Let’s take a look at the backgrounds of some well-known surname from America.
In the 2010 US Census, the name ‘Smith’ was mentioned over 2.442 million times, making it one of the most popular surnames in America. America is a diverse country with surnames coming from different cultures, backgrounds, and origins. Many people moved to America for work or other reasons and ended up making it their home. The most common surnames in the US typically have Irish or Scottish roots, as many early settlers came from these places. Here is a list of common native American last names and what they mean.
Top American Surnames Or Last Names With Meanings
1. Abbey
The surname Abbey comes from the Middle English word Abbeye and is typically used to describe a person who resides in or close to an abbey.
2. Abbott
The last name Abbott comes from England and Scotland and originally meant a priest. It started as a name for someone who worked as a priest or leader in a monastery.
3. Abel
The surname of Scottish and Anglo origin has a long history. It comes from a Hebrew name ‘Hebel’ which meant breath or vapor and was used as a term of affection. Abel was the second son of Adam and Eve in the Bible.
4. Abney
This last name has Norman roots and came to England during the Norman conquest of 1066. The Abney family resided in or close to the town of Abney in Derbyshire. This surname is also quite common in the United States.
5. Abraham
The surname comes from the Hebrew name Abram, which means ‘father of many nations.’ Jews consider Abram to be the ancestor of the Jewish population.
6. Abrahamson
This name comes from the last name Abraham and means ‘father of the nation.’ The name was first used in ancient Scotland.
7. Abram
This is a common Christian surname that is a variation of the Hebrew name Abraham. It is commonly found in Welsh regions and is also becoming popular in the United States.
8. Abramson
Abraham’s family name, Abramson, was originally from Balfeth, Scotland, in 1163. Some Abramson families later moved to Ireland, and over time, the surname became common in other countries as well.
9. Acker
Acker, just like many other English surnames, means ‘field’ and is connected to the word ‘acre.’
10. Ackerman
The surname Acker is derived from a combination of German and Old English words that refer to a ploughed field, while the surname Ackerman means a ploughman. One interesting fact is that a well-known American drummer named Willie Ackerman played alongside music legends like Johnny Cash and Louis Armstrong.
11. Adair
The surname from Scotland and Northern Ireland can also be written as Edzear. It is another version of the name Edgar, which means wealth. James Adair was a man from Northern Ireland who lived from about 1709 to about 1783. He was an Indian trader who moved to the United States.
12. Adams
In Hebrew, ‘adama’ means ‘earth.’ The ‘s’ in Adams usually shows a surname linked to being a descendant of Adam. Adams is the 39th most common surname in the US. One famous person with the last name Adams is Bryan Adams.
13. Adamson
The last name derived from the father’s name is called a patronymic surname, with ‘son of Adam’ being an example.
14. Adcock
The last name Adcock was first used in Yorkshire, England, before the Norman conquest in 1066 A.D. It comes from an old Anglo-Saxon name that means ‘Adam.’
15. Addison
This surname translates to ‘son of Adam.’ A well-known person with this last name was Joseph Addison, who was a respected writer, poet, and politician. He was friends with Jonathan Swift and Richard Steel.
16. Adkins
The last name Adkins originated in Westmorland and Northumberland during the ancient Anglo Saxon period. It comes from the name ‘Adams,’ which means ‘son of Adam.’ Adele, the famous English singer and songwriter, has this surname.
17. Aiken
Aiken is a surname of Scottish-Irish origin which is often used as a variation of the Scottish name ‘Aitken.’ It is also associated with the last name ‘Adams.’
18. Ainsworth
The surname Ainsworth comes from the Northwest of England. The word ‘worth’ in Anglo-Saxon means ‘enclosure,’ and ‘ain’ is thought to have been a person’s name. Some believe it was also a name for a village close to Manchester.
19. Alexander
This popular old family name comes from the Greek term ‘Alexandros,’ which translates to ‘protector of men.’ Alexander the Great was a well-known person with this name. In Scotland, this last name is commonly found in mountainous areas.
20. Allen
The last name Allen is commonly found in England, Wales, and Scotland, and is also listed in the British ‘Dictionary of National Biography.’ This surname originated in Ireland and is the 41st most popular surname in England. The famous American film director Woody Allen is a notable bearer of the Allen last name.
