Last Name: Meaning and Origin

Looking for the meaning behind your last name? This comprehensive list explores the origins and significance of various common last names, providing insightful explanations for their unique histories and potential meanings. Whether you're curious about your own family heritage or simply fascinated by the stories behind surnames, dive into this expansive resource to uncover the rich tapestry of names and their intricate connections to cultures around the world.
1. **Smith:** A common occupational name for a blacksmith, derived from the Old English word "smiþ."
2. **Jones:** A patronymic surname meaning "son of John," originating from the Hebrew name "Yochanan."
3. **Brown:** Descriptive surname indicating a person with brown hair or complexion, derived from the Old English word "brūn."
4. **Davis:** A patronymic surname meaning "son of David," originating from the Hebrew name "David," which means "beloved."
5. **Miller:** An occupational surname for someone who worked as a miller, grinding grain.
6. **Wilson:** A patronymic surname meaning "son of William," derived from the Germanic name "Willehelm," meaning "resolute helmet."
7. **Moore:** A topographic surname for someone who lived near a moor, a boggy or marshy area.
8. **Taylor:** An occupational surname for a tailor, a person who makes and repairs clothes.
9. **Anderson:** A patronymic surname meaning "son of Andrew," derived from the Greek name "Andreas," meaning "manly."
10. **Thomas:** A patronymic surname meaning "son of Thomas," originating from the Aramaic name "Thoma," meaning "twin."
11. **Jackson:** A patronymic surname meaning "son of Jack," a shortened form of the name "John."
12. **White:** A descriptive surname indicating a person with fair skin or light hair, derived from the Old English word "hwīt."
13. **Harris:** A patronymic surname meaning "son of Harry," a shortened form of the name "Henry."
14. **Martin:** A patronymic surname meaning "son of Martin," derived from the Latin name "Martinus," meaning "warlike."
15. **Thompson:** A patronymic surname meaning "son of Thomas," a more elaborate form of the surname "Thomas."
16. **Garcia:** A Spanish surname meaning "garrison," originating from the Germanic name "Gerhard."
17. **Martinez:** A Spanish surname meaning "son of Martin," derived from the Latin name "Martinus."
18. **Robinson:** A patronymic surname meaning "son of Robin," a nickname for "Robert."
19. **Clark:** An occupational surname for a scribe or clerk, derived from the Old English word "clerc."
20. **Lewis:** A patronymic surname meaning "son of Louis," derived from the Germanic name "Ludovicus," meaning "famous warrior."
21. **Lee:** A topographic surname for someone who lived near a meadow or clearing, derived from the Old English word "lēah."
22. **Walker:** An occupational surname for someone who worked as a walker, often referring to a shepherd or someone who traveled on foot.
23. **Hall:** A topographic surname for someone who lived near a hall or large house.
24. **Allen:** A patronymic surname meaning "son of Alan," derived from the Celtic name "Ailán," meaning "handsome."
25. **Young:** A descriptive surname indicating a person who is young, derived from the Old English word "geong."
26. **Hernandez:** A Spanish surname meaning "son of Hernando," derived from the Germanic name "Ferdinand."
27. **King:** An occupational surname for a person who ruled as a king.
28. **Wright:** An occupational surname for a craftsman, often referring to a carpenter or wheelwright.
29. **Lopez:** A Spanish surname meaning "wolf," derived from the Latin word "lupus."
30. **Hill:** A topographic surname for someone who lived near a hill or elevated area.
31. **Scott:** A topographic surname for someone who lived near a wooded area, derived from the Gaelic word "sgoth."
32. **Green:** A descriptive surname indicating a person with green hair or complexion, derived from the Old English word "grēne."
33. **Adams:** A patronymic surname meaning "son of Adam," derived from the biblical name "Adam."
34. **Baker:** An occupational surname for a baker, someone who makes bread and pastries.
35. **Gonzalez:** A Spanish surname meaning "son of Gonzalo," derived from the Germanic name "Gunzelin."
36. **Nelson:** A patronymic surname meaning "son of Neil," derived from the Gaelic name "Niall," meaning "champion."
37. **Carter:** An occupational surname for a person who transported goods by cart.
38. **Mitchell:** A patronymic surname meaning "son of Michael," derived from the Hebrew name "Micha'el," meaning "who is like God?"
39. **Perez:** A Spanish surname meaning "Peter," derived from the Latin name "Petrus."
40. **Roberts:** A patronymic surname meaning "son of Robert," derived from the Germanic name "Hrodberht," meaning "bright fame."