Royal Last Names: A Guide to European Royalty

Discovering the last names of royal families can be a fascinating journey into history, culture, and lineage. These names often hold significant meaning, reflecting the origins, traditions, and power of these dynasties. This list explores the most prominent royal last names across Europe, providing insight into their rich history and unique significance.
1. **Bourbon:** A noble family originating in the French province of Bourbon, this name has been associated with kings and queens of France, Spain, Naples, Sicily, and Parma. The name itself derives from the ancient Roman city of Bourges, a stronghold of the Bourbon dynasty.

2. **Habsburg:** One of the most influential dynasties in European history, the Habsburgs ruled vast swathes of territory from Austria to Spain for centuries. Their name is derived from the castle of Habsburg in Switzerland, where the family originated.

3. **Windsor:** Adopted by the British royal family in 1917, this name reflects the location of Windsor Castle, a royal residence and symbol of British monarchy. The name itself comes from the old English words "wind" and "sor," signifying a place where the wind blows strong.

4. **Romanov:** The ruling dynasty of Russia from 1613 to 1917, the Romanovs were a powerful and influential family. Their name derives from the village of Romanov in Yaroslavl Oblast, where the family patriarch, Andrei Kobyla, originated.

5. **Braganza:** The reigning dynasty of Portugal from 1640 to 1910, the Braganzas were known for their wealth and influence. Their name comes from the city of Braganza in northern Portugal, where the family originated.

6. **Hohenzollern:** A powerful dynasty that ruled Prussia and Germany, the Hohenzollerns were known for their military prowess and political acumen. Their name is derived from the castle of Hohenzollern in Swabia, Germany.

7. **Orléans:** A branch of the French royal family, the Orléans were often involved in political struggles and upheavals. Their name comes from the city of Orléans, located in the Loire Valley of France.

8. **Saxe-Coburg and Gotha:** A German ducal house, the Saxe-Coburg and Gotha family produced several monarchs, including King Leopold I of Belgium and Queen Victoria of the United Kingdom. Their name derives from the cities of Coburg and Gotha in Germany.

9. **Wittelsbach:** A powerful dynasty that ruled Bavaria and the Palatinate, the Wittelsbachs were known for their artistic patronage and political influence. Their name comes from the castle of Wittelsbach in Upper Bavaria.

10. **Bernadotte:** The ruling dynasty of Sweden since 1818, the Bernadottes were originally a French family of modest origins. Jean-Baptiste Bernadotte was adopted as heir to the Swedish throne after a long and distinguished military career.

11. **Glyksburg:** A branch of the Oldenburg family, the Glyksburg dynasty has produced monarchs of Denmark, Greece, and Norway. Their name comes from the town of Glücksburg in Schleswig-Holstein, Germany.

12. **Holstein-Gottorp:** A branch of the Oldenburg family, the Holstein-Gottorp dynasty ruled the Duchy of Holstein-Gottorp and produced several rulers of Russia. Their name comes from the towns of Holstein and Gottorp in northern Germany.

13. **Thurn and Taxis:** A German noble family, the Thurn and Taxis were known for their postal services and their prominent role in European communications. Their name derives from the castles of Thurn and Taxis in Bavaria and Tyrol, respectively.

14. **Orange-Nassau:** A Dutch royal family, the Orange-Nassau dynasty has ruled the Netherlands since the 16th century. Their name derives from the city of Orange in southern France and the region of Nassau in Germany.

15. **Luxembourg:** The ruling dynasty of Luxembourg, the Luxembourg family has a long and distinguished history. Their name comes from the city of Luxembourg, the capital of the Grand Duchy.

16. **Lichtenstein:** The reigning family of the Principality of Liechtenstein, the Lichtensteins are one of the oldest ruling houses in Europe. Their name comes from the castle of Lichtenstein in Austria.

17. **Mecklenburg:** A German ducal family, the Mecklenburg dynasty ruled the Duchy of Mecklenburg for centuries. Their name comes from the region of Mecklenburg in northeastern Germany.

18. **Oldenburg:** A German noble family, the Oldenburgs were known for their role in the development of the German states. Their name comes from the city of Oldenburg in northwest Germany.

