Normal Last Names: Common Surnames and Their Meanings

Are you looking for the meaning behind your last name? Uncover the history and origins of some of the most common surnames in the English-speaking world. This list provides a comprehensive look at normal last names, their meanings, and the cultural influences that have shaped their usage.
1. **Smith:** A common occupational surname, meaning "blacksmith" or "metalworker." Derived from the Old English word "smyþ."
2. **Johnson:** A patronymic surname meaning "son of John," derived from the Hebrew name "Yochanan" meaning "God is gracious."
3. **Williams:** A 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. From the Old English word "brūn."
5. **Jones:** A patronymic surname meaning "son of John," derived from the Hebrew name "Yochanan."
6. **Miller:** An occupational surname, referring to someone who grinds grain into flour. Derived from the Old English word "mil(l)er."
7. **Davis:** A patronymic surname meaning "son of David," derived from the Hebrew name "David" meaning "beloved."
8. **Garcia:** A Spanish surname, derived from the Basque name "Garci" meaning "spearman."
9. **Rodriguez:** A Spanish surname, derived from "Rodríguez," meaning "son of Rodrigo."
10. **Wilson:** A patronymic surname meaning "son of William," derived from the Germanic name "Wilhelm."
11. **Moore:** A descriptive surname, referring to someone who lived by or worked on a moor (a type of boggy, grassy wasteland). From the Old English word "mōr."
12. **Taylor:** An occupational surname, referring to someone who cuts and sews cloth. Derived from the Old French word "tailleur."
13. **Anderson:** A patronymic surname meaning "son of Andrew," derived from the Greek name "Andreas" meaning "manly."
14. **Thomas:** A patronymic surname meaning "son of Thomas," derived from the Aramaic name "T'oma" meaning "twin."
15. **Jackson:** A patronymic surname meaning "son of Jack," a nickname for John.
16. **White:** A descriptive surname, referring to someone with fair skin or hair. From the Old English word "hwīt."
17. **Harris:** A patronymic surname meaning "son of Harry," a nickname for Henry.
18. **Martin:** A surname of Latin origin, meaning "warlike" or "dedicated to Mars."
19. **Thompson:** A patronymic surname meaning "son of Thomas," derived from the Aramaic name "T'oma."
20. **Garcia:** A Spanish surname, derived from the Basque name "Garci" meaning "spearman."
21. **Martinez:** A Spanish surname, derived from "Martínez," meaning "son of Martín."
22. **Robinson:** A patronymic surname meaning "son of Robin," a nickname for Robert.
23. **Clark:** An occupational surname, referring to someone who is a scribe or secretary. From the Middle English word "clerk."
24. **Lewis:** A patronymic surname meaning "son of Lewis," derived from the French name "Louis," meaning "famous warrior."
25. **Lee:** A descriptive surname, referring to someone who lived by or worked on a meadow or clearing. From the Old English word "lēah."
26. **Walker:** An occupational surname, referring to someone who travels on foot. Derived from the Old English word "wealcan."
27. **Hall:** A descriptive surname, referring to someone who lived in or near a hall (a large building). From the Old English word "hēall."
28. **Allen:** A patronymic surname meaning "son of Alan," derived from the Gaelic name "Ailean."
29. **Young:** A descriptive surname, referring to someone who was youthful or young. From the Old English word "geong."
30. **Hernandez:** A Spanish surname, derived from "Hernández," meaning "son of Hernando."
31. **King:** A descriptive surname, referring to someone who is a ruler. From the Old English word "cyning."
32. **Wright:** An occupational surname, referring to someone who is a craftsman or builder. From the Old English word "wrihta."
33. **Lopez:** A Spanish surname, derived from "Lope," a nickname for "lobo" meaning "wolf."
34. **Hill:** A descriptive surname, referring to someone who lived on or near a hill. From the Old English word "hyll."
35. **Scott:** A descriptive surname, referring to someone from Scotland. From the Old English word "Scot."
36. **Green:** A descriptive surname, referring to someone with green eyes or hair. From the Old English word "grēne."
37. **Adams:** A patronymic surname meaning "son of Adam," derived from the Hebrew name "Adam" meaning "man."
38. **Baker:** An occupational surname, referring to someone who bakes bread. From the Old English word "bācere."
39. **Gonzalez:** A Spanish surname, derived from "González," meaning "son of Gonzalo."
40. **Nelson:** A patronymic surname meaning "son of Neil," derived from the Gaelic name " Niall."