21. Anderson
The surname Anderson comes from England and Scotland, and it means ‘son of Andrew,’ which comes from the Greek word ‘Andreas’ meaning ‘man’ or ‘manly.’ Anderson is the eighth most popular last name in Scotland and the 52nd most popular in England.
22. Aaron
It is a last name that comes from Hebrew. Aaron is the older brother of Moses. In certain places, Aaron is used as a first name, even if the person is not Jewish.
23. Babcock
The surname Babcock is from Anglo-Saxon roots and is related to the name Bartholomew. It is also a short form of the name Babb. In medieval times, the female name Babb was often Barbara, which comes from the Greek word ‘barbaros’ meaning foreigner.
24. Bailey
The surname Bailey is often used as a status name for someone who acted as a steward or official in the past. The name comes from the Latin word ‘baiulus,’ which means porter, carrier, or attendant. It can also be a topographical name for someone who lived near the outer walls of a castle. One well-known person with the last name Bailey is the Australian cricketer George Bailey.
25. Baines
This last name from Scotland means ‘bones.’ The first known settlers with this surname arrived in the United States in the 17th century.
26. Baker
The last name Baker comes from old English roots that date back to the 8th century. Even though it is a name based on occupation, it doesn’t always mean the person is a baker. In the 1800s, this surname became very common in England, mostly because of Sir Samuel Baker, an explorer.
27. Baldwin
The surname Baldwin comes from the German name Baldavin, which means ‘bold or brave friend.’ It was a common name for courageous crusaders in the 12th century. One well-known Baldwin is the American writer James Baldwin, who discussed issues like racism and sexism in his writings.
28. Bancroft
The surname ‘Bancroft’ comes from Old English and it means ‘field of beans.’
29. Barber
The word ‘Barber’ comes from the Anglo-Norman French word ‘barbier’ which means ‘beard.’ During medieval times, barbers were not just skilled at cutting hair and shaving, but also performed tasks like pulling teeth and acting as surgeons.
30. Bennet
The last name comes from the Latin name ‘Benedictus,’ which means blessed. A well-known mention of the last name Bennet can be seen in Jane Austen’s book Pride and Prejudice.
31. Bardsley
This last name comes from England and is based on the name of a small village located near Lancashire.
32. Blakesley
The name Blakesley has origins in the Anglo-Saxon period. It comes from the word ‘Blæcleah,’ which means ‘dull wood’ or ‘dim clearing.’ The name also refers to a village in West Northamptonshire, England.
33. Bolton
Bolton is a surname that comes from different places in the northern part of England, like Lancashire. One well-known person with the last name Bolton is Michael Bolton, a popular American rock singer.
34. Bond
This surname is popular in many European countries. It comes from the Anglo-Saxon name ‘Bonde’ or ‘Bonda’ and was used as a status surname for a farmer. The most famous reference to this surname in popular culture is the action thriller hero James Bond.
35. Brooks
The surname is common among wealthy families in Germany, England, Scotland, and the US. It is a name given to someone who lives near a small stream or creek.
36. Brown
Brown is thought to be the second most popular last name in Canada and Scotland, third in Australia and the UK, and fourth in the US. It’s typically associated with people who have brown hair or skin, but can also describe someone who likes to wear brown clothes.
37. Butler
Originally from England and Ireland, the surname Butler comes from the French word ‘butiller,’ which means ‘wine steward,’ and the Latin word ‘butticula,’ which means ‘bottle.’ One famous person with this last name is the character Rhett Butler in the book Gone with the Wind by Margaret Mitchell.
38. Caldwell
It’s a surname that comes from various places in England and Scotland with the same name. The name usually signifies a place with chilly streams or springs.
39. Campbell
Originally from Gaelic origins, the surname was often used as a nickname referring to a person with a crooked mouth. The Campbell clan is recognized as one of the most powerful families in the Scottish Highlands.
40. Carman
This surname comes from ‘Karlmann’ or ‘Jarlmann,’ which are affectionate personal and baptismal names.
41. Carter
Carter is an old surname believed to have come from the Celtic word ‘cairt’ which means ‘cart.’ It is commonly associated with someone who works as a transporter of goods. One well-known person with the name Carter is former U.S. President Jimmy Carter.
42. Castillo
The surname Castillo is the 25th most common among Hispanic people. It usually indicated that someone lived close to a large fortified building or worked in a castle. The surname comes from the Latin word ‘castellum,’ which means ‘castle.’
