Using baby names from various cultural backgrounds and heritage to enrich the identity of your child.
In many cultures, most surnames have significance and a narrative attached to them, typically linked to a family’s heritage, job, or lineage. Therefore, if you are seeking surnames beginning with the letter ‘s,’ we can help you with that.
There are various reasons behind the origin of names. They could be based on one’s profession, place of residence, or location. Keep reading this post ‘Cute last baby names that start with S’ to explore some surnames beginning with the letter ‘S’ from different parts of the globe.
Cute Last Baby Names That Start With S
Italian Last Names that start with S
- Sabina
The last baby name originates from the Old French name ‘Sabin’ which can be either a masculine or feminine name. This baby name is derived from the Latin words ‘Sabinus’ or ‘Sabina’, which mean someone belonging to the Sabine tribe.
- Saccone
The last baby name ‘Saccone’ originates from an ancient Tuscan name ‘Saccus’ or ‘Sacco’, which means ‘a sac’. This last baby name was typically associated with individuals who worked as makers of sacks and bags. It is believed that the surname ‘Saccone’ developed from the term ‘Sacco’ in the Salerno region of Italy.
- Saggio
Saggio, an Italian last name, signifies intelligence and knowledge. This surname originated from the Latin term ‘Sagax’ which translates to ‘sharp’.
- Sala
Sala and Salas are two distinct versions of the same surname. Both of these last baby names originate from the term ‘Sal’, which translates to ‘building’.
- Saladino
The surname Saladino has unique origins from Muslim descent and has various variations and interpretations in French and Italian. In French, it means ‘to open conjecture’. Notable individuals with the last baby name Saladino include Gaspar Saladino and Irving Saladino.
- Sanna
This typical Italian last name signifies ‘Lily’.
- Santoro
Santoro is a professional tennis player from Brazil. The surname ‘Santoro’ originates from celebrations and saints, signifying ‘celebration of all the saints’.
- Sartori
Sartori comes from the term ‘Sartos’, signifying ‘tailor’. It is a common occupational surname in Italy.
- Scotti
The surname in question is of Italian origin and starts with the letter ‘S’. It is said that ‘Scotti’ was the surname assigned to individuals who migrated to Italy from Scotland. ‘Scotto’ is a modified version of this surname.
- Segreto
In Italian, the surname ‘Segreto’ means ‘confidant’ and comes from the Latin word ‘secretum’, which refers to a hidden place. This last name was traditionally used for secret couriers and spies.
- Serra
This common Italian surname is also used as a first name and translates to ‘ridge or a chain of hills.’
- Sica
This surname signifies ‘triumph’ and has its roots in the term ‘Sigi’.
Greek Last Names Starting With S
- Sacca
Sacca is a surname that is reminiscent of the Italian surname ‘Saccone’, and it is an occupational baby name that is associated with individuals who make and sell sacks.
- Solomon
This baby name is commonly used as both a first and last name. The origin of this surname can be traced back to the ‘Son of Solomon’, who was a Greek ancestor.
- Samaras
Samaras refers to a type that consists of a wire wrapped around a tube and ball-tipped at each end. This surname is based on occupation and refers to a person who makes saddles.
- Sarris
The Greek last name originates from Turkey and signifies ‘blonde’ or ‘having light or fair hair’.
- Savas
The Greek surname is derived from the term ‘Sabbath’ which means Saturday, and it is adapted from the Greek translation of the sacred ‘Sabbath.’
- Scala
Originating from Italy, the surname Scala is a popular Greek last baby name with the meaning of ‘ladder’, ‘steps’, or stairway.
- Selinofoto
Selinofoto is a name that may refer to a specific entity or concept. This Greek surname signifies ‘moonlight’.
- Servopoulos
The word ‘Opoulos’ is frequently found in Greek surnames and signifies ‘descendant of’. For example, the surname ‘Servopoulos’ denotes a person who is a descendant of a Serb.
21 Sideris
The Greek surname is closely linked to the metal iron. The word ‘Sideris’ comes from the Greek term for iron and is actually a hopeful expression in Greek, meaning ‘may a child grow as strong as iron’.
- Sotiropoulos
The last name comes from the Greek personal name Soterios and is based on the Latin term for ‘young bird’ or ‘chick.’
