When Did Last Names Start: A Historical Journey

Last names, also known as surnames, are an integral part of our identity today. But when did this practice of having a second name begin? The answer, like most things in history, is complex and varies depending on culture and location. While some cultures adopted last names centuries ago, others still do not have them. Let's embark on a journey to uncover the origins of this seemingly simple practice that holds significant cultural and historical weight.
1. **Smith:** A very common last name, derived from the occupation of a blacksmith.
2. **Jones:** Originating from the Welsh word "John," this name was often given to people who were descended from John.
3. **Brown:** As its name implies, this last name likely referred to someone with brown hair or skin.
4. **Davis:** A patronymic surname, meaning "son of David."
5. **Miller:** Another occupational surname, referring to someone who worked at a mill, grinding grain.
6. **Wilson:** A patronymic surname, meaning "son of William."
7. **Moore:** Derived from the Old English word "mor," meaning "moor" or "swamp."
8. **Taylor:** An occupational surname, meaning someone who worked as a tailor.
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," which is a diminutive form of "John."
12. **White:** Similar to "Brown," this surname likely referred to someone with fair skin or hair.
13. **Harris:** A patronymic surname, meaning "son of Harry," which is a diminutive form of "Henry."
14. **Martin:** Derived from the Latin word "Mars," meaning "war god."
15. **Thompson:** A patronymic surname, meaning "son of Thomas."
16. **Garcia:** A Spanish surname, derived from the given name "García," meaning "bear."
17. **Martinez:** A Spanish surname, derived from the given name "Martín," meaning "war god."
18. **Robinson:** A patronymic surname, meaning "son of Robin."
19. **Clark:** An occupational surname, referring to someone who worked as a scribe.
20. **Lewis:** Derived from the French word "Louis," meaning "famous warrior."
21. **Lee:** Derived from the Old English word "lēah," meaning "meadow."
22. **Walker:** An occupational surname, referring to someone who worked as a walker.
23. **Hall:** Derived from the Old English word "hāl," meaning "holy."
24. **Allen:** A patronymic surname, meaning "son of Alan."
25. **Young:** Descriptive surname, referring to someone who was young.
26. **Hernandez:** A Spanish surname, derived from the given name "Hernando," meaning "bold" or "brave."
27. **King:** An occupational surname, referring to someone who ruled as a king.
28. **Wright:** An occupational surname, referring to someone who worked as a wright, a skilled craftsman.
29. **Lopez:** A Spanish surname, derived from the given name "Lope," meaning "wolf."
30. **Hill:** Descriptive surname, referring to someone who lived on a hill.
31. **Scott:** Derived from the Gaelic word "Sgeòth," meaning "branch."
32. **Green:** Descriptive surname, referring to someone who lived near greenery or had green hair.
33. **Adams:** A patronymic surname, meaning "son of Adam."
34. **Baker:** An occupational surname, referring to someone who worked as a baker.
35. **Gonzalez:** A Spanish surname, derived from the given name "Gonzalo," meaning "battle" or "war."
36. **Nelson:** A patronymic surname, meaning "son of Neil."
37. **Carter:** An occupational surname, referring to someone who worked as a carter, transporting goods by cart.
38. **Mitchell:** A patronymic surname, meaning "son of Michael."
39. **Perez:** A Spanish surname, derived from the given name "Pedro," meaning "stone."
40. **Roberts:** A patronymic surname, meaning "son of Robert."