43. Chadwick
This last name comes from Anglo-Saxon roots and translates to ‘settlement or community belonging to Chad.’
44. Chambers
Chambers is an English last name that originally referred to a man who worked in the private rooms of a lord as part of his job.
45. Chaplin
The sur name comes from France and England and is a job title for a clergyman who sings mass every day for the souls of the deceased. The well-known actor Charlie Chaplin had this last name.
46. Clark
This surname has been around for a long time and comes from Anglo-Saxon roots. It was originally used to describe someone who worked as a scribe, secretary, or in a lower religious position. The name Clark comes from the word ‘clerk.’
47. Collins
It is a last name that comes from the English and Scottish name Colin, which is a shorter form of Nicholas. Famous people with this surname include English musician Phil Collins and his well-known daughter Lily Collins.
48. Colt
This unique and uncommon medieval English surname is a term for someone whose job was to care for young horses.
49. Cook
The surname, found in forty entries in the ‘Dictionary of National Biography,’ comes from the Old English term ‘coc’ and is a name for someone who cooks or sells cooked meats. One well-known person with this surname is Tim Cook, the current CEO of Apple.
50. Cooper
The name ‘Cooper’ comes from the German word ‘kuper’ or ‘kup,’ which means container. Originally, it was used to describe people who made tubs, barrels, and containers. But over time, the meaning of the name has changed. Now, it is not just an occupational name. Anderson Cooper, a well-known television journalist, is a famous person with the last name Cooper.
51. Courtenay
The surname is from Norman descent and goes back to when the Normans conquered in 1066. It could mean the last name for people living in Courtenay or a nickname for a courtier with a short nose. ‘Court’ means short and ‘nes’ means nose.
52. Cox
This surname could be used for someone who lives near hills or as a nickname for a natural leader or someone who is ambitious. One well-known person with this last name is the actress Courtney Cox from the TV show Friends.
53. Croft
This last name comes from England and has been around since before the 6th century. One famous person with this surname is the character Lara Croft from the Tomb Raider video games.
54. Cruz
The surname ‘Cruz’ is an old Roman name that comes from the word ‘Crucis,’ which means ‘cross.’ Both Tom Cruz and Penelope Cruz, who are Hollywood actors, have this last name.
55. Davis
Originating as a derivative of the male name David, the surname Davis has been recognized in the ‘Dictionary of National Biography.’ It comes from Welsh roots and translates to ‘son of David.’ Davis ranks as the 7th most popular surname in the United States and is associated with the famous jazz musician Miles Davis.
56. Dalton
The surname comes from places with the same name and means ‘from the valley town.’ One famous person with this surname was the English scientist John Dalton (1766-1844).
57. Diaz
The surname is commonly of Spanish descent and was first discovered in the Kingdom of Castile during the Visigoth era. It is found in about 0.17% of the Spanish population. Some well-known individuals with this last name include the Hollywood actress Cameron Diaz and UFC fighter Nate Diaz.
58. Dickens
This is one of several last names derived from the name Richard. The meaning of the name is courageous and strong. Charles Dickens, known for his famous writings, was a notable individual with this surname.
59. Edgar
The surname ‘Edgar’ comes from an Old English word and combines ‘ead,’ which means wealth or luck, with ‘gar,’ which means spear.
60. Edison
The surname is of English origin and translates to ‘son of Edie.’ This surname belonged to Thomas Alva Edison, who invented the light bulb.
61. Edwards
This last name, which is a patronymic surname that means ‘son of Edward,’ has been around since before the 7th century. It is the 14th most popular surname in England.
62. Elliott
The last name comes from Scotland and England and comes from Ellis or Elias, which means ‘gracious of God.’
63. Evans
Originating from Wales, this name is a last name that means ‘son of Evan.’ The surname Evans is seen in various variations today, such as Evans, Evins, and Evance. It ranks as the 8th most popular surname in the United Kingdom.
64. Fairburn
The surname comes from Fairburn Yorkshire, and it means ‘stream where ferns grew’ because it combines the words for fern and stream.
65. Faulkner
This last name could come from two different origins. The first and more probable one is from the Old French job title for someone who takes care of or trains hawks.
66. Fiddler
An occupational name for someone who plays the fiddle professionally. The surname comes from Anglo-Saxon roots.
67. Fisher
It is also an Irish surname for people who lived close to a lake or river. The famous Star Wars actress Carrie Fisher had this last name.
