Last Names: Origins and Meanings

Want to know where your last name came from? Last names, also known as surnames, have a fascinating history. They developed over centuries, evolving from simple descriptive terms to hereditary markers. This journey provides insight into our family roots and cultural heritage. This list explores the origins and meanings of various last names, offering a glimpse into the rich tapestry of human history.
1. **Smith:** A common occupational surname, referring to a blacksmith or metalworker.
2. **Jones:** A patronymic surname, meaning "son of John."
3. **Brown:** A descriptive surname, referring to someone with brown hair or complexion.
4. **Davis:** A patronymic surname, meaning "son of David."
5. **Miller:** An occupational surname, referring to someone who operates a mill.
6. **Wilson:** A patronymic surname, meaning "son of William."
7. **Moore:** A place name surname, referring to a moor or boggy area.
8. **Taylor:** An occupational surname, referring to someone who makes clothes.
9. **Anderson:** A patronymic surname, meaning "son of Andrew."
10. **Thomas:** A patronymic surname, meaning "son of Thomas."
11. **Jackson:** A patronymic surname, meaning "son of Jack."
12. **White:** A descriptive surname, referring to someone with fair skin or hair.
13. **Harris:** A patronymic surname, meaning "son of Harry."
14. **Martin:** A patronymic surname, meaning "son of Martin."
15. **Thompson:** A patronymic surname, meaning "son of Thomas."
16. **Garcia:** A Spanish surname, meaning "bear."
17. **Martinez:** A Spanish surname, meaning "son of Martin."
18. **Robinson:** A patronymic surname, meaning "son of Robin."
19. **Clark:** An occupational surname, referring to a scribe or scholar.
20. **Lewis:** A patronymic surname, meaning "son of Louis."
21. **Lee:** A place name surname, referring to a meadow or clearing.
22. **Walker:** An occupational surname, referring to someone who walks or travels.
23. **Hall:** A place name surname, referring to a large house or building.
24. **Allen:** A patronymic surname, meaning "son of Alan."
25. **Young:** A descriptive surname, referring to someone who is young.
26. **Hernandez:** A Spanish surname, meaning "son of Hernando."
27. **King:** An occupational surname, referring to a ruler.
28. **Wright:** An occupational surname, referring to a craftsman or builder.
29. **Lopez:** A Spanish surname, meaning "wolf."
30. **Hill:** A place name surname, referring to a hill or elevation.
31. **Scott:** A place name surname, referring to a wooded area or forest.
32. **Green:** A descriptive surname, referring to someone with green hair or eyes.
33. **Adams:** A patronymic surname, meaning "son of Adam."
34. **Baker:** An occupational surname, referring to someone who bakes bread.
35. **Gonzalez:** A Spanish surname, meaning "son of Gonzalo."
36. **Nelson:** A patronymic surname, meaning "son of Neil."
37. **Carter:** An occupational surname, referring to someone who transports goods.
38. **Mitchell:** A patronymic surname, meaning "son of Michael."
39. **Perez:** A Spanish surname, meaning "Peter."
40. **Roberts:** A patronymic surname, meaning "son of Robert."
41. **Turner:** An occupational surname, referring to someone who turns wood or metal.
42. **Phillips:** A patronymic surname, meaning "son of Philip."
43. **Campbell:** A place name surname, referring to a crooked field or meadow.
44. **Parker:** An occupational surname, referring to someone who maintains a park.
45. **Evans:** A patronymic surname, meaning "son of Evan."
46. **Edwards:** A patronymic surname, meaning "son of Edward."
47. **Collins:** A patronymic surname, meaning "son of Colin."
48. **Stewart:** An occupational surname, referring to a steward or caretaker.
49. **Sanchez:** A Spanish surname, meaning "Saint John."
50. **Morris:** A patronymic surname, meaning "son of Maurice."