Surname: The Meaning Behind Your Last Name

Discovering the origins and meanings of surnames, often referred to as last names, can be a fascinating journey into your family history. Surnames developed over centuries, reflecting various factors like ancestry, occupation, location, and even physical characteristics. Understanding the meaning behind your surname can provide insights into your family's past and connect you to a larger cultural heritage.
1. **Smith:** A common surname, derived from the Old English word "smið", meaning "blacksmith". It signifies a person who worked as a blacksmith, a skilled profession in the Middle Ages.

2. **Johnson:** A patronymic surname, meaning "son of John", derived from the Hebrew name "Yochanan", meaning "God is gracious".

3. **Williams:** Another patronymic surname, meaning "son of William", derived from the Germanic name "Wilhelm", meaning "resolute protector".

4. **Brown:** A descriptive surname, referring to someone with brown hair or complexion, derived from the Old English word "brūn".

5. **Davis:** A patronymic surname, meaning "son of David", derived from the Hebrew name "David", meaning "beloved".

6. **Miller:** An occupational surname, meaning "one who grinds grain", derived from the Old English word "milnere".

7. **Wilson:** A patronymic surname, meaning "son of William", derived from the Germanic name "Wilhelm", meaning "resolute protector".

8. **Moore:** A topographic surname, meaning "one who lives by a moor", a type of open, often boggy, grassland.

9. **Taylor:** An occupational surname, meaning "one who cuts and sews cloth", derived from the Old French word "tailleur".

10. **Anderson:** A patronymic surname, meaning "son of Andrew", derived from the Greek name "Andreas", meaning "manly".

11. **Thomas:** A patronymic surname, meaning "son of Thomas", derived from the Aramaic name "T'oma", meaning "twin".

12. **Jackson:** A patronymic surname, meaning "son of Jack", a diminutive of John.

13. **White:** A descriptive surname, referring to someone with fair skin or hair, derived from the Old English word "hwīt".

14. **Harris:** A patronymic surname, meaning "son of Harry", a diminutive of Henry.

15. **Martin:** A patronymic surname, meaning "son of Martin", derived from the Latin name "Martinus", meaning "warlike".

16. **Thompson:** A patronymic surname, meaning "son of Thomas", derived from the Aramaic name "T'oma", meaning "twin".

17. **Garcia:** A patronymic surname, meaning "son of Garcia", derived from the Germanic name "Gerhardt", meaning "spear-warrior".

18. **Martinez:** A patronymic surname, meaning "son of Martin", derived from the Latin name "Martinus", meaning "warlike".

19. **Robinson:** A patronymic surname, meaning "son of Robin", a diminutive of Robert.

20. **Clark:** An occupational surname, meaning "scribe or scholar", derived from the Old English word "clerc".

21. **Lewis:** A patronymic surname, meaning "son of Lewis", derived from the French name "Louis", meaning "famous warrior".

22. **Lee:** A topographic surname, meaning "one who lives by a meadow", derived from the Old English word "lēah".

23. **Walker:** An occupational surname, meaning "one who walks or travels", derived from the Old English word "wealcan".

24. **Hall:** A topographic surname, meaning "one who lives by a hall", a large building.

25. **Allen:** A patronymic surname, meaning "son of Alan", derived from the Gaelic name "Ailean", meaning "handsome".

26. **Young:** A descriptive surname, meaning "one who is young", derived from the Old English word "geong".

27. **Hernandez:** A patronymic surname, meaning "son of Hernando", a Spanish variant of "Fernando", meaning "brave and fearless".

28. **King:** An occupational surname, meaning "one who rules", derived from the Old English word "cyning".

29. **Wright:** An occupational surname, meaning "one who works with wood", derived from the Old English word "wriht".

30. **Lopez:** A patronymic surname, meaning "son of Lope", a diminutive of "Leopoldo", meaning "brave people".

31. **Hill:** A topographic surname, meaning "one who lives on a hill", derived from the Old English word "hyll".

32. **Scott:** A topographic surname, meaning "one who lives in Scotland", derived from the Gaelic word "sgot".

33. **Green:** A descriptive surname, referring to someone with green hair or complexion, derived from the Old English word "grēne".

34. **Adams:** A patronymic surname, meaning "son of Adam", derived from the Hebrew name "Adam", meaning "man".

35. **Baker:** An occupational surname, meaning "one who bakes bread", derived from the Old English word "bācere".

36. **Gonzalez:** A patronymic surname, meaning "son of Gonzalo", derived from the Germanic name "Gunthild", meaning "battle-shield".

37. **Nelson:** A patronymic surname, meaning "son of Neil", derived from the Gaelic name "Níall", meaning "champion".

38. **Carter:** An occupational surname, meaning "one who transports goods", derived from the Old French word "charretier".

39. **Mitchell:** A patronymic surname, meaning "son of Michael", derived from the Hebrew name "Michael", meaning "who is like God?".

40. **Perez:** A patronymic surname, meaning "son of Pedro", derived from the Latin name "Petrus", meaning "stone".