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

Discover the rich tapestry of UK last names! This comprehensive guide explores the history and meanings behind some of the most common surnames in the United Kingdom. From ancient Anglo-Saxon roots to Norman invasions and beyond, we'll delve into the fascinating stories behind these names, providing insights into their origins and cultural significance.
1. **Smith:** A common occupational surname, meaning "one who works with metal" (Old English *smiþ*).
2. **Jones:** A patronymic surname derived from the given name "John" (Welsh *John*).
3. **Brown:** A descriptive surname referring to a person with brown hair or complexion (Old English *brūn*).
4. **Davies:** A patronymic surname derived from the given name "David" (Welsh *Dafydd*).
5. **Evans:** A patronymic surname derived from the given name "Evan" (Welsh *Evan*).
6. **Wilson:** A patronymic surname derived from the given name "William" (Old English *Willa*).
7. **Taylor:** An occupational surname meaning "one who makes or repairs clothes" (Old English *tæȝelere*).
8. **Thomas:** A patronymic surname derived from the given name "Thomas" (Greek *Thomas*).
9. **Roberts:** A patronymic surname derived from the given name "Robert" (Old English *Robert*).
10. **Williams:** A patronymic surname derived from the given name "William" (Old English *Willa*).
11. **Johnson:** A patronymic surname derived from the given name "John" (Old English *John*).
12. **Robinson:** A patronymic surname derived from the given name "Robin" (Old English *Robin*).
13. **Wright:** An occupational surname meaning "one who makes or repairs things" (Old English *wrihta*).
14. **Thompson:** A patronymic surname derived from the given name "Thomas" (Old English *Thomas*).
15. **White:** A descriptive surname referring to a person with fair skin or hair (Old English *hwit*).
16. **Walker:** An occupational surname meaning "one who walks or travels" (Old English *wealcan*).
17. **Martin:** A patronymic surname derived from the given name "Martin" (Latin *Martinus*).
18. **Harris:** A patronymic surname derived from the given name "Harry" (German *hari*).
19. **Clark:** An occupational surname meaning "one who works as a scribe or secretary" (Old English *clerc*).
20. **Lewis:** A patronymic surname derived from the given name "Lewis" (French *Louis*).
21. **Lee:** A place name surname, derived from a place named "Lee" (Old English *lēah*).
22. **King:** An occupational surname referring to a person of royal rank (Old English *cyning*).
23. **Moore:** A place name surname, derived from a place named "Moor" (Old English *mōr*).
24. **Jackson:** A patronymic surname derived from the given name "Jack" (Old English *John*).
25. **Cooper:** An occupational surname meaning "one who makes barrels or casks" (Old English *coppere*).
26. **Turner:** An occupational surname meaning "one who turns or shapes wood" (Old English *turnere*).
27. **Hill:** A place name surname, derived from a place named "Hill" (Old English *hyll*).
28. **Parker:** An occupational surname meaning "one who keeps or guards" (Old English *pearroc*).
29. **Allen:** A patronymic surname derived from the given name "Alan" (Old English *Alan*).
30. **Young:** A descriptive surname meaning "a young person" (Old English *geong*).
31. **Powell:** A place name surname, derived from a place named "Powell" (Welsh *pwll*).
32. **Scott:** A patronymic surname derived from the given name "Scot" (Scottish *Scotice*).
33. **Green:** A descriptive surname referring to a person with green hair or eyes (Old English *grēne*).
34. **Adams:** A patronymic surname derived from the given name "Adam" (Hebrew *Adam*).
35. **Baker:** An occupational surname meaning "one who bakes bread" (Old English *bæcere*).
36. **Morgan:** A patronymic surname derived from the given name "Morgan" (Welsh *Morgan*).
37. **Hughes:** A patronymic surname derived from the given name "Hugh" (French *Hugues*).
38. **Edwards:** A patronymic surname derived from the given name "Edward" (Old English *Ēadweard*).
39. **Collins:** A patronymic surname derived from the given name "Colin" (French *Colin*).
40. **Fletcher:** An occupational surname meaning "one who makes arrows" (Old English *flecere*).