- Stefanopoulos
This Greek last name signifies a ‘son or descendant of Stefano’.
Irish Last Names Starting With S
- Saar
Despite having various meanings from different sources, this last name is interpreted as ‘The son of Sayer’ in Ireland.
- Sack
The surname ‘Sack’ is currently prevalent in Britain and Ireland. However, it has an Irish origin, derived from the French term ‘Sage’ which means ‘wise’.
- Saddler
Saddler is a common last baby name in Ireland. It was originally used to describe individuals who crafted saddles in the past.
- Salt
People of Irish descent whose last name is ‘Salt’ can trace their family ancestry back to Medieval England. The name originated from the place known as ‘Of Salt’, a village located in the parish of St. Mary and St. Chad.
- Samson
The surname ‘the Son of Samson’ can be traced back to numerous medieval documents in Ireland, England, Scotland, and Wales.
- Samuel
The surname ‘Samuel’ in Ireland has its roots in Medieval English and Hebrew writings that were brought by Crusaders in the 12th century. This name symbolizes ‘the name of God’.
- Scully
Scully is a well-known last name in Ireland and is the Anglicized and shortened version of ‘O Scolaidhe’, which translates to a ‘descendant of a scholar’.
- Sheehy
The baby name ‘Sheehy’ is an English version of the Gaelic name ‘Sitheach’, which translates to ‘peaceful’. It is a popular Irish surname that can also be interpreted as ‘mysterious’.
- Sheeran
The surname Sheeran comes from ‘O Sheeran’ or the anglicized ‘O Sirin’ which translates to ‘descendant of Sirin or Sioran’. Additionally, the term ‘Sioran’ signifies ‘long-lasting’.
- Sloan
If you are a follower of Grey’s Anatomy, you must be familiar with the surname ‘Sloan’. This baby name is a modified version of ‘Sluaghadhan’, which means ‘raid’ in ancient Irish.
- Sullivan
The surname ‘Sullivan’ is actually derived from ‘O Suileabhain’, which translates to ‘descendant of Suileabhan’.
Polish Last Names Beginning With S
- Sadowski
This last baby name indicates an individual who is associated with the region of Sadowice or Sadowo in the country. In Polish, the term ‘Sadowski’ translates to ‘sad’ or ‘garden’.’
- Serafin
This Polish surname comes from the word ‘serafim’ in Hebrew, which translates to ‘fiery ones’. Therefore, this baby name has its roots in the Bible.
- Sikora
The surname Sikora originates from Poland and is used as a nickname for individuals who are small and dark in appearance. It is derived from the word ‘titmouse’, which refers to a small type of bird.
- Sitko
The origin of the Polish surname ‘Sitko’ can be traced back to the term ‘sito’, meaning ‘a fine sieve’.
- Skala
The last name has its roots in Poland and was traditionally used to describe an individual living near a significant rock formation. It is worth noting that the term ‘Skala’ translates to ‘rock’ in Polish.
- Slusarki
The baby name is derived from the Polish word ‘Slusarz’, which translates to ‘locksmith’.
- Smolak
This baby name translates to ‘pitch’ and comes from the word ‘Smola’. This name is typically used to describe someone who works as a distiller of pitch.
- Sneigowski
Derived from the Old English word ‘Sneig’ which means ‘snow’, the surname Sneigowski is typically associated with individuals residing in snowy regions.
- Sobol
Sobol is a surname of Polish origin that was bestowed upon a fur trader, originating from the word ‘sobol’ which refers to a particular type of Marten, a wild animal.
- Sokolowski
The surname Sokolowski comes from the term ‘Sokol’, which translates to ‘falcon’. It was used to identify individuals from various locations in the Sokolow region of Poland.
- Sowka
This surname is distinctive and comes from the Polish term for owl, ‘sowa’.
- Starek
The surname Starek began as a nickname before evolving into a family name over time. It comes from the Polish word ‘stary’, which translates to ‘old’.
- Starowsta
The last name originates from the Polish term that signifies ‘chief’.
Spanish Last Names That Start With S
- Salas
Salas is a Spanish surname typically associated with individuals who are employed at a manor house. The name is derived from the plural form of the word ‘sala.’
