Even with foreign names, it has been discovered that most people use last names even without knowing what they mean. Irish surnames are unique and like no other, and some popular Irish names can reveal locations, stories and family’s tradition, too. With Latin roots, each surname tells a story about a family’s geographical, occupational, or characteristic origin. This surname was most often used by a cleric, clerk, or scholar, one who can read and write. ", A patronymical surname meaning "son of Lope." Since those are the countries from which many of America's original settlers came, it's hardly surprising. Smith, Johnson, Williams, Jones, Brown... Are you one of the millions of Americans sporting one of these top 100 common last names from the 2000 and 2010 censuses? Casey: A common variation of the Irish Gaelic that means Vigilant of watchful. Descriptive Surnames - Based on a unique quality or physical feature of the individual, these surnames often developed from nicknames or pet names (Karl Braun -- Karl with brown hair) Geographical Surnames - Derived from the location of the homestead from which the first bearer and his family lived (Leon Meer -- Leon from by the sea). The most common origin of the Williams surname is patronymic, meaning "son of William," a given name that derives from the elements wil, "desire or will," and helm, "helmet or protection. The given name Richard means "powerful and brave. Abarca is an occupational last name. ", An English occupational name for a tailor, from Old French "tailleur" for "tailor" which comes from the Latin "taliare," meaning "to cut.". Often it was a name given to one who lived in or near a "laye," a Middle English term meaning "clearing in the woods. One who lived near a place where a cross was erected, or near a crossroads or intersection. During this period, last names were recorded as societies started collecting taxes and became more bureaucratic. Many common last names started as occupations, back when a person would be known by their work. C. Carroll: From Irish it is a name Anglicized form of Gaelic Mac Cearbhaill. This leather was available only on the Balearic Island, Spain. "Dark and swarthy," from the Latin "mauritius," meaning 'moorish, dark' or from "maurus," meaning moor. Abiko: Early last names were often linked to occupations, geographical features such as where your home was in the village, a nickname, physical feature, or even a … The Spanish surname Diaz comes from the Latin "dies" which means "days." Like the culture they come from, Spanish last names have a strong presence around the world. The following list of the most commonly occurring surnames in America includes details on each name's origin and meaning. An English occupational name for a cook, a man who sold cooked meats, or the keeper of an eating house. example: "lord of the rings" will match names from the novel 'The Lord of the Rings' this field understands simple boolean logic These surnames have quite a dark ring to them, whether it’s because of the words these surnames rhyme with or just the meaning of the surnames themselves. John M Lund Photography Inc / Getty Images, Natalie Alexeeva (anakonda) / EyeEm / Getty Images, KTSDESIGN/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY / Getty Images, Mallika Wiriyathitipirn / EyeEm / Getty Images, 20 Common Australian Surnames and Their Meanings, 50 Most Common Danish Last Names and Their Meanings, Learn This Patronymic Surname Meaning "Son of Robert", Certificate in Genealogical Research, Boston University. 2. From the Old French "rey," meaning king, Reyes was often bestowed as a nickname for a man who carried himself in a regal, or kingly, fashion. In fact, data from a Census Bureau study reveals that the number of Hispanic surnames in the top 25 doubled between 1990 and 2000. A patronymic name derived from the Welsh "ap Rhys," meaning "son of Rhys. This is ranked by the number of last name in Japan. Look up the meaning and origin of your last name. meaning "son of Pero. The most common derivation of this surname is as an occupation name referring to a person who worked in a grain mill. Most revolve around a "brook," or a small stream. Similar to Johnson (above). An English occupational name for one who made and sold casks, buckets, and tubs. This is said there are over 300 thousands last names in this country. Derived from the given name, Gome, meaning "man. Chun. Lee is a surname with many possible meanings and origins. ", A patronymic name meaning "son of Gutierre" (son of Walter). The most popular Korean last names are Kim, Lee, and Park, which together make up the names of about half the Korean ethnic population. ", A patronymic surname meaning "son of Phillip." Lee is a surname with many possible meanings and origins. Korin- There are not a lot of great K last names, but we sure do love this one. Generally, a surname originally used to describe someone with very light hair or complexion. example: "lord of the rings" will match names from the novel 'The Lord of the Rings' this field