Canadian Last Names: A Comprehensive Guide to Common Surnames and Their Origins

Looking for insight into the origins and meanings of Canadian last names? This comprehensive guide explores the diverse tapestry of surnames prevalent across the country, offering a detailed look at their histories and etymological roots. From French and British influences to indigenous heritage, Canadian last names reflect the nation's rich and multifaceted cultural background.
1. **Anderson:** Son of Andrew, a name of Greek origin meaning "manly" or "strong."
2. **Armstrong:** Son of a strong man, derived from the Old English words "arm" and "streng."
3. **Baker:** One who bakes bread, an occupational surname.
4. **Barnett:** Son of Bernard, a name of Germanic origin meaning "brave bear."
5. **Bell:** A person who rings a bell, an occupational surname.
6. **Bennett:** Son of Benedict, a name of Latin origin meaning "blessed."
7. **Black:** Someone with dark hair or complexion, a descriptive surname.
8. **Blair:** A person who lives near a clearing, a place name surname.
9. **Boivin:** A person from the place called "Boivin," a place name surname.
10. **Brown:** Someone with brown hair or complexion, a descriptive surname.
11. **Campbell:** A person from the "crooked field," a place name surname.
12. **Caron:** A person from the place called "Caron," a place name surname.
13. **Carter:** One who transports goods, an occupational surname.
14. **Casselman:** A person from the place called "Casselman," a place name surname.
15. **Charette:** A person who uses a cart, an occupational surname.
16. **Clark:** A person who works with or writes in script, an occupational surname.
17. **Collins:** Son of Colin, a name of Gaelic origin meaning "young wolf."
18. **Cook:** One who prepares food, an occupational surname.
19. **Crawford:** A person from the place called "Crawford," a place name surname.
20. **Cunningham:** A person from the place called "Cunningham," a place name surname.
21. **Davis:** Son of David, a name of Hebrew origin meaning "beloved."
22. **Delaney:** A person from the place called "Delaney," a place name surname.
23. **Desjardins:** A person from the place called "Desjardins," a place name surname.
24. **Dion:** A person from the place called "Dion," a place name surname.
25. **Doherty:** Son of Dermot, a name of Irish origin meaning "free man."
26. **Douglas:** A person from the place called "Douglas," a place name surname.
27. **Edwards:** Son of Edward, a name of Old English origin meaning "wealthy guardian."
28. **Elliott:** Son of Elias, a name of Hebrew origin meaning "Yahweh is my God."
29. **Evans:** Son of Evan, a name of Welsh origin meaning "young warrior."
30. **Ferguson:** Son of Fergus, a name of Gaelic origin meaning "strong man."
31. **Fisher:** One who catches fish, an occupational surname.
32. **Fitzgerald:** Son of Gerald, a name of Germanic origin meaning "spear ruler."
33. **Fleming:** A person from the place called "Fleming," a place name surname.
34. **Foster:** A person who cares for children, an occupational surname.
35. **Fraser:** A person from the place called "Fraser," a place name surname.
36. **Gagnon:** A person from the place called "Gagnon," a place name surname.
37. **Gauthier:** A person from the place called "Gauthier," a place name surname.
38. **Gillis:** A person from the place called "Gillis," a place name surname.
39. **Girard:** A person from the place called "Girard," a place name surname.
40. **Goddard:** Son of Godard, a name of Germanic origin meaning "divine spear."
41. **Gordon:** A person from the place called "Gordon," a place name surname.
42. **Graham:** A person from the place called "Graham," a place name surname.
43. **Grant:** A person who is given land, an occupational surname.
44. **Green:** Someone with green hair or complexion, a descriptive surname.
45. **Hall:** A person who lives near a hall, a place name surname.
46. **Hamilton:** A person from the place called "Hamilton," a place name surname.
47. **Harris:** Son of Harry, a name of Germanic origin meaning "home ruler."
48. **Harvey:** A person from the place called "Harvey," a place name surname.
49. **Hawkins:** Son of Hawkin, a name of Old English origin meaning "little hawk."
50. **Henderson:** Son of Henry, a name of German origin meaning "ruler of the home."