Last Name Sign: Discover the Meaning Behind Your Surname

Looking for the story behind your last name? Discover the fascinating meanings and origins of common last names, from ancient roots to modern adaptations. Explore the rich tapestry of history and culture woven into your family name. Uncover the secrets of your ancestry and understand the significance of your last name sign.
1. **Smith:** From the Old English word "smiþ," meaning "blacksmith" or "metalworker." This was a common occupational name for those who worked with metal.
2. **Jones:** Derived from the Welsh name "John," meaning "God is gracious." A common patronymic surname, meaning "son of John."
3. **Brown:** From the Old English word "brūn," meaning "brown," likely referring to a person's hair color, complexion, or even their clothing.
4. **Davis:** A patronymic surname derived from the Welsh name "David," meaning "beloved" or "friend."
5. **Miller:** From the Middle English word "millere," meaning "miller," an occupational name for someone who worked at a grain mill.
6. **Wilson:** A patronymic surname meaning "son of William," derived from the Germanic name "Wilhelm," meaning "resolute protection."
7. **Moore:** Derived from the Old English word "mōr," meaning "moor" or "heathland." This was a topographic surname for someone who lived near a moor.
8. **Taylor:** An occupational surname for someone who worked as a tailor, derived from the Old French word "tailleur," meaning "cutter."
9. **Anderson:** A patronymic surname meaning "son of Andrew," derived from the Greek name "Andreas," meaning "manly."
10. **Thomas:** From the Aramaic name "T'oma," meaning "twin." This was a common given name and subsequently became a surname.
11. **Jackson:** A patronymic surname meaning "son of Jack," a nickname for "John."
12. **White:** From the Old English word "hwit," meaning "white," likely referring to a person's hair color, complexion, or even their clothing.
13. **Harris:** Derived from the Old English word "here," meaning "army," and the word "har," meaning "hare." This was a name for someone who was a soldier or who had the strength of a hare.
14. **Martin:** From the Latin name "Martinus," meaning "warlike" or "belonging to Mars."
15. **Thompson:** A patronymic surname meaning "son of Thomas."
16. **Garcia:** A Spanish surname derived from the Basque name "Garzi," meaning "brave" or "noble."
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 someone who worked as a clerk or scribe, derived from the Middle English word "clerk."
20. **Lewis:** From the Old English name "Lewys," meaning "famous warrior."
21. **Lee:** Derived from the Old English word "lēah," meaning "clearing" or "meadow," a topographic surname for someone who lived near a clearing.
22. **Walker:** An occupational surname for someone who worked as a walker or a traveler, derived from the Old English word "wealcan."
23. **Hall:** Derived from the Old English word "hāl," meaning "hall" or "large house," a topographic surname for someone who lived near a large house.
24. **Allen:** Derived from the Old English name "Alan," meaning "handsome."
25. **Young:** From the Old English word "geong," meaning "young," likely referring to a person's age or a young person.
26. **Hernandez:** A Spanish surname meaning "son of Hernando," a variant of the name "Fernando," meaning "brave" or "bold."
27. **King:** From the Old English word "cyning," meaning "king," a name for someone who held the title of king.
28. **Wright:** An occupational surname for someone who worked as a craftsman or a builder, derived from the Old English word "wrihte."
29. **Lopez:** A Spanish surname derived from the Latin word "Lupus," meaning "wolf."
30. **Hill:** Derived from the Old English word "hyll," meaning "hill," a topographic surname for someone who lived near a hill.
31. **Scott:** From the Old English word "sċēot," meaning "shooter" or "archer."
32. **Green:** From the Old English word "grēne," meaning "green," likely referring to a person's clothing, a location, or a personal characteristic.
33. **Adams:** A patronymic surname meaning "son of Adam," derived from the biblical name "Adam," meaning "man."
34. **Baker:** An occupational surname for someone who worked as a baker, derived from the Old English word "bācere."
35. **Gonzalez:** A Spanish surname meaning "son of Gonzalo," derived from the Germanic name "Gundisal," meaning "battle protector."
36. **Nelson:** A patronymic surname meaning "son of Neil," derived from the Irish name "Niall," meaning "champion."
37. **Carter:** An occupational surname for someone who worked as a carter, a person who transported goods by cart.
38. **Mitchell:** From the Hebrew name "Micha'el," meaning "who is like God?"
39. **Perez:** A Spanish surname meaning "son of Pedro," derived from the Latin name "Petrus," meaning "stone" or "rock."
40. **Roberts:** A patronymic surname meaning "son of Robert," derived from the Germanic name "Hrodberht," meaning "bright fame."