European Last Names: A Comprehensive Guide to Their Origins and Meanings

Looking for information about common European last names? This comprehensive guide provides a detailed exploration of the origins and meanings of popular European surnames. From ancient roots to modern interpretations, discover the stories behind some of the most prevalent last names across the continent.
1. **Smith:** A common surname throughout Europe, meaning "one who works with metal."
2. **Jones:** Derived from the Welsh word "John," meaning "God is gracious."
3. **Williams:** Meaning "descendant of William," a popular given name of Germanic origin.
4. **Brown:** This surname refers to someone with brown hair or complexion, or someone who lived near a brown-colored landmark.
5. **Davies:** A Welsh surname meaning "son of David," a biblical name.
6. **Wilson:** Meaning "son of William," indicating familial lineage.
7. **Taylor:** This surname indicates someone who worked as a tailor, a common occupation in the past.
8. **Anderson:** Meaning "son of Andrew," a common given name with Greek origins.
9. **Thomas:** A surname derived from the given name Thomas, meaning "twin."
10. **Jackson:** Meaning "son of Jack," a diminutive form of the name John.
11. **White:** This surname refers to someone with fair skin or hair, or someone who lived in a white-colored building.
12. **Harris:** A surname derived from the given name Harry, a Germanic name meaning "home ruler."
13. **Martin:** A surname derived from the given name Martin, meaning "war god."
14. **Thompson:** Meaning "son of Thomas," indicating familial lineage.
15. **Garcia:** A Spanish surname meaning "garrison" or "fort."
16. **Miller:** This surname indicates someone who worked as a miller, someone who ground grain.
17. **Davis:** A surname derived from the given name David, a biblical name meaning "beloved."
18. **Rodriguez:** A Spanish surname meaning "son of Rodrigo," a Germanic name meaning "famous ruler."
19. **Moore:** This surname refers to someone who lived near a moor, a large area of open wasteland.
20. **Lopez:** A Spanish surname meaning "wolf."
21. **Gonzalez:** A Spanish surname meaning "son of Gonzalo," a Germanic name meaning "warfare."
22. **Lewis:** A surname derived from the given name Lewis, meaning "famous warrior."
23. **Allen:** A surname derived from the given name Alan, meaning "handsome."
24. **Robinson:** Meaning "son of Robin," a diminutive form of the name Robert.
25. **Walker:** This surname indicates someone who worked as a walker, someone who travelled on foot.
26. **Hall:** This surname refers to someone who lived near a hall, a large building.
27. **Lee:** A surname derived from the given name Lee, meaning "meadow."
28. **Young:** This surname refers to someone who was young, or someone who was a descendant of a young person.
29. **Hernandez:** A Spanish surname meaning "son of Hernando," a Germanic name meaning "brave warrior."
30. **King:** This surname indicates someone who was a king or ruler.
31. **Wright:** This surname indicates someone who worked as a wright, a skilled craftsman.
32. **Lopez:** A Spanish surname meaning "wolf."
33. **Hill:** This surname refers to someone who lived on a hill.
34. **Scott:** This surname is of Gaelic origin, meaning "Scot."
35. **Green:** This surname refers to someone who lived in a green area, or someone who had green hair or eyes.
36. **Adams:** Meaning "son of Adam," a biblical name.
37. **Baker:** This surname indicates someone who worked as a baker.
38. **Gonzalez:** A Spanish surname meaning "son of Gonzalo," a Germanic name meaning "warfare."
39. **Campbell:** A Scottish surname meaning "crooked mouth."
40. **Mitchell:** A surname derived from the given name Michael, meaning "who is like God?"
41. **Carter:** This surname indicates someone who worked as a carter, someone who transported goods by cart.
42. **Evans:** A Welsh surname meaning "son of Evan," a Welsh form of the name John.
43. **Parker:** This surname indicates someone who worked as a parker, someone who guarded a park.
44. **Collins:** Meaning "son of Colin," a diminutive form of the name Nicholas.
45. **Edwards:** Meaning "son of Edward," a Germanic name meaning "wealthy guardian."
46. **Stewart:** This surname is of Scottish origin, meaning "steward."
47. **Sanchez:** A Spanish surname meaning "Saint John."
48. **Murphy:** This surname is of Irish origin, meaning "sea warrior."
49. **Rogers:** This surname is of Germanic origin, meaning "famous spearman."
50. **Turner:** This surname indicates someone who worked as a turner, someone who shaped wood or metal on a lathe.