- Salazar
Salazar is a popular Spanish surname that comes from the merging of ‘Sala’, which signifies ‘hall’, and ‘Zahar’, which means ‘old’. As a result, the name ‘Salazar’ translates to ‘old hall’. It is also associated with individuals hailing from the town of Salazar in Spain.
- Salvador
Salvador is named after Jesus Christ, who is the Saviour of the world. The surname originates from the Latin term ‘Salvator’, which translates to ‘savior’.
- Sanchez
Sanchez is a widely used Spanish surname that can be found worldwide. The baby name ‘Sanchez’ translates to ‘Son of Sancho.’ The name ‘Sancho’ comes from the Latin word ‘Sanctius,’ which signifies ‘holy’ or ‘saintly.’
- Santana
The baby name Santana originates from the name ‘Saint Anna’ and is commonly used as a surname for individuals residing in close proximity to St. Anna’s church.
- Santiago
The surname Santiago originates from the name ‘Saint James’. It was typically given to individuals who resided in the vicinity of St. James church.
- Serrano
The term ‘Serrano’ refers to a ‘sequence of peaks,’ and individuals with this surname were typically located near a mountain range or a grouping of hills.
- Seville
The surname was bestowed upon individuals who resided in the Spanish city of Seville.
- Solano
This surname is bestowed upon individuals who were associated with Solano in Spain. It originates from the Spanish word ‘Sol’ which translates to ‘Sun’.
- Sosa
This particular Spanish surname originates from the Latin term ‘salsus’, which translates to ‘salty’. It was typically bestowed upon individuals who resided close to the Sousa river.
- Sotomayor
This Spanish last name comes from individuals who resided in communities that were located near forests or wooded areas.
Did you find these Spanish names intriguing? Here are some additional commonly used Spanish surnames!
German Last Names Starting With S
- Schafer
This commonly used German last name comes from the term ‘Schafer’, which translates to shepherd in the German language.
- Schmidt
The surname originates from the German term for ‘blacksmith’ and was bestowed upon individuals working in this profession.
- Schroder
Schroder is a common German surname that is traditionally associated with the occupation of a tailor. The meaning of the word ‘Schroder’ in German is ‘to cut’.
- Schneider
Schneider is a common occupational surname for individuals of German descent, referring to someone who works as a tailor or a woodcutter.
- Stauder
This German surname is derived from a place name and is used to identify individuals who are associated with a densely wooded area.
- Schoff
The surname originates from the German term ‘Schoup’, which translates to ‘sheaf of grains’ and was typically bestowed upon individuals involved in brewing. Certain individuals think that the name’s origins can be traced back to ‘Scheffe’, which refers to a juror.
- Schwing
The surname was derived from the German word ‘Swingen’, which means ‘swing’ or ‘swingle’, and it was given to individuals who used a wooden tool called a swingle to extract fiber from the flax plant.
- Schwein
In German, the last name ‘Schwein’ is an occupational name given to someone who raises and cares for pigs and hogs.
- Steuber
The source of this typical German surname is the word ‘Stuba’, which translates to ‘room’ in the German language. It may come as a surprise to learn that this name is linked to a person who is the proprietor of a tavern, inn, or lodging for travelers.
Explore some other well-known German surnames on this list!
Jewish Last Names Starting With S
- Sachs
This popular Jewish surname is often used for individuals who were from Saxony in Germany. The term ‘Sachs’ comes from ‘sahs’, which translates to ‘knife’ or ‘small sword’ in Old German.
- Sackman
The surname ‘Sackman’, commonly used among Jews, comes from the term ‘Sack’, which translates to ‘descendant of the holy’.
- Sandler
The surname ‘Sandler’ comes from the word ‘sandler’ which translates to ‘shoemaker’. Individuals with this surname come from a line of ancestors who were cobblers.
- Sas
This surname is commonly used by individuals who authored religious texts for the Jewish faith.
- Sasson
Sasson is a Jewish last name that comes from the Hebrew word ‘Sason,’ which translates to ‘joy’ or ‘happiness’.
- Schatzman
In German, the term ‘Schatz’ translates to ‘treasure’, and this surname translates to ‘Treasure man’.
- Schapiro
Schapiro is a variation of the Jewish surname Shapiro, and it is a toponymic surname that originated from the Jews residing in Speyer, a city located in Germany.