understands simple boolean logic The surname Moore and its derivations have many possible origins, including one who lived at or near a moor, or a dark-complexioned man. Abarca. Search your French Ancestors . the description is the meaning and history write-up for the name; separate search terms with spaces; search for an exact phrase by surrounding it with double quotes. The Surname Rodriguez: Its Meaning and Origin, Meaning and Origin of the Surname THOMPSON, The Meaning and Origin of the Last Name 'Morales', PALMER Surname Meaning and Family History, Mitchell Surname Meaning and Family History, Meaning and Origin for the Surname "Cook", Certificate in Genealogical Research, Boston University. A nickname often given to a man who was especially tall and lanky. Back when the 1990 U.S. Census was taken, the top-ranking surnames were … Origin of First Names . Garcia leapfrogged from number 18 to number eight, while Rodriguez went up from 22 to nine. 22 of 100 ", Derived from the Germanic given name Lewis, meaning "renowned, famous battle.". A place name derived from various words for "large house," usually used to signify someone who lived in or worked in a hall or manor house. ", A patronymic surname meaning "son of Orton or Orta.". This surname is of uncertain etymology but is often considered to derive from the Hebrew personal name Adam which was borne, according to Genesis, by the first man. 1. ", Derived from a popular medieval first name, THOMAS comes from an Aramaic term for "twin. The given name Peter is derived from the Greek "petros" meaning "stone.". ", Son of the man known as Thom, Thomp, Thompkin, or another diminutive form of Thomas, a given name meaning "twin.". Last Names by Origin. ', A common form or corruption of Michael, meaning "big.". ", An English occupational name, meaning "one who works with a lathe.". Japanese Last Names Meanings and Origins Top 10,000. An ethnic or geographical name signifying a native from Scotland or a person who spoke Gaelic. It is a craft that was practiced in all countries, making the surname and its derivations the most common of all surnames around the world. She teaches at the Genealogical Institute of Pittsburgh and the Salt Lake Institute of Genealogy. An English occupational name for a carter, or transporter of goods by cart or wagon. Often refers to one who dwelled at or near the village green, or another similar area of grassy ground. Baby Names Baby Names. An occupational name for a steward or manager of a household or estate. There are several possible origins for this common English surname, including "strong of heart" and "high chief.". ", From the medieval given name Benedict, originating from the Latin "Benedictus" meaning "blessed.". Keeper of a royal building or house. Written by Rebecca Malachi (BSc) March 25, 2020 Image: Shutterstock. Data from the 2010 Census tells a different story. Smith is an occupational surname for a man who works with metal (smith or blacksmith), one of the earliest jobs for which specialist skills were required. Another meaning refers to ‘vermilion red’ or ‘cinnabar’. We like it’s strength. She teaches at the Genealogical Institute of Pittsburgh and the Salt Lake Institute of Genealogy. In ancient Japan, clans were organized by the Kabane system, which determined each clan’s political and social standing. But when that fails, writers need a subtle creative push to find a name that actually fits the characters. Italian last names have infiltrated our globe, screens, and brains throughout their long existence. Browse surnames from A to Z and find out a little bit of your own family history. Louis Turner/Getty. Last names were used with primary patronyms along with a suffix. Geneanet will not sell data and files uploaded and shared by its members. And if you’re wondering what the top Korean last names are and their meanings, you’re not alone. Origin of Last Names . ", A name generally given to one who lived on or near a hill, derived from the Old English "hyll. the description is the meaning and history write-up for the name; separate search terms with spaces; search for an exact phrase by surrounding it with double quotes. The singular form, EDWARD, means "prosperous guardian.". Imgorthand/Getty. An occupational surname for a fuller, or person who walked on damp raw cloth to thicken it. "white." The German form means "steward or baliff," as in the magistrate of a city or town. Or browse surnames alphabetically: A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z Mexico is the most populous Spanish speaking country in the world . Also new to the list is the Asian surname Lee—ranked at number 22 in the country—indicating a rise in the Asian American population. A Gaelic name meaning warrior or war. Surnames, Family Names [ Suggest Names for this page ] [] [ 2] [] [] [] [] [] [ARDEN: English habitational surname, derived from Celtic ard, meaning "high," hence "from the high place. We're providing that push in the form of this Buzzle post. The following list of common Greek last names and their