British Last Names in the 1800s: A Comprehensive List

Uncovering the rich tapestry of British history, we delve into the fascinating world of surnames prevalent in the 19th century. This era, marked by industrialization and social change, saw a myriad of last names reflecting lineage, occupation, and even geographical origins. Explore this comprehensive list of common British last names from the 1800s, uncovering their captivating stories and the diverse meanings they hold.
1. **Adams:** Son of Adam, meaning "man of the red earth."
2. **Anderson:** Son of Andrew, meaning "manly" or "strong."
3. **Baker:** One who bakes bread.
4. **Barnes:** From the dwelling by the barley field.
5. **Bell:** A bell maker or one who lives near a bell tower.
6. **Bennett:** Meaning "blessed" or "good."
7. **Blackburn:** From the black stream.
8. **Brown:** One with brown hair or complexion.
9. **Butler:** A royal servant or caretaker.
10. **Campbell:** Crooked or bent mouth.
11. **Carr:** From the "cairns" or heaps of stones.
12. **Carter:** A cart driver or someone who carries goods.
13. **Clark:** A scholar or cleric.
14. **Collins:** Son of Colin, meaning "victory of the people."
15. **Cooper:** One who makes barrels or casks.
16. **Davies:** Son of David, meaning "beloved."
17. **Davis:** Son of David, meaning "beloved."
18. **Edwards:** Son of Edward, meaning "wealthy guardian."
19. **Evans:** Son of Evan, a Welsh form of John, meaning "Yahweh is gracious."
20. **Fisher:** One who catches fish.
21. **Foster:** One who cares for children or orphans.
22. **Fox:** One who lived in a fox-populated area.
23. **Gardner:** A gardener or one who works in a garden.
24. **Gibson:** Son of Gilbert, meaning "bright hostage."
25. **Green:** One who lives in a green or grassy area.
26. **Hall:** One who lives near a hall or large house.
27. **Harris:** Son of Harry, meaning "home ruler."
28. **Harrison:** Son of Harry, meaning "home ruler."
29. **Harvey:** One who lives in a wooded area.
30. **Hawkins:** Son of Hawkin, meaning "little hawk."
31. **Henderson:** Son of Henry, meaning "ruler of the house."
32. **Hill:** One who lives on a hill.
33. **Hodges:** Son of Hodge, meaning "brave."
34. **Holmes:** One who lives near a holly tree.
35. **Hughes:** Son of Hugh, meaning "mind" or "intellect."
36. **Hunter:** One who hunts or tracks animals.
37. **Jackson:** Son of Jack, a diminutive of John, meaning "Yahweh is gracious."
38. **James:** Supplanter, meaning "he will prevail."
39. **Johnson:** Son of John, meaning "Yahweh is gracious."
40. **Jones:** Son of John, meaning "Yahweh is gracious."
41. **Kelly:** A fighter or warrior.
42. **Kennedy:** A warrior who comes from the head of a hill.
43. **King:** One who rules or is a king.
44. **Knight:** A mounted warrior or a man of noble rank.
45. **Lewis:** A warrior who is famous.
46. **Lloyd:** Grey or light-colored.
47. **Long:** One who is tall or of long stature.
48. **Lucas:** A person from Lucania, a region in Italy.
49. **Martin:** Meaning "warlike" or "dedicated to Mars."
50. **Mason:** One who builds with stone.
51. **Matthews:** Son of Matthew, meaning "gift of Yahweh."
52. **May:** One who lives near a hawthorn tree.
53. **Miller:** One who grinds grain.
54. **Morgan:** Meaning "sea warrior" or "protector."
55. **Morris:** Meaning "dark-skinned" or "moorish."
56. **Murphy:** Meaning "sea warrior" or "protector."
57. **Nelson:** One who lives near a hill or a prominent landmark.
58. **Newman:** A new man, often given to a baby boy.
59. **Newton:** One who lives near a new settlement.
60. **Nichols:** Meaning "people of victory."
61. **Norman:** A person from the north of France.
62. **Parker:** One who keeps or guards a park.
63. **Patterson:** Son of Patrick, meaning "nobleman."
64. **Payne:** Meaning "pagan" or "unbeliever."
65. **Phillips:** Son of Philip, meaning "lover of horses."
66. **Powell:** One who lives near a pool or spring.
67. **Price:** Meaning "priest" or "one who is in charge of the church."
68. **Reed:** One who lives near reeds or a marsh.
69. **Reid:** Meaning "red" or "ruddy."
70. **Richards:** Son of Richard, meaning "strong ruler."
71. **Robinson:** Son of Robin, a diminutive of Robert, meaning "bright fame."
72. **Rogers:** Meaning "famous spearman" or "famous warrior."
73. **Ross:** One who lives near a wood or forest.
74. **Russell:** Meaning "red" or "ruddy."
75. **Sanders:** Son of Alexander, meaning "defender of mankind."
76. **Scott:** Meaning "Scot" or "from Scotland."
77. **Shaw:** One who lives in a meadow or a wooded area.
78. **Shepherd:** One who tends sheep.
79. **Smith:** One who works with metal, especially iron.
80. **Spencer:** Meaning "steward" or "administrator."
81. **Stevens:** Son of Stephen, meaning "crown" or "wreath."
82. **Stewart:** Meaning "steward" or "administrator."
83. **Stone:** One who lives near a stone or rock formation.
84. **Taylor:** One who cuts cloth.
85. **Thomas:** Meaning "twin" or "a gift from God."
86. **Thompson:** Meaning "son of Thomas."
87. **Turner:** One who turns wood or works with pottery.
88. **Walker:** One who travels on foot.
89. **Ward:** A guardian or protector.
90. **Warner:** Meaning "warner" or "one who gives a warning."
91. **Watson:** Son of Walter, meaning "army ruler."
92. **Weaver:** One who weaves cloth.
93. **West:** One who lives in the west.
94. **White:** One with white hair or complexion.
95. **Williams:** Son of William, meaning "resolute protector."
96. **Wilson:** Son of Will, a diminutive of William, meaning "resolute protector."
97. **Wood:** One who lives in a wooded area.
98. **Wright:** Meaning "worker" or "craftsman."
99. **Young:** One who is youthful or young.
100. **Zimmerman:** One who works in a timber yard or a lumber mill.