- Shulman
The surname originates from the term ‘shul’ which signifies ‘synagogue’. Individuals from the Shamash family, who served as caretakers of a synagogue, adopted this Jewish last name.
- Spiegelberg
The surname ‘Spiegelberg’ is not derived from a place or occupation, but rather an embellished one. The meaning of ‘Spiegelberg’ is ‘mirror mountain’ in literal terms.
- Sternbach
The last name of Jewish origin comes from the combination of the German words ‘Stern’, which means ‘star’, and ‘bach’, which means ‘stream’.
- Stillman
Despite being a nickname, this Jewish last name actually originates from Germany. The surname comes from the words ‘still’, which translates to ‘quiet’, and ‘mann’, which means ‘man’.
Also check out these traditional Jewish last names.
Japanese Last Names Starting With S
- Sato
Sato is a prevalent surname in Northeastern Japan and is believed to originate from the words ‘Sa’, a bureaucratic title, and ‘To’, a Japanese character representing Fuji. The inclusion of ‘To’ in the surname links individuals with the Fujiwara Clan. Variations of this surname include ‘Saitou’, ‘Saitoh’, and ‘Saito’.
- Sakai
Sakai represents ‘rice wine’ as well as ‘well’. A number of well-known individuals with the surname Sakai, such as Kiyoshi Sakai and Maki Sakai, exist in Japan.
- Sakaguchi
This last name of Japanese origin is commonly seen in the western region of Japan and signifies someone who resides on a incline or slant.
- Sakamaki
This historic Japanese surname is formed by merging the terms ‘Saka’, which refers to ‘slope’, ‘incline’, or ‘hill’, and ‘Maki’, which denotes ‘shepherd’, ‘feed’, or ‘pasture’.
- Sakurai
Sakurai means ‘well blossomed cherry’ and is frequently seen in the eastern region of Japan.
- Sano
In the Japanese language, the word ‘Sano’ translates to ‘small field’, and these small fields can be seen throughout Japan.
- Sasaki
The term ‘Sa’ signifies ‘assistance’ while ‘ki’ translates to ‘tree’. This last name is well-known in the northeastern regions of Japan.
- Shibata
In Japanese pronunciation, this surname has two different meanings. One of the meanings is associated with the Tachibana family and signifies ‘rice paddy’, while the other meaning refers to ‘brushwood’ on the island of Kyushu.
- Shima
The surname originates from Japan and translates to ‘island’. It is predominantly seen in the region of Kyoto-Osaka in Japan.
- Sone
This last name is frequently found in the eastern regions of Japan as well as the Ryuku Islands. In the Japanese language, the term ‘Sone’ translates to ‘previous’ or ‘forefather’.
- Sugimoto
The last name Sugimoto is present in the lineage of the Miura and Ishii clans. The name Sugimoto translates to ‘the person residing below the cedar trees’ and is connected to a town close to Kamakura.
- Suzuki
The well-known Japanese last name signifies ‘bell tree’ and comes from the pampas grass known as ‘Susuki’ that is native to Japan. It is worth noting that this is the second most popular surname in Japan.
Below are some of the well-known Japanese surnames that you may be familiar with!
French Last Names Starting With S
- Sale
In French, the word ‘Sale’ translates to ‘salty’. It is thought that this surname was given to individuals who resided close to or were employed in a salty marsh.
- Sartre
Sartre was a French philosopher, playwright, novelist, political activist, biographer, and literary critic. He was a leading figure in 20th-century French philosophy and existentialism. Sartre’s work explores the concepts of freedom, choice, and individuality.
- Sauveterre
Sauveterre is located in the Gers department in the Occitanie region of southwestern France. The last name consists of two parts: ‘sauve’ meaning ‘safe’ and ‘terre’ meaning ‘land’.
- Schaeffer
Schaeffer was a famous individual. Despite being a popular last name in France, Schaeffer actually originates from Germany. The surname is thought to come from the word ‘schafaerre’, which translates to ‘manager’ or ‘head of the household’.
- Segal
Segal is a French surname related to occupation, indicating someone who cultivates or trades rye. This last name is derived from Latin word ‘secale’, which translates to ‘rye’.
- Sergeant
The French last name originates from the term ‘sergent’ which translates to ‘servant’. This term has its roots in the Latin word ‘servire’, signifying ‘to serve’.
