Last Name Search: Discover the History and Meaning Behind Your Family Name

Searching for the meaning behind your last name? Look no further! This comprehensive list provides detailed explanations of the origins and significance of thousands of common and unique surnames. Whether you're curious about your own family history or simply enjoy exploring the fascinating world of names, this resource has something for everyone. Dive in and uncover the rich tapestry of stories woven into the fabric of our surnames!
1. **Smith:** A common occupational name for a person who worked as a blacksmith, often involved in the creation and repair of tools and weapons.
2. **Johnson:** A patronymic surname meaning "son of John." This name is widespread and reflects the prevalence of the given name "John" in many cultures.
3. **Williams:** Another patronymic surname, meaning "son of William." Like "Johnson," this name signifies the popularity of the given name "William."
4. **Brown:** A descriptive surname, often referring to someone with brown hair or a complexion that was tanned or sun-kissed.
5. **Jones:** A patronymic surname meaning "son of John," often found in Wales and England.
6. **Miller:** An occupational name for someone who worked as a miller, operating a grain mill and producing flour.
7. **Davis:** A patronymic surname meaning "son of David." This name is common in many English-speaking countries.
8. **Garcia:** A Spanish surname meaning "garrison," derived from the Latin word "garcia," suggesting a stronghold or fortified place.
9. **Rodriguez:** A Spanish surname meaning "son of Rodrigo," a common given name with Germanic origins.
10. **Wilson:** A patronymic surname meaning "son of William," often found in England and Scotland.
11. **Moore:** A place name surname, referring to a person who lived near a moor or boggy area.
12. **Taylor:** An occupational surname for someone who worked as a tailor, making and repairing clothes.
13. **Anderson:** A patronymic surname meaning "son of Andrew." This name is common in Scandinavian countries and English-speaking regions.
14. **Thomas:** A patronymic surname meaning "son of Thomas," a name of Aramaic origin meaning "twin."
15. **Jackson:** A patronymic surname meaning "son of Jack," which itself is a diminutive form of "John."
16. **White:** A descriptive surname referring to someone with fair skin or light hair.
17. **Harris:** A surname of Germanic origin, meaning "hare," often used as a descriptive name for someone with a quick, agile nature.
18. **Martin:** A surname of Latin origin, meaning "war-like" or "belonging to Mars," the Roman god of war.
19. **Thompson:** A patronymic surname meaning "son of Thomas." Like "Anderson," this name is common in Scandinavian countries and English-speaking regions.
20. **Garcia:** A Spanish surname meaning "garrison," derived from the Latin word "garcia," suggesting a stronghold or fortified place.
21. **Martinez:** A Spanish surname meaning "son of Martin." This name is common in Spain and Latin America.
22. **Robinson:** A patronymic surname meaning "son of Robin," a nickname for "Robert." This name is often associated with English folklore and the character of Robin Hood.
23. **Clark:** An occupational name for someone who worked as a scribe or clerk, often responsible for keeping records and managing documents.
24. **Lewis:** A surname of Welsh origin, meaning "famous warrior" or "renowned in battle." This name is associated with the legendary King Arthur.
25. **Lee:** A surname of Chinese origin, meaning "plum tree." This name is also found in Korean and Japanese cultures.
26. **Walker:** An occupational name for someone who worked as a walker, often referring to a shepherd or someone who traveled on foot.
27. **Hall:** A place name surname, referring to someone who lived near a hall or large building.
28. **Allen:** A surname of Germanic origin, meaning "handsome" or "noble." This name is often associated with the Arthurian legends.
29. **Young:** A descriptive surname referring to someone who is young or youthful.
30. **Hernandez:** A Spanish surname meaning "son of Hernando," a given name of Germanic origin meaning "strong ruler."
31. **King:** An occupational name for someone who worked as a king or ruled a kingdom.
32. **Wright:** An occupational surname for someone who worked as a craftsman or builder, particularly specializing in woodworking.
33. **Lopez:** A Spanish surname meaning "son of Lope," a given name of Basque origin meaning "wolf."
34. **Hill:** A place name surname, referring to someone who lived near a hill or elevated terrain.
35. **Scott:** A surname of Gaelic origin, meaning "Scot" or "from Scotland."
36. **Green:** A descriptive surname referring to someone who lived near a green or grassy area.
37. **Adams:** A patronymic surname meaning "son of Adam." This name is common in many English-speaking countries.
38. **Baker:** An occupational name for someone who worked as a baker, making and selling bread.
39. **Gonzalez:** A Spanish surname meaning "son of Gonzalo," a given name of Germanic origin meaning "brave in battle."
40. **Nelson:** A patronymic surname meaning "son of Neil," a given name of Gaelic origin meaning "champion."
41. **Carter:** An occupational name for someone who worked as a cart driver or transported goods by cart.
42. **Mitchell:** A surname of Gaelic origin, meaning "son of Michael."
43. **Perez:** A Spanish surname meaning "son of Pedro," a common given name with Latin origins.
44. **Roberts:** A patronymic surname meaning "son of Robert," a name of Germanic origin meaning "bright fame."
45. **Turner:** An occupational name for someone who worked as a turner, often using a lathe to shape wood or metal.
46. **Phillips:** A surname of Greek origin, meaning "lover of horses." This name is also found in various other cultures, with slightly different meanings.
47. **Campbell:** A surname of Gaelic origin, meaning "crooked mouth." This name is associated with Scottish clan history and Highland ancestry.
48. **Parker:** An occupational name for someone who worked as a park keeper or guarded a park or enclosed area.
49. **Evans:** A patronymic surname meaning "son of Evan," a given name of Welsh origin meaning "young warrior."
50. **Edwards:** A patronymic surname meaning "son of Edward," a name of Anglo-Saxon origin meaning "wealthy guardian."