Last Names in the Middle Ages: Origins and Meanings

The Middle Ages saw a surge in the adoption of hereditary last names, a practice that shaped the way we identify ourselves today. These surnames, often derived from place names, occupations, or personal characteristics, offer a window into the lives and traditions of people living centuries ago. Let's delve into the intriguing world of medieval last names and uncover the fascinating stories behind their origins.
1. **Smith:** A common surname, meaning "one who works with metal."
2. **Taylor:** A craftsman who makes and repairs clothing.
3. **Baker:** A person who bakes bread.
4. **Miller:** A person who grinds grain into flour.
5. **Carpenter:** A person who works with wood.
6. **Cooper:** A person who makes barrels.
7. **Shepherd:** A person who tends sheep.
8. **Fisher:** A person who fishes.
9. **Hunter:** A person who hunts.
10. **Wright:** A person who makes or repairs things.
11. **Clarke:** A person who is a scholar or scribe.
12. **Johnson:** A patronymic surname meaning "son of John."
13. **Williams:** A patronymic surname meaning "son of William."
14. **Brown:** A person with brown hair or complexion.
15. **Green:** A person with green hair or complexion, or associated with a green place.
16. **White:** A person with white hair or complexion.
17. **Black:** A person with black hair or complexion.
18. **Wood:** A person who lives near a wood or forest.
19. **Hill:** A person who lives near a hill.
20. **Stone:** A person who lives near a stone or rock formation.
21. **Brook:** A person who lives near a brook.
22. **River:** A person who lives near a river.
23. **Ford:** A person who lives near a ford.
24. **Bridge:** A person who lives near a bridge.
25. **Church:** A person who lives near a church.
26. **Knight:** A person who is a knight.
27. **King:** A person who is a king.
28. **Queen:** A person who is a queen.
29. **Earl:** A person who is an earl.
30. **Baron:** A person who is a baron.
31. **Lord:** A person who is a lord.
32. **Lady:** A person who is a lady.
33. **Harper:** A person who plays the harp.
34. **Mason:** A person who builds with stone.
35. **Farmer:** A person who works the land.
36. **Butcher:** A person who slaughters animals.
37. **Chandler:** A person who makes or sells candles.
38. **Cook:** A person who prepares food.
39. **Tanner:** A person who tans hides.
40. **Weaver:** A person who weaves cloth.
41. **Potter:** A person who makes pottery.
42. **Smyth:** A variation of Smith.
43. **Hawkins:** A person who lives near a hawthorn tree.
44. **Morgan:** A person who lives near a sea or lake.
45. **Wilson:** A patronymic surname meaning "son of Will."
46. **Harris:** A person who lives near a hill or meadow.
47. **Jackson:** A patronymic surname meaning "son of Jack."
48. **Davies:** A patronymic surname meaning "son of David."
49. **Thompson:** A patronymic surname meaning "son of Tom."
50. **Walker:** A person who walks or travels.