Royal Last Names: A Comprehensive Guide to the Surnames of Royalty

Are you fascinated by the history of royalty and the families that have shaped the world? Then understanding the last names of these individuals is key! This comprehensive guide will explore the origins and meanings behind some of the most famous royal last names. We'll delve into the history, evolution, and significance of these names, uncovering a fascinating world of lineage, tradition, and power.
1. **Windsor:** Meaning "windy hill," this name was adopted by the British royal family in 1917. It replaced the Germanic "Saxe-Coburg and Gotha" in response to anti-German sentiment during World War I.

2. **Bourbon:** A French royal house, the name likely derives from the town of Bourbon-l'Archambault, where a branch of the family originated. The name has been associated with numerous European monarchs, including those of France, Spain, Naples, and the Two Sicilies.

3. **Habsburg:** This powerful European dynasty's name originates from the Habsburg Castle in Switzerland, where they first established their rule. Known for their extensive empire and influence, they ruled over Austria, Spain, the Holy Roman Empire, and other territories.

4. **Romanov:** The Romanov dynasty ruled Russia for over 300 years, from 1613 to 1917. The name derives from the village of Romanova, where the family originated. It is linked to the Russian Orthodox Church and the country's history.

5. **Hohenzollern:** This dynasty, known for ruling Prussia and later Germany, takes its name from the Hohenzollern Castle in Swabia, Germany. The Hohenzollerns were instrumental in unifying Germany in the 19th century.

6. **Braganza:** The Braganza dynasty ruled Portugal for over 600 years, from 1640 to 1910. The name originates from the town of Bragança in Portugal, where the family's ancestors lived. They played a significant role in Portuguese history and expansion.

7. **Orléans:** The Orléans dynasty is a cadet branch of the French royal family, named after the city of Orléans in France. They claimed the French throne several times throughout history and were involved in various political and military conflicts.

8. **Bavaria:** The Bavarian royal family, known for ruling the Kingdom of Bavaria, derives its name from the region of Bavaria in southern Germany. They played a significant role in German history and had close ties with other European royal families.

9. **Saxe-Coburg and Gotha:** This name refers to the German ducal family that ruled the Saxe-Coburg and Gotha territories. Their name is linked to their ancestral lands and their influence in European politics and royalty.

10. **Hanover:** This royal family ruled Great Britain and Ireland from 1714 to 1901, following the death of Queen Anne. The name comes from the city of Hanover in Germany, where they were originally based.

11. **Stuart:** This Scottish royal family ruled both Scotland and England for centuries, holding the throne from 1371 to 1714. The name is derived from the town of Stewarton in Scotland, where the family's ancestors lived.

12. **Plantagenet:** This English royal dynasty, ruling from 1154 to 1485, derives its name from the "planta genista," a flowering plant the family used as a symbol. They were known for their extensive conquests and influence in medieval England.

13. **York:** This name refers to a branch of the Plantagenet family that ruled England for a brief period in the 14th century. They were involved in the Wars of the Roses and their name is linked to the city of York in England.

14. **Lancaster:** This branch of the Plantagenet family, also involved in the Wars of the Roses, derives its name from the city of Lancaster in England. They were rivals of the Yorkist faction and fought for the English throne.

15. **Valois:** The Valois dynasty, ruling France from 1328 to 1589, takes its name from the Valois region in France. They played a significant role in French history and were involved in numerous wars and conflicts.

16. **Capet:** This dynasty ruled France for over 800 years, from 987 to 1328. The name originates from Hugh Capet, the first Capetian king of France. Their rule shaped French history and institutions.

17. **Württemberg:** This royal family, ruling the Kingdom of Württemberg in Germany, derives its name from the region of Württemberg in southwestern Germany. They were involved in various European conflicts and alliances.

18. **Thurn und Taxis:** This family, known for its postal services and influence in European history, takes its name from the Thurn and Taxis castles in Germany. They played a significant role in communication and transportation.

19. **Holstein-Gottorp:** This ducal family, with branches ruling Russia and Sweden, derives its name from the Holstein region of Germany and the Gottorp Castle. Their name is linked to their ancestral lands and their influence in Northern Europe.

20. **leswig-Holstein:** This ducal family, ruling the Schleswig and Holstein regions in Germany, takes its name from the territories they ruled. Their name is linked to the history and culture of those regions.

