Victorian Last Names: A Guide to Common Surnames and Their Meanings

Are you interested in exploring the rich history of Victorian surnames? This comprehensive list offers a glimpse into the captivating world of last names that were prevalent during this era. From origins in occupation, location, and personal attributes, these names reveal the diverse lives and stories of Victorian individuals. Dive deep into the meanings behind each name and uncover the fascinating connections between Victorian society and its enduring legacy.
1. **Abbott:** A common occupational surname meaning "abbot" or "head of a monastery."
2. **Abernathy:** A Scottish surname meaning "from the ford of the river Abernathy."
3. **Adams:** A common surname meaning "son of Adam."
4. **Ainsworth:** An English surname meaning "from Ainsworth," a place in Lancashire.
5. **Alexander:** A Greek surname meaning "defender of mankind."
6. **Allen:** A common surname meaning "handsome" or "noble."
7. **Anderson:** A Scandinavian surname meaning "son of Andrew."
8. **Andrews:** A common surname meaning "son of Andrew."
9. **Armstrong:** A Scottish surname meaning "strong arm."
10. **Arnold:** A Germanic surname meaning "eagle power."
11. **Ashworth:** An English surname meaning "from Ashworth," a place in Lancashire.
12. **Atkinson:** An English surname meaning "son of Atkinson," a common occupational surname.
13. **Austin:** A Latin surname meaning "august" or "majestic."
14. **Baker:** An occupational surname meaning "baker."
15. **Baldwin:** A Germanic surname meaning "bold friend."
16. **Ball:** A topographic surname meaning "dweller at the ball" or "round hill."
17. **Barber:** An occupational surname meaning "barber."
18. **Barker:** An occupational surname meaning "tanner."
19. **Barlow:** An English surname meaning "from Barlow," a place in Cheshire.
20. **Barnes:** An English surname meaning "from Barnes," a place in Surrey.
21. **Barrett:** An English surname meaning "from Barrett," a place in Suffolk.
22. **Barrow:** A topographic surname meaning "dwelling by a barrow" or "ancient burial mound."
23. **Bates:** An English surname meaning "from Bates," a place in Yorkshire.
24. **Baxter:** An occupational surname meaning "baker."
25. **Bayliss:** An English surname meaning "from Baylis," a place in Worcestershire.
26. **Beale:** An English surname meaning "from Beale," a place in Suffolk.
27. **Bean:** An English surname meaning "dweller by a bean field."
28. **Beckett:** An English surname meaning "from Beckett," a place in Yorkshire.
29. **Bedford:** An English surname meaning "from Bedford," a town in Bedfordshire.
30. **Bell:** An occupational surname meaning "bell maker."
31. **Bennett:** A Germanic surname meaning "son of Benedict."
32. **Benson:** A Scandinavian surname meaning "son of Benjamin."
33. **Bentley:** An English surname meaning "from Bentley," a place in Yorkshire.
34. **Bernard:** A Germanic surname meaning "brave bear."
35. **Berry:** An English surname meaning "dweller by a berry bush."
36. **Best:** An English surname meaning "best" or "most excellent."
37. **Betts:** An English surname meaning "from Betts," a place in Kent.
38. **Billings:** An English surname meaning "from Billings," a place in Lincolnshire.
39. **Birch:** An English surname meaning "dweller by a birch tree."
40. **Bird:** An English surname meaning "dweller by a bird."