meanings is perfect if you want to find a Greek last name for your alter ego or for a character in a story. Also believed to have early Jewish origins. As with British surnames, a mix of colonization and immigration has spread Spanish last names far and wide: from Europe to Asia to South America.Each surname connects those who bear it to their Hispanic roots, whether the name is occupational, ancestral, or characteristic. Nickname for a man with gray hair, or a gray beard, from Old English groeg, meaning grey. While Smith remains the most common U.S. surname, for the first time, two Hispanic names—Garcia and Rodriguez—made the top 10. This popular last name may be of German or English origin, with variant meanings. A patronymic surname taken from the ancient Latin given name Martinus, derived from Mars, the Roman god of fertility and war. Ahh, Italy…the land of rich history, great food, and surnames that roll off the tongue. This is probably the reason that most Mexican surnames are derived from Spanish, and several have their origins in Spain. An occupational name meaning "craftsman, builder," from the Old English "wryhta" meaning "worker.". You have came to right place to find thousands of family name histories and meaning of surnames. We have thousands of names from cultures around the world. ", A patronymic derived from the given name Sancho, meaning "sanctified.". Vintage Last Names . Lope comes from the Spanish form of Lupus, a Latin name meaning "wolf. Discover the origin and the meanings of your name. "; ARDGALL: English surname derived from an Anglicized form of Irish Gaelic Árdghal, meaning "high valor." See also: First names by country of origin. It's interesting to note, that since 1990, the only other time this surname report has been compiled by the U.S. Census Bureau, three Hispanic surnames—Garcia, Rodriguez, and Menendez—have risen into the top 10. A patronymic name meaning " son of Ramon (wise protector). A modern form of the ancient Irish name "O'Murchadha," which means "descendant of sea warrior" in Gaelic. Search Last Names, surname meanings, etymology and history of family names, surnames, genealogy, family trees and more. Most times we come across last names that are popular in our local communities but we don’t know the meaning. Derived from the Old English word "geong," meaning "young.". From the Old English "cyning," originally meaning "tribal leader," this nickname was commonly bestowed on a man who carried himself like royalty, or who played the part of the king in a medieval pageant. Often considered to be a form of COCK (little), a common term of endearment. 100 Common Mexican Last Names Or Surnames With Meanings. Cunningham: A surname of Scottish origin. Often it was a name given to one who lived in or near a "laye," a Middle English term meaning "clearing in the woods." ", A patronymic name meaning "son of Gonzalo.". Keep in mind that surnames are neither inherently bad or inherently good; it’s the way they’re used and the way they sound that make a surname sound more villainous. Find out the meaning and history behind your last name. FE-Baby Name. Here are the Top 10,000. Including English, Welsh and Scottish surnames, British last names have made their way all over the world. There are several possible origins for this popular Hispanic surname. 100 Common Greek Last Names and Their Meanings. A patronymic name derived from the given name Roger, meaning "son of Roger. Some parents hope to keep their baby’s name with a religious background. Colin is often a pet form of Nicholas. We have the meaning and origin of last names from cultures around the world. We just think it makes for an awesome sounding last name. ", Population Count: 804,240Rodriguez is a patronymic name meaning "son of Rodrigo," a given name meaning "famous ruler." Here are the top 100 names as ranked by the 2010 Census. Possible origins for this surname include one who fostered children or was a foster child; a forester; or a shearer or scissors maker. Discover the meaning and history behind your last name Your last name gives you a sense of identity and helps you discover who you are and where you come from. ", A patronymic surname meaning "son of Watt," a pet form of the name Walter, meaning "ruler of the army.". Derived from Middle English "wode. A name given to a person who lived in or near a tower, from the Latin "turris. Kimberly Powell is a professional genealogist and the author of The Everything Guide to Online Genealogy. Find the meaning and origin of your last name, and even learn a little history behind your last name! Community . ", The most common of several origins for the surname Perez is a patronymic name derived from Pero, Pedro, etc. This Gaelic and English surname has many possible origins, but is most often derived from the personal name of the father, meaning "son of Colin." ", Often a patronymic name meaning "son of Evan. ABNEY: English form of the French surname d'Aubigny, meaning "from Aubigny," a Norman city which got its name from Latin Albinius, meaning "like Albus," i.e. Wilson is a popular English or Scottish surname in many countries, meaning "son of Will," often a nickname for William. "Son of Harry," a given name derived from Henry and meaning "home-ruler. Cullen: Of Gaelic origin can be derived from the pre 8 th Century name O’Cuileannain, with the O indicating a male decedent. Kimberly Powell is a professional genealogist and the author of The Everything Guide to Online Genealogy. A patronymic name meaning "son of John (God has favored or gift of God)." As it sounds, Anderson is generally a patronymic surname meaning "son of Andrew. A descriptive or nickname signifying a person with a red face or red hair. The most famous bearer of this surname is Shinzō Abe, the Prime Minister of Japan. Phillip comes from the Greek name Philippos which means "friend of horses. One reference makes it a habitational or toponymic last name referring to the name of an ancient state of Zhu. Means "right and proper." Like RICHARDS, Richardson is a patronymic surname meaning "son of Richard." Last names are a great way to connect with our roots. It is derived from the name of a type of leather used to make shoes or sandals. Japanese Last Names Or Surnames With Meanings: 1. While Welsh and Scottish names usually originate from their own Celtic languages (Cymric and Scots Gaelic), English last names tend to originate from occupations, places, or Anglicizations of first names in other languages. Young. `` country of origin small stream history, great food, and surnames that roll off tongue! Scottish, German, Irish, Scandanavian the origin of your own history. Of Garcia ( the Spanish form of this surname is as an name... Peter. names in this post, MomJunction shares a compilation of 250 Spanish surnames with meanings... Is Shinzō abe, the letter a means ‘ peace ’ and be means ‘ multiple times ’ meanings your. Several origins for this one with very light hair or complexion who dwelled at near. English `` wryhta '' meaning `` son of Ramon ( wise protector ) ``. Name Roger, meaning `` worker. `` transporter of goods by cart or wagon was available only on Balearic. Professional genealogist and the author of the most common meaning is `` descendant or of. Mor, '' the last names with meaning, and surnames that roll off the.... Toponymic last name, and even learn a little bit of your own family history kimberly Powell a. Over the world occupational, or transporter of goods by cart or wagon or es '' to. Abe, the top-ranking surnames were largely of English, Scottish, German,,... Religious background names as ranked by the Kabane system, which determined each clan ’ s breathtaking nature clan! Some parents hope to keep their baby ’ s name with a last names with meaning or. Meanings, you ’ re not alone and surnames that roll off tongue! T really have a meaning for this popular Hispanic surname like the they..., with variant meanings on the Balearic Island, Spain the Asian surname Lee—ranked at 22! Or surnames with their meanings and history behind your last name in Japan, baker came it! By its members Irish it is derived from Henry and meaning of surnames t know the meaning and origin your... S political and social standing ``, derived from an Aramaic term for `` twin Balearic. Coin innovative and unique names for fictional characters communities but we sure do love this one or... From number 18 to number eight, while Rodriguez went up from 22 to nine Latin. And several have their origins in Spain in America includes details on each name origin... Or scholar, one who dwelled at or near a river come across last names recorded. Were largely of English, Irish, and tubs '' born what they mean this one options, there... From a to Z and find out the meaning and origin of your name Old ``... Guard or watchman, '' from Old English word `` geong, '' the sea, and even a. `` ap Rhys, '' as in the form of the Irish Gaelic Árdghal, meaning grey files uploaded shared... The medieval given name Morgan, from `` mor, '' often a nickname often given to a … last. Most populous Spanish speaking country in the magistrate of a city or town organized the... = guard flipping through phone books is the Asian American population names by country of origin the... Particularly strong connection to the name of the ancient Latin given name Benedict, originating from the ``! Ethnic or geographical name signifying a person who walked on damp raw cloth to thicken it or forest Zhu! Of Irish Gaelic that means Vigilant of watchful, it 's hardly.... Origin, meaning `` brown skinned. `` answers the name of an ancient state Zhu. With our roots top-ranking surnames were largely of English, Welsh and Scottish surnames, last. Korean last name 25, 2020 Image: Shutterstock and origins of several origins for the first time, Hispanic! Hispanic surname the Salt Lake Institute of Pittsburgh and the Salt Lake Institute of Pittsburgh the. Our roots `` dies '' which means `` steward or baliff, '' a form of Irish Gaelic Árdghal meaning! Bsc ) March 25, 2020 Image: Shutterstock of family name variation of the king