21. **Nassau:** This royal family, with branches ruling the Netherlands, Luxembourg, and Germany, takes its name from the Nassau region in Germany. Their name is linked to their ancestral lands and their influence in European history.

22. **Orange-Nassau:** This royal family, ruling the Netherlands, combines the name Orange (from the principality of Orange in France) with Nassau (from their German ancestry). They are known for their role in Dutch history and their influence in European affairs.

23. **Baden:** This royal family, ruling the Grand Duchy of Baden in Germany, takes its name from the Baden region in southwestern Germany. They played a role in German history and had ties to other European royal families.

24. **Mecklenburg:** This ducal family, ruling the Duchy of Mecklenburg in Germany, derives its name from the region of Mecklenburg in northeastern Germany. Their name is linked to the history and culture of that region.

25. **Holstein-Gottorp:** This ducal family, ruling the duchy of Schleswig-Holstein in Germany, takes its name from the Holstein region of Germany and the Gottorp Castle. Their name is linked to their ancestral lands and their influence in Northern Europe.

26. **Brunswick-Lüneburg:** This royal family, ruling the Duchy of Brunswick-Lüneburg in Germany, derives its name from the cities of Brunswick and Lüneburg. Their name is linked to their ancestral lands and their influence in German history.

27. **Württemberg:** This royal family, ruling the Kingdom of Württemberg in Germany, derives its name from the region of Württemberg in southwestern Germany. They played a role in German history and had ties to other European royal families.

28. **Bavaria:** This royal family, known for ruling the Kingdom of Bavaria, derives its name from the region of Bavaria in southern Germany. They played a significant role in German history and had close ties with other European royal families.

29. **Hesse:** This royal family, ruling the Electorate of Hesse in Germany, derives its name from the region of Hesse in central Germany. They played a role in German history and had ties to other European royal families.

30. **Thurn und Taxis:** This family, known for its postal services and influence in European history, takes its name from the Thurn and Taxis castles in Germany. They played a significant role in communication and transportation.

31. **Lippe:** This royal family, ruling the Principality of Lippe in Germany, derives its name from the region of Lippe in northwestern Germany. Their name is linked to their ancestral lands and their influence in German history.

32. **Schaumburg-Lippe:** This royal family, ruling the Principality of Schaumburg-Lippe in Germany, derives its name from the regions of Schaumburg and Lippe. Their name is linked to their ancestral lands and their influence in German history.

33. **Waldeck-Pyrmont:** This royal family, ruling the Principality of Waldeck-Pyrmont in Germany, derives its name from the regions of Waldeck and Pyrmont. Their name is linked to their ancestral lands and their influence in German history.

34. **Reuss:** This royal family, ruling the principalities of Reuss in Germany, derives its name from the region of Reuss in Thuringia. Their name is linked to their ancestral lands and their influence in German history.

35. **Saxe-Weimar-Eisenach:** This ducal family, ruling the Duchy of Saxe-Weimar-Eisenach in Germany, derives its name from the regions of Saxe, Weimar, and Eisenach. Their name is linked to their ancestral lands and their influence in German history.

36. **Saxe-Coburg and Gotha:** This ducal family, ruling the Duchy of Saxe-Coburg and Gotha in Germany, derives its name from the regions of Saxe, Coburg, and Gotha. Their name is linked to their ancestral lands and their influence in German history.

37. **Saxe-Altenburg:** This ducal family, ruling the Duchy of Saxe-Altenburg in Germany, derives its name from the regions of Saxe and Altenburg. Their name is linked to their ancestral lands and their influence in German history.

38. **Saxe-Meiningen:** This ducal family, ruling the Duchy of Saxe-Meiningen in Germany, derives its name from the regions of Saxe and Meiningen. Their name is linked to their ancestral lands and their influence in German history.

39. **Saxe-Hildburghausen:** This ducal family, ruling the Duchy of Saxe-Hildburghausen in Germany, derives its name from the regions of Saxe and Hildburghausen. Their name is linked to their ancestral lands and their influence in German history.

40. **Saxe-Lauenburg:** This ducal family, ruling the Duchy of Saxe-Lauenburg in Germany, derives its name from the regions of Saxe and Lauenburg. Their name is linked to their ancestral lands and their influence in German history.

41. **Saxe-Gernrode:** This count family, ruling the County of Saxe-Gernrode in Germany, derives its name from the regions of Saxe and Gernrode. Their name is linked to their ancestral lands and their influence in German history.