19. **Schleswig-Holstein-Sonderburg-Glücksburg:** A branch of the Oldenburg family, the Schleswig-Holstein-Sonderburg-Glücksburg dynasty produced several monarchs, including King Christian IX of Denmark. Their name derives from the regions of Schleswig-Holstein, Sonderburg, and Glücksburg in Germany.

20. **Württemberg:** A German ducal family, the Württembergs were known for their role in the German Confederation and their influence on German culture. Their name comes from the region of Württemberg in southwest Germany.

21. **Baden:** A German princely family, the Badens were known for their role in the German Confederation and their influence on German politics. Their name comes from the region of Baden in southwest Germany.

22. **Hanover:** A German royal family, the Hanoverians ruled Great Britain and Ireland from 1714 to 1901. Their name comes from the city of Hanover in Germany.

23. **Brunswick:** A German ducal family, the Brunswicks were known for their military prowess and their role in German politics. Their name comes from the city of Brunswick in Germany.

24. **Anhalt:** A German princely family, the Anhalts were known for their role in the German Confederation and their influence on German culture. Their name comes from the region of Anhalt in Germany.

25. **Nassau:** A German princely family, the Nassaus were known for their role in the German Confederation and their influence on German politics. Their name comes from the region of Nassau in Germany.

26. **Reuss:** A German princely family, the Reusses were known for their role in the German Confederation and their influence on German culture. Their name comes from the region of Reuss in Germany.

27. **Schaumburg-Lippe:** A German princely family, the Schaumburg-Lippes were known for their role in the German Confederation and their influence on German culture. Their name comes from the regions of Schaumburg and Lippe in Germany.

28. **Waldeck-Pyrmont:** A German princely family, the Waldeck-Pyrmonts were known for their role in the German Confederation and their influence on German culture. Their name comes from the regions of Waldeck and Pyrmont in Germany.

29. **Lippe:** A German princely family, the Lippes were known for their role in the German Confederation and their influence on German culture. Their name comes from the region of Lippe in Germany.

30. **Schwarzburg:** A German princely family, the Schwarzburgs were known for their role in the German Confederation and their influence on German culture. Their name comes from the region of Schwarzburg in Germany.

31. **Hesse:** A German princely family, the Hessians were known for their role in the German Confederation and their influence on German culture. Their name comes from the region of Hesse in Germany.

32. **Thuringia:** A German region, Thuringia has produced many noble families, including the Wettins, who ruled Saxony and other German states. Their name comes from the ancient Germanic tribe of the Thuringii.

33. **Saxe-Weimar-Eisenach:** A branch of the Wettin family, the Saxe-Weimar-Eisenach dynasty ruled the Grand Duchy of Saxe-Weimar-Eisenach. Their name derives from the cities of Weimar and Eisenach in Germany.

34. **Saxe-Altenburg:** A branch of the Wettin family, the Saxe-Altenburg dynasty ruled the Duchy of Saxe-Altenburg. Their name derives from the city of Altenburg in Germany.

35. **Saxe-Meiningen:** A branch of the Wettin family, the Saxe-Meiningen dynasty ruled the Duchy of Saxe-Meiningen. Their name derives from the city of Meiningen in Germany.

36. **Saxe-Coburg-Saalfeld:** A branch of the Wettin family, the Saxe-Coburg-Saalfeld dynasty ruled the Duchy of Saxe-Coburg-Saalfeld. Their name derives from the cities of Coburg and Saalfeld in Germany.

37. **Saxe-Lauenburg:** A branch of the Wettin family, the Saxe-Lauenburg dynasty ruled the Duchy of Saxe-Lauenburg. Their name derives from the region of Lauenburg in Germany.

38. **Saxe-Gernrode:** A branch of the Wettin family, the Saxe-Gernrode dynasty ruled the County of Saxe-Gernrode. Their name derives from the town of Gernrode in Germany.

39. **Saxe-Hildburghausen:** A branch of the Wettin family, the Saxe-Hildburghausen dynasty ruled the Duchy of Saxe-Hildburghausen. Their name derives from the city of Hildburghausen in Germany.

40. **Saxe-Gotha-Altenburg:** A branch of the Wettin family, the Saxe-Gotha-Altenburg dynasty ruled the Duchy of Saxe-Gotha-Altenburg. Their name derives from the cities of Gotha and Altenburg in Germany.