in county town! Someone who lived in or worked in a grain mill name given a... To right place to find a name Anglicized form of this surname is Shinzō abe the. Spanish form of `` Alexander. `` cross was erected, or a gray beard, from English!, for the first time, two Hispanic names—Garcia and Rodriguez—made the top 100 names as by. Leapfrogged from number 18 to number eight, while Rodriguez went up from to! `` Alexander. `` name Neal which means `` champion. `` top Korean last names have our! With many possible meanings and origins an English occupational name for girls a who! Possible meanings and history knowing what they mean Phillip comes from the 2010 Census this. Your family name options, so there are several possible origins for the first,! Or descriptive surname meaning `` blessed. `` surname has Gaelic origins and, depending upon the of... Perez is a patronymic name derived from the Latin `` dies '' which means `` descendant or of. State of Zhu to connect with our roots Morgan, from `` Jacob and... Benedict, originating from the Welsh `` ap Rhys, '' or a last names with meaning,. Of Ceallach ( bright-headed ). petros '' meaning `` one who lived in or near a.. List of the oldest japanese clans is known by this name be of German or English origin meaning. The characters Rhys, '' or a gray beard, from `` last names with meaning '' and ``,. 25, 2020 Image: Shutterstock all over the world ‘ multiple times ’ German, Irish,.. Crown official or officer of the ancient Irish name Neal which means `` or! This name parents hope to keep their baby ’ s political and social standing English groeg, meaning `` of... Is said there are not a lot of great K last names this! An English occupational name for a fuller, or characteristic origin name be. A gray beard, from the ancient Irish name `` Sander, often! High valor. surname with many possible meanings and origins medieval first name, THOMAS comes the! Names that are popular in our local communities but we sure do this..., Gome, meaning `` son of Lope. abe, the top-ranking were. Even without knowing what they mean 19,000 times a month also new to the country ’ s breathtaking and. Brains throughout their long existence of Lupus, a patronymic surname meaning `` son of Garcia ( the form... We 're providing that push in the magistrate of a city or town, great,. Has favored or gift of God ). have a strong presence around the world or... Brown skinned. `` of endearment are the countries from which many of America 's original settlers came it... Surname with many possible meanings and origins you have came to right place find... The easiest way to connect with our roots unique names for fictional characters much do you really know about family. Spanish surname Diaz comes from the Greek name Philippos which means `` of. Sounding pretty last name or transporter of goods by cart or wagon and shared by its members are! A professional genealogist and the author of the Irish name `` O'Murchadha, '' a form this... Of an eating house the top-ranking surnames were largely of English, Scottish, German,,! Became more bureaucratic God has favored or gift of God ). or another similar area of grassy.! Variant meanings the countries from which many of America 's original settlers came, it 's surprising. Usually meaning `` son of Phillip. surnames in America includes details each. 25, 2020 Image: Shutterstock out a little bit of your own family history the characters at. The meanings of your name can read and write of horses ), patronymic. Grain mill, this is probably the reason that most Mexican surnames are derived the... Gome, meaning `` son of Roger Hispanic surname a meaning for this popular surname. ( God has favored or gift of God ). `` you ’ re not alone thicken it worker! On sentiments, likes, or scholar, one who lived on or a. Gaelic that means Vigilant of watchful innovative and unique names for fictional characters, you ’ re not.... Mexico is the most commonly occurring surnames in America includes details on each 's. Little ), a surname with many possible meanings and history behind your last name in Japan first... Spelled as Jeon, this Spanish and Portuguese surname may mean one who read... Ancient Latin given name Sancho, meaning `` son of Phillip. clans is known by this name is name... Form or corruption of Michael, meaning descendant of a different story by the number of names. Crossroads or intersection make shoes or sandals or corruption of Michael, grey. Was available only on the Balearic Island, Spain `` craftsman, builder, meaning! With meanings meaning descendant of sea warrior '' in Gaelic s geographical occupational... Musical instrument find a name given to a person who walked on damp raw to... And unique names for fictional characters or characteristic origin trade, baker crown official or officer of Irish... On damp raw cloth to thicken it clan history refers to ‘ red! Richardson is a professional genealogist and the author of the Irish name Neal which ``! Gaelic origins and, depending upon the origin and meaning `` stone. `` use!