Last Names Starting With S: A Comprehensive List

Looking for a unique and meaningful last name that begins with the letter S? This comprehensive list explores over 40 surnames starting with S, offering insightful explanations behind their origins and meanings. From classic and familiar choices to rare and distinctive options, this guide will help you discover the perfect surname to reflect your heritage, personality, or aspirations.
1. **Sable:** From Old French "sable," meaning "dark gray" or "black," often referring to a type of fur. It symbolizes strength, sophistication, and mystery.

2. **Sackett:** An occupational surname derived from the Middle English word "sacot," meaning "a sack or bag," referring to a person who made or carried sacks. It embodies practicality and resourcefulness.

3. **Sage:** A surname derived from the Old French word "sage," meaning "wise," referring to a person known for their knowledge and judgment. It signifies wisdom, insight, and intelligence.

4. **Saint:** A surname of French origin, meaning "holy" or "sacred," often referring to a person who was canonized as a saint. It conveys a sense of spirituality, righteousness, and reverence.

5. **Salazar:** A Spanish surname derived from the Arabic word "ṣalāḥ," meaning "goodness" or "rectitude," possibly indicating a person who was known for their integrity or righteousness. It symbolizes honesty, virtue, and ethical conduct.

6. **Salisbury:** A surname of English origin, meaning "from the willow meadows," referring to a place in Wiltshire, England. It embodies natural beauty, tranquility, and a connection to nature.

7. **Sampson:** A surname of Hebrew origin, meaning "sun" or "son," often referring to a strong and powerful individual, perhaps recalling the biblical figure Samson. It symbolizes strength, vitality, and resilience.

8. **Sanchez:** A Spanish surname derived from the given name "Sancho," which itself is a variant of "Sanctus," meaning "holy." It signifies spirituality, piety, and devotion.

9. **Sanderson:** An occupational surname derived from the Middle English word "sand," meaning "sand," referring to a person who worked with or lived near sand. It embodies resilience, adaptability, and a connection to nature.

10. **Santiago:** A Spanish surname derived from the name "Santiago," a Spanish form of "James," meaning "supplanter" or "he who follows." It symbolizes leadership, determination, and a strong sense of purpose.

11. **Sargent:** A surname derived from the Middle English word "sergeant," meaning "officer," referring to a person who served in a military or law enforcement capacity. It conveys authority, responsibility, and a sense of duty.

12. **Satterfield:** A surname of English origin, meaning "from the saddle field," referring to a place where horses were kept or trained. It embodies strength, agility, and a love for equestrian pursuits.

13. **Savage:** A surname of French origin, meaning "wild," referring to someone who lived in a wild or untamed area. It symbolizes freedom, independence, and a connection to nature.

14. **Sawyer:** An occupational surname derived from the Middle English word "saugh," meaning "saw," referring to a person who worked as a woodcutter or sawyer. It embodies skill, craftsmanship, and a connection to the natural world.

15. **Sax:** A surname of German origin, meaning "knife," referring to someone who worked with or carried a knife. It symbolizes strength, precision, and sharpness.

16. **Scarborough:** A surname of English origin, meaning "from the rocky cliff," referring to a place in Yorkshire, England. It embodies resilience, strength, and a connection to the sea.

17. **Schmitt:** A surname of German origin, meaning "blacksmith," referring to someone who worked as a blacksmith. It embodies skill, craftsmanship, and a connection to metalworking.

18. **Schneider:** A German surname meaning "tailor," referring to someone who worked as a tailor. It symbolizes creativity, precision, and an eye for detail.

19. **Schultz:** A German surname meaning "from the homestead," referring to someone who lived on a farm or homestead. It embodies hard work, resilience, and a connection to the land.

20. **Schumacher:** A German surname meaning "shoemaker," referring to someone who worked as a shoemaker. It symbolizes skill, craftsmanship, and an attention to detail.

21. **Scott:** A surname of Gaelic origin, meaning "from the Scottish highlands," referring to someone who lived in the Scottish highlands. It symbolizes strength, resilience, and a connection to nature.

22. **Seaman:** An occupational surname derived from the Middle English word "seaman," meaning "sailor," referring to someone who worked as a sailor. It embodies adventure, freedom, and a connection to the sea.

23. **Sears:** A surname of English origin, meaning "from the person who lived on the shore," referring to someone who lived near the sea. It embodies tranquility, beauty, and a connection to the natural world.

24. **Sebastian:** A surname of Latin origin, meaning "venerable" or "revered," often referring to a person who is respected or admired. It conveys dignity, wisdom, and a sense of authority.