- Serres
The French surname is of toponymic origin, coming from the term ‘serre’ which translates to a ‘ridge’ or ‘chain of hills’.
- Serrurier
This French last name was bestowed upon individuals who worked as locksmiths.
- Simon
This surname is frequently seen in Europe and has a French historical background. The name ‘Simon’ means ‘to listen’ when translated directly.
- Soulier
This is another occupational surname from France originating from the old French term ‘soulier’, which referred to a shoemaker. It could also have been derived from the term ‘soule’ which means ‘platform’.’
American Last Names That Start With S
- Sampson
The surname ‘Sampson’ is derived from the name ‘Samson’ and signifies being the offspring of someone named Samson. There are several other versions of this surname, such as Sansum, Samson, and Samsen.
- Sanders
The surname originates from Alexander the Great and was brought to America by crusaders after being introduced in Britain. Bernie Sanders, a well-known individual, bears this American last name.
- Sawyer
Does this American surname bring to mind Mark Twain’s well-known character Tom Sawyer? This last name comes from Medieval England and is an occupational surname that means ‘woodcutter’.
- Scott
The surname originates from Scotland and is linked to a Scottish man who conquered the west coast of Scotland in the 5th century AD. Walter Scott, a renowned author, shares this surname.
- Shaw
This American surname has roots in England and was typically given to individuals who lived near a small forest or grove.
- Shelton
The origins of this name can be traced back to the term ‘Scylf’ in Old English, which can be interpreted as ‘shelf’, ‘enclosure’, or ‘settlement’.
- Shepherd
This surname is widely used in both the UK and the US. It is derived from a person’s occupation, specifically being a shepherd or herder of livestock, such as sheep and cattle.
- Sidney
In the United States, Sidney is a commonly used name for both first and last names, with variations in spelling. The term ‘Sidney’ originated from Old English and translates to ‘wide island’. Sidney, also spelled as Sydney, is a well-liked surname that has appeared in popular works of fiction.
- Simmons
It is thought that the surname ‘Simmons’ has English origins and gained popularity among the people from Cornwall.
- Simpson
Simpson is a well-known surname in the United States. It translates to ‘the son of Sim or Simon’. The surname gained popularity due to a cartoon with the same name.
- Smith
Smith is a frequently seen last name in the United States, typically associated with someone who works with metal or as a blacksmith. Numerous well-known individuals share this surname.
- Spencer
The surname ‘Spencer’ is often associated with British nobility, but it is also a common American last name with origins in England. The name is thought to come from the word ‘spense’, which refers to a pantry.
- Stanley
Even though it is a common American surname, the name ‘Stanley’ has Old English origins and translates to ‘stone clearing’. There are many well-known people with this last name.
- Stevens
The surname ‘Stevens’ is widely recognized in America and has its origins in Europe, signifying descent from a person named Stephen.
- Stone
This surname has American roots but originated in Britain, and it was typically given to individuals residing in close proximity to a rock, stone boundary marker, or stone monument.
- Stewart
Stewart has roots in Scotland and historically referred to someone who managed the properties of a royal or noble family. Martha Stewart, the well-known American entrepreneur, shares this surname.
- Sullivan
The surname of American origin comes from the Irish word ‘suil,’ which translates to ‘eye.’ ‘Sullian’ is ranked as the 92nd most popular surname in the United States and the third most popular in Ireland.
- Summer
Summer is a baby name that can be of English or German origin and can be used as both a first and last name. Mark Summer, a well-known American jazz cellist, is a famous individual with this surname.
- Summerfield
The origins of this American surname can be traced back to Britain, specifically from the town of Summerfield in Wiltshire. It is considered a surname based on a person’s place of residence.
- Swanson
This is a commonly found surname in America, originating from the term ‘swein’ that translates to ‘servant’.
Frequently Asked Questions
Last names or surnames typically have interesting backgrounds and long-established beginnings. No matter where they come from or their place of origin, every surname carries a unique tale. Some surnames have unconventional significances, while others may just indicate the occupations of ancestors. As a result of migration and colonization, certain surnames can be seen in multiple countries. Therefore, if you encounter a famous person or individual with any of the aforementioned last names starting with ‘S,’ you might gain insight into their heritage without having to inquire further.
