English Surnames with Meanings: List of Names and Their Origins

Looking for English surnames with meanings? This guide delves into the rich history and origins of common English surnames, offering insights into their meanings and cultural significance. From Anglo-Saxon roots to Norman influences, these surnames tell captivating stories of ancestry, occupation, and place of origin.
1. **Smith:** A ubiquitous surname, "Smith" refers to a blacksmith, a skilled craftsman who worked with metal.
2. **Jones:** Derived from the Welsh "John," this surname is a patronymic, indicating a descendant of John.
3. **Brown:** A descriptive surname, "Brown" indicates a person with brown hair, skin, or complexion.
4. **Davis:** Another patronymic, "Davis" means "son of David," a popular biblical name.
5. **Miller:** This surname refers to someone who worked as a miller, grinding grain into flour.
6. **Wilson:** A patronymic, "Wilson" means "son of William."
7. **Moore:** Derived from the Old English word "moor," meaning "swamp," "Moore" signifies a person who lived near a moor.
8. **Taylor:** A surname indicating a person who worked as a tailor, a skilled craftsman who makes clothes.
9. **Anderson:** A patronymic, "Anderson" means "son of Andrew."
10. **Thomas:** A patronymic, "Thomas" means "twin" or "descendant of Thomas."
11. **Jackson:** A patronymic, "Jackson" means "son of Jack," a diminutive of John.
12. **White:** A descriptive surname, "White" indicates a person with fair skin or hair.
13. **Harris:** A patronymic, "Harris" means "son of Harry," a diminutive of Henry.
14. **Martin:** A surname of Latin origin, "Martin" means "warlike" or "dedicated to Mars, the Roman god of war."
15. **Thompson:** A patronymic, "Thompson" means "son of Tom," a diminutive of Thomas.
16. **Garcia:** A Spanish surname of Basque origin, "Garcia" means "bear."
17. **Martinez:** A Spanish surname, "Martinez" means "son of Martin."
18. **Robinson:** A patronymic, "Robinson" means "son of Robin," a diminutive of Robert.
19. **Clark:** A surname indicating a person who worked as a scribe or clerk.
20. **Lewis:** A surname of Welsh origin, "Lewis" means "famous warrior."
21. **Lee:** A surname of English origin, "Lee" means "meadow" or "clearing."
22. **Walker:** A surname indicating a person who worked as a walker, someone who moved goods or people.
23. **Hall:** A surname indicating a person who lived near a hall, a large house or building.
24. **Allen:** A surname of Old English origin, "Allen" means "handsome" or "noble."
25. **Young:** A surname indicating a person who was young, likely a patronymic meaning "son of Young."
26. **Hernandez:** A Spanish surname, "Hernandez" means "son of Hernando," a variant of Ferdinand.
27. **King:** A surname indicating a person who was a king or had a position of authority.
28. **Wright:** A surname indicating a person who worked as a wright, a craftsman who builds or repairs things.
29. **Lopez:** A Spanish surname, "Lopez" means "wolf."
30. **Hill:** A surname indicating a person who lived near a hill.
31. **Scott:** A surname of Gaelic origin, "Scott" means "Irishman."
32. **Green:** A descriptive surname, "Green" indicates a person who lived near a green space or a place with green vegetation.
33. **Adams:** A patronymic, "Adams" means "son of Adam," the first man in the Bible.
34. **Baker:** A surname indicating a person who worked as a baker, someone who makes bread.
35. **Gonzalez:** A Spanish surname, "Gonzalez" means "son of Gonzalo," a Germanic name meaning "warrior's protection."
36. **Nelson:** A patronymic, "Nelson" means "son of Neil," a Gaelic name meaning "champion."
37. **Carter:** A surname indicating a person who worked as a carter, someone who transported goods using a cart.
38. **Mitchell:** A surname of Greek origin, "Mitchell" means "one who throws stones."
39. **Perez:** A Spanish surname, "Perez" means "son of Pedro," a Spanish name meaning "rock."
40. **Turner:** A surname indicating a person who worked as a turner, someone who makes things using a lathe.