Old Timey Last Names: A Guide to Historic Surnames

Looking for a unique and vintage-inspired last name? Perhaps you're writing a historical fiction story, creating a family tree, or simply exploring your own heritage. Whatever the reason, you've come to the right place! This list offers a comprehensive guide to old timey last names, each one steeped in history and carrying a distinct meaning. From traditional English surnames to those originating from various European countries, this collection of over 40 names will spark your imagination and provide inspiration for your next project.
1. **Abernathy:** From the Gaelic "abhain" meaning "river" and "ath" meaning "ford." It signifies a person who lived near a ford on a river.
2. **Ainsworth:** An English surname derived from the place name Ainsworth, meaning "the home of the ash trees."
3. **Aldridge:** A surname of English origin, derived from the place name Aldridge, meaning "old ridge."
4. **Ashworth:** An English surname, meaning "the home of the ash trees."
5. **Atkinson:** A surname of English origin, meaning "son of Atkin."
6. **Bagshaw:** An English surname, meaning "dweller by the beech grove."
7. **Barclay:** A surname of Scottish origin, meaning "birch wood."
8. **Barlow:** An English surname, meaning "bare hill."
9. **Beckett:** A surname of English origin, meaning "a small stream."
10. **Bell:** A surname of English origin, meaning "bell-maker."
11. **Bennett:** A surname of English origin, meaning "blessed" or "good."
12. **Benton:** A surname of English origin, meaning "village on the bend."
13. **Blackburn:** A surname of English origin, meaning "black stream."
14. **Blackwood:** A surname of Scottish origin, meaning "black wood."
15. **Bloomfield:** A surname of English origin, meaning "meadow of flowers."
16. **Bolton:** A surname of English origin, meaning "dweller by a stronghold."
17. **Booth:** A surname of English origin, meaning "dwelling" or "house."
18. **Bowman:** A surname of English origin, meaning "archer."
19. **Bradshaw:** A surname of English origin, meaning "broad meadow."
20. **Briggs:** A surname of English origin, meaning "dweller by a bridge."
21. **Brooks:** A surname of English origin, meaning "stream" or "brook."
22. **Brown:** A surname of English origin, meaning "person with brown hair or complexion."
23. **Butler:** A surname of French origin, meaning "wine steward."
24. **Calvert:** A surname of English origin, meaning "bald head."
25. **Campbell:** A surname of Scottish origin, meaning "crooked mouth."
26. **Carmichael:** A surname of Scottish origin, meaning "friend to the chief."
27. **Carter:** A surname of English origin, meaning "cart driver."
28. **Chadwick:** A surname of English origin, meaning "meadow of the chatterer."
29. **Chapman:** A surname of English origin, meaning "merchant."
30. **Chetwood:** A surname of English origin, meaning "white wood."
31. **Clarke:** A surname of English origin, meaning "clerk" or "scholar."
32. **Clayton:** A surname of English origin, meaning "clay town."
33. **Clemens:** A surname of Latin origin, meaning "merciful" or "gentle."
34. **Clements:** A surname of English origin, meaning "merciful" or "gentle."
35. **Cobb:** A surname of English origin, meaning "shoemaker."
36. **Coleman:** A surname of English origin, meaning "coalman."
37. **Collins:** A surname of English origin, meaning "son of Colin."
38. **Cooper:** A surname of English origin, meaning "barrel maker."
39. **Cromwell:** A surname of English origin, meaning "crooked meadow."
40. **Crosby:** A surname of English origin, meaning "cross road."
41. **Curtis:** A surname of English origin, meaning "courteous" or "polite."
42. **Dalton:** A surname of English origin, meaning "valley town."
43. **Davis:** A surname of English origin, meaning "son of David."
44. **Dawson:** A surname of English origin, meaning "son of David."
45. **Day:** A surname of English origin, meaning "day" or "daylight."
46. **Deane:** A surname of English origin, meaning "valley" or "canyon."
47. **Delaney:** A surname of Irish origin, meaning "descendant of the black knight."
48. **Dennis:** A surname of Greek origin, meaning "son of Dionysus."
49. **Denton:** A surname of English origin, meaning "valley town."
50. **Derby:** A surname of English origin, meaning "deer park."