A patronymic surname meaning "son of Martin." It's a popular name across the UK, with strong roots in England.
15. Robinson: A patronymic surname meaning "son of Robin." It's a common name in England.
16. Clark: An occupational surname, referring to a scholar or a clerk, someone who worked with written documents.
17. Lewis: A patronymic surname meaning "son of Lewis." It's a popular name across the UK, with strong roots in Wales.
18. Lee: A topographical surname, referring to a clearing in a forest or a meadow.
19. Hall: A topographical surname, referring to a large house or dwelling.
20. Allen: A patronymic surname meaning "son of Alan." It's a popular name across the UK, with strong roots in England.
21. King: An occupational surname, referring to someone who ruled as a king.
22. Wright: An occupational surname, referring to someone who builds or repairs things, traditionally a craftsman.
23. Jackson: A patronymic surname meaning "son of Jack," a nickname for John. It's a common name in England.
24. Young: A descriptive surname, referring to someone who is young or youthful.
25. Hill: A topographical surname, referring to a raised area of land.
26. Moore: A topographical surname, referring to an open expanse of land, often near a marsh or moor.
27. Green: A descriptive surname, referring to someone who lives near or works with vegetation.
28. Carter: An occupational surname, referring to someone who transports goods by cart.
29. Cooper: An occupational surname, referring to someone who makes barrels or casks.
30. Harris: A patronymic surname meaning "son of Harry," a nickname for Henry. It's a common name in England.
31. Adams: A patronymic surname meaning "son of Adam." It's a popular name across the UK.
32. Turner: An occupational surname, referring to someone who works with wood or metal, traditionally a turner.
33. Phillips: A patronymic surname meaning "son of Philip." It's a popular name across the UK, with strong roots in Wales.
34. Matthews: A patronymic surname meaning "son of Matthew." It's a common name in England and Wales.
35. Parker: An occupational surname, referring to someone who keeps or guards a park.
36. Collins: A patronymic surname meaning "son of Colin." It's a common name in England.
37. Butler: An occupational surname, referring to a servant or a caretaker, traditionally a butler.
38. Hughes: A patronymic surname meaning "son of Hugh." It's a popular name across the UK, with strong roots in Wales.
39. Edwards: A patronymic surname meaning "son of Edward." It's a common name in Wales and England.
40. Fletcher: An occupational surname, referring to someone who makes arrows, traditionally a fletcher.
41. James: A patronymic surname meaning "son of James." It's a popular name across the UK.
42. Murphy: An Irish surname, meaning "sea warrior" or "descendant of Muircheartach."
43. Kelly: An Irish surname, meaning "bright-haired" or "war-leader."
44. Miller: An occupational surname, referring to someone who grinds grain, traditionally a miller.
45. Campbell: A Scottish surname, meaning "crooked mouth" or "handsome warrior."
46. Mitchell: A patronymic surname meaning "son of Michael."
47. Anderson: A patronymic surname meaning "son of Andrew."
48. Bell: A topographical surname, referring to a bell tower or a bell maker.
49. Price: A descriptive surname, meaning "value," "worth," or "cost."
50. Morgan: A Welsh surname, meaning "sea warrior" or "descendant of Morcant."