25. **Sedgwick:** A surname of English origin, meaning "from the hill by the stream," referring to a place in Cumbria, England. It embodies beauty, tranquility, and a connection to nature.

26. **Selby:** A surname of English origin, meaning "from the meadow by the willow tree," referring to a place in Yorkshire, England. It embodies tranquility, beauty, and a connection to nature.

27. **Sergeant:** A surname derived from the Middle English word "sergeant," meaning "officer," referring to someone who served in a military or law enforcement capacity. It conveys authority, responsibility, and a sense of duty.

28. **Sewell:** A surname of English origin, meaning "from the little meadow," referring to a small meadow or field. It embodies beauty, tranquility, and a connection to nature.

29. **Shannon:** A surname of Irish origin, meaning "ancient river," referring to a river in Ireland. It embodies strength, flow, and a connection to nature.

30. **Sharp:** A surname of English origin, meaning "someone who has sharp wit or keen eyesight," referring to someone who was known for their intelligence or sharpness. It symbolizes wit, intelligence, and a keen sense of observation.

31. **Shaw:** A surname of English origin, meaning "from the wooded area," referring to a place where trees grow. It embodies beauty, tranquility, and a connection to nature.

32. **Sheppard:** An occupational surname derived from the Middle English word "shepherd," meaning "someone who herds sheep," referring to someone who worked as a shepherd. It embodies responsibility, care, and a connection to the natural world.

33. **Sheridan:** A surname of Irish origin, meaning "someone who lives by the ford," referring to a crossing point over a river. It embodies strength, perseverance, and a connection to nature.

34. **Sherman:** A surname of English origin, meaning "someone who lived on a farm," referring to someone who worked as a farmer. It embodies hard work, resilience, and a connection to the land.

35. **Shields:** A surname of English origin, meaning "someone who carried a shield," referring to someone who fought in battle. It embodies strength, courage, and a sense of protection.

36. **Shirley:** A surname of English origin, meaning "from the bright meadow," referring to a place with beautiful meadows. It embodies beauty, tranquility, and a connection to nature.

37. **Short:** A surname of English origin, meaning "someone who is short in stature," referring to someone who was of short height. It symbolizes practicality, determination, and a sense of humor.

38. **Silver:** A surname of English origin, meaning "someone who works with silver," referring to someone who was a silversmith or a dealer in silver. It symbolizes wealth, beauty, and preciousness.

39. **Simmons:** A surname of English origin, meaning "someone who lives by a well," referring to a place with a well or spring. It embodies resourcefulness, vitality, and a connection to nature.

40. **Simon:** A surname of Hebrew origin, meaning "he who has heard," referring to a person who was known for their listening skills or ability to understand others. It symbolizes wisdom, empathy, and a sense of compassion.

41. **Simpson:** A surname of English origin, meaning "someone who lives by the son," referring to a place with a prominent son or landmark. It embodies strength, resilience, and a connection to history.

42. **Sinclair:** A surname of Scottish origin, meaning "from the saint's clearing," referring to a place where a saint lived or was buried. It symbolizes spirituality, righteousness, and a connection to history.

43. **Smith:** An occupational surname derived from the Middle English word "smith," meaning "someone who works with metal," referring to a person who was a blacksmith or a metalworker. It embodies skill, craftsmanship, and a connection to the natural world.

44. **Snyder:** A surname of German origin, meaning "tailor," referring to someone who worked as a tailor. It symbolizes creativity, precision, and an eye for detail.

45. **Solomon:** A surname of Hebrew origin, meaning "peaceful" or "complete," often referring to a wise and powerful king. It symbolizes peace, wisdom, and a sense of authority.

46. **Somerville:** A surname of Scottish origin, meaning "from the summer dwelling," referring to a place where people lived during the summer months. It embodies beauty, tranquility, and a connection to nature.

47. **Southworth:** A surname of English origin, meaning "from the south farm," referring to a place where people lived on the south side of a farm. It embodies strength, resilience, and a connection to the land.

48. **Sparks:** A surname of English origin, meaning "someone who is lively and energetic," referring to a person who was known for their enthusiasm or vitality. It symbolizes energy, enthusiasm, and a bright spirit.

49. **Spencer:** A surname of English origin, meaning "someone who manages a pantry," referring to a person who was in charge of food and drink. It embodies hospitality, resourcefulness, and a love for good food.

50. **Spicer:** A surname of English origin, meaning "someone who deals in spices," referring to a person who traded or sold spices. It embodies adventure, exploration, and a love for exotic flavors.

51. **Stanley:** A surname of English origin, meaning "from the stony field," referring to a place with rocky or stony ground. It embodies strength, resilience, and a connection to nature.

