Last Name Finder: Discover the Origins and Meanings of Your Surname

Are you curious about the history and meaning behind your last name? This comprehensive list of last names and their detailed meanings can help you trace your family lineage and uncover fascinating insights into your ancestral heritage. Explore the diverse origins of surnames, from ancient traditions to modern creations, and discover the stories woven into the very fabric of your family name.
1. **Smith:** A common occupational name for blacksmiths, from the Old English word "smið." This name is found throughout Europe and North America.
2. **Jones:** A patronymic surname derived from the given name "John," meaning "God is gracious." This is one of the most common surnames in English-speaking countries.
3. **Brown:** A topographic surname for someone who lived near a hill, or had brown hair or complexion. This name is widespread, especially in England and Scotland.
4. **Davis:** A patronymic surname derived from the given name "David," meaning "beloved" or "friend." This name has strong biblical connections.
5. **Miller:** An occupational name for someone who operated a grain mill. This surname is found throughout Europe and North America.
6. **Wilson:** A patronymic surname derived from the given name "William," meaning "resolute protector." This name is common in English-speaking countries.
7. **Moore:** A topographic surname for someone who lived near a moor or boggy area. This name is prevalent in Ireland and England.
8. **Taylor:** An occupational name for someone who worked as a tailor. This name is widespread in English-speaking countries.
9. **Anderson:** A patronymic surname derived from the given name "Anders," meaning "man" or "human being." This name is common in Scandinavian countries.
10. **Thomas:** A patronymic surname derived from the given name "Thomas," meaning "twin." This name is common in English-speaking countries.
11. **Jackson:** A patronymic surname derived from the given name "Jack," which is a diminutive of "John." This name is common in English-speaking countries.
12. **White:** A topographic surname for someone who lived near a white house or had white hair or complexion. This name is widespread, especially in England and Scotland.
13. **Harris:** A patronymic surname derived from the given name "Harry," meaning "home ruler" or "warrior." This name is common in English-speaking countries.
14. **Martin:** A surname derived from the Latin word "Martius," meaning "of Mars," the Roman god of war. This name is common in English-speaking countries.
15. **Thompson:** A patronymic surname derived from the given name "Thomas," meaning "twin." This name is common in English-speaking countries.
16. **Garcia:** A patronymic surname derived from the given name "García," meaning "spearman" or "warrior." This name is common in Spain and Latin America.
17. **Martinez:** A patronymic surname derived from the given name "Martín," meaning "of Mars," the Roman god of war. This name is common in Spain and Latin America.
18. **Robinson:** A patronymic surname derived from the given name "Robin," meaning "bright fame." This name is common in English-speaking countries.
19. **Clark:** An occupational name for someone who worked as a scribe or secretary. This name is widespread in English-speaking countries.
20. **Lewis:** A patronymic surname derived from the given name "Lewis," meaning "famous warrior." This name is common in English-speaking countries.
21. **Lee:** A topographic surname for someone who lived near a clearing or meadow. This name is widespread in English-speaking countries.
22. **Walker:** An occupational name for someone who worked as a walker or traveler. This name is widespread in English-speaking countries.
23. **Hall:** A topographic surname for someone who lived near a hall or manor house. This name is common in English-speaking countries.
24. **Allen:** A surname derived from the Old English word "alen," meaning "handsome" or "noble." This name is common in English-speaking countries.
25. **Young:** A surname that refers to someone who was young or youthful. This name is common in English-speaking countries.
26. **Hernandez:** A patronymic surname derived from the given name "Hernando," meaning "finder of land." This name is common in Spain and Latin America.
27. **King:** An occupational name for someone who held the position of king. This name is common in English-speaking countries.
28. **Wright:** An occupational name for someone who worked as a carpenter or craftsman. This name is widespread in English-speaking countries.
29. **Lopez:** A patronymic surname derived from the given name "Lope," meaning "wolf." This name is common in Spain and Latin America.
30. **Hill:** A topographic surname for someone who lived near a hill. This name is widespread in English-speaking countries.
31. **Scott:** A topographic surname for someone who lived near a wood or forest. This name is common in Scotland and England.
32. **Green:** A topographic surname for someone who lived near a green field or meadow. This name is widespread in English-speaking countries.
33. **Adams:** A patronymic surname derived from the given name "Adam," meaning "man" or "earth." This name has strong biblical connections.
34. **Baker:** An occupational name for someone who worked as a baker. This name is widespread in English-speaking countries.
35. **Gonzalez:** A patronymic surname derived from the given name "Gonzalo," meaning "battle fighter." This name is common in Spain and Latin America.
36. **Nelson:** A patronymic surname derived from the given name "Niels," meaning "champion" or "victorious." This name is common in Scandinavian countries.
37. **Carter:** An occupational name for someone who worked as a cart driver. This name is widespread in English-speaking countries.
38. **Mitchell:** A patronymic surname derived from the given name "Michael," meaning "who is like God." This name is common in English-speaking countries.
39. **Perez:** A patronymic surname derived from the given name "Pedro," meaning "rock" or "stone." This name is common in Spain and Latin America.
40. **Roberts:** A patronymic surname derived from the given name "Robert," meaning "bright fame." This name is common in English-speaking countries.