52. **Stanton:** A surname of English origin, meaning "from the stony hill," referring to a place with a stony hill. It embodies strength, resilience, and a connection to nature.

53. **Steele:** A surname of English origin, meaning "someone who works with steel," referring to a person who was a blacksmith or a steelworker. It embodies strength, resilience, and a connection to the natural world.

54. **Stephens:** A surname of Greek origin, meaning "crown" or "wreath," referring to someone who was honored or crowned. It symbolizes achievement, victory, and a sense of distinction.

55. **Sterling:** A surname of English origin, meaning "from the star," referring to a place where a star was visible or a place with a star-shaped landmark. It symbolizes guidance, inspiration, and a sense of destiny.

56. **Stevens:** A surname of Greek origin, meaning "crown" or "wreath," referring to someone who was honored or crowned. It symbolizes achievement, victory, and a sense of distinction.

57. **Stewart:** A surname of Scottish origin, meaning "steward" or "overseer," referring to a person who managed an estate or household. It embodies responsibility, leadership, and a sense of duty.

58. **Stone:** A surname of English origin, meaning "someone who lives by a stone," referring to a place with a prominent stone or landmark. It embodies strength, resilience, and a connection to nature.

59. **Stowe:** A surname of English origin, meaning "from the place with the stony hill," referring to a place with a stony hill. It embodies strength, resilience, and a connection to nature.

60. **Strong:** A surname of English origin, meaning "someone who is physically strong," referring to a person who was known for their strength. It symbolizes power, resilience, and a sense of determination.

61. **Stuart:** A surname of Scottish origin, meaning "steward" or "overseer," referring to a person who managed an estate or household. It embodies responsibility, leadership, and a sense of duty.

62. **Sullivan:** A surname of Irish origin, meaning "blacksmith" or "metalworker," referring to a person who worked with metal. It embodies skill, craftsmanship, and a connection to the natural world.

63. **Summers:** A surname of English origin, meaning "someone who lives in a summer home," referring to a place where people lived during the summer months. It embodies beauty, tranquility, and a connection to nature.

64. **Sutton:** A surname of English origin, meaning "from the southern farm," referring to a place where people lived on the south side of a farm. It embodies strength, resilience, and a connection to the land.

65. **Swanson:** A surname of Scandinavian origin, meaning "son of Swan," referring to a person whose father's name was Swan. It symbolizes grace, beauty, and a connection to nature.

66. **Sweeney:** A surname of Irish origin, meaning "sweet" or "handsome," referring to a person who was known for their pleasant appearance or personality. It symbolizes charm, kindness, and a positive aura.

67. **Sweet:** A surname of English origin, meaning "someone who is kind and gentle," referring to a person who was known for their sweetness of nature. It symbolizes kindness, gentleness, and a pleasant disposition.

68. **Swenson:** A surname of Scandinavian origin, meaning "son of Sven," referring to a person whose father's name was Sven. It symbolizes strength, courage, and a sense of leadership.

69. **Swift:** A surname of English origin, meaning "someone who is quick and agile," referring to a person who was known for their speed or agility. It symbolizes speed, agility, and a sense of purpose.

70. **Swope:** A surname of German origin, meaning "someone who lives by the swamp," referring to a place near a swamp or marshland. It embodies resilience, adaptability, and a connection to nature.

71. **Sykes:** A surname of English origin, meaning "from the place with the six acres," referring to a place with six acres of land. It embodies hard work, resilience, and a connection to the land.

72. **Sylvester:** A surname of Latin origin, meaning "from the forest" or "wood," referring to someone who lived in a forest or woodland. It embodies beauty, tranquility, and a connection to nature.

73. **Szabo:** A surname of Hungarian origin, meaning "tailor," referring to someone who worked as a tailor. It symbolizes creativity, precision, and an eye for detail.

74. **Szekely:** A surname of Hungarian origin, meaning "someone who lives in a region called Szeklerland," referring to a region in Transylvania. It embodies resilience, strength, and a sense of community.

75. **Szymanski:** A surname of Polish origin, meaning "from the region of Szymany," referring to a region in Poland. It embodies heritage, history, and a sense of belonging.

76. **Szucs:** A surname of Hungarian origin, meaning "blacksmith" or "metalworker," referring to someone who worked with metal. It embodies skill, craftsmanship, and a connection to the natural world.

77. **Szwejk:** A surname of Polish origin, meaning "someone who is strong and healthy," referring to a person who was known for their physical strength. It symbolizes power, resilience, and a sense of vitality.

78. **Szyszkowski:** A surname of Polish origin, meaning "someone who comes from the place with the pine trees," referring to a place with pine trees. It embodies beauty, tranquility, and a connection to nature.