68. Fleming
Fleming is a last name from Old French that refers to someone from Flanders. This name was introduced to Ireland by the Anglo-Norman settlers after the invasions led by Strongbow in the 12th century.
69. Fletcher
The surname comes from English, Scottish, and Irish backgrounds and refers to someone who makes or sells arrows for a living.
70. Flores
This surname is commonly found in Italy, Spain, France, and Portugal and has origins linked to Germanic languages. The surname comes from the Spanish word ‘flor,’ which means ‘flower,’ and is in its plural form.
71. Foster
The last name Foster comes from a job title for people who were in charge of keeping track of hunting grounds for a king. One famous person with this last name is American actress Jodie Foster.
72. Garcia
This is the most common surname in the region and originated in Spain. The surname comes from the word ‘artz,’ which means ‘bear,’ and has been around for centuries. The famous American guitarist Jerry Garcia had this surname.
73. Garner
This surname comes from medieval England and could have been given to someone who lived near a granary.
74. Gatsby
Jay Gatsby is the main character in the novel ‘The Great Gatsby’ written by F. Scott Fitzgerald. The surname comes from Germany and means ‘from Gaddesby.’ It became well-known thanks to American writer F. Scott Fitzgerald, who used it for the protagonist in his book The Great Gatsby.
75. Godfrey
This last name comes from the Old French name ‘Godefroy,’ which translates to ‘God’s peace.’
76. Gomez
The surname Gomez is of Spanish origin and is a patronymic name meaning ‘Son of Gome.’ A well-known person with this name is the German soccer player, Mario Gomez.
77. Gonzalez
It’s a surname with Spanish and Portuguese roots that dates back to the 5th century. The last name comes from the meaning ‘son of Gonzalo.’
78. Gray
This surname originated from an old nickname for someone with grey hair or clothes, either English or Scottish. One of the notable literary mentions of this name can be found in Oscar Wilde’s novel The Picture of Dorian Gray.
79. Green
This surname is typically given to someone who frequently wore the color green or lived in green surroundings. One well-known person with this last name is the French actor Eva Green.
80. Gutierrez
This surname is well-known and common in Spain. It has been used since the 5th century A.D and comes from the baptismal name Gutierre, which is a Spanish version of Walter.
81. Hamilton
This surname is a combination of English and Scottish roots. It comes from Old English words ‘hamel’ which means crooked or mutilated, and ‘dun’ which means hill. Long ago, there used to be a town with this name in Leicestershire, England. One famous person with this last name is the British race car driver Lewis Hamilton.
82. Hall
This last name comes from England and Scotland and is for someone who worked at a grand house or estate.
83. Hardy
This last name comes from the early Middle Ages in England and France and is a nickname for someone who is brave. It became well-known in books like The Hardy Boys series, which is a popular mystery series for children.
84. Harley
The surname comes from the English words ‘hare’ and ‘wood,’ ‘meadow,’ or ‘clearing.’
85. Harris
Harris is an old name from Scotland, Ireland, and England that comes from the name Henry, which means ‘ruler of the home’.
86. Hathaway
Anne Hathaway is a common English surname that originated from someone who lived near a path on a heath. One famous person who has this last name is the Hollywood actress Anne Hathaway.
87. Hepburn
It comes from northern English surnames that meant ‘tall burial mound’ in Old English. This last name was used by Mary Queen of Scot’s third husband, James Hepburn, Earl of Bothwall. Some famous people with this name are actors Katharine Hepburn (1907-2003) and Audrey Hepburn (1929-1993).
88. Hill
This last name is likely derived from someone living near hills, as indicated by the many entries in the ‘Dictionary of National Biography’ and numerous Coats of Arms.
89. Howard
This surname has been around since the 7th century.
90. Hughes
Hughes is a surname that is commonly used. It is a shortened version of several Germanic compound names that start with ‘hug,’ which means ‘heart’ or ‘mind.’ One famous person with this surname is the late English poet Ted Hughes.
91. Hunter
The surname Huntar has variations like Hunter, Huntress, and Huntriss, and it comes from England and Scotland. It was given to people who made a living by hunting animals.
92. Ibbott
The surname comes from the Norman name Hildebert and was first used during the Norman Conquest in 1066. It is a surname that comes from the name Ibota, which is a shorter form of Isabel.
93. Irwin
The surname comes from the old English name Eoforwine, which translates to ‘boar friend.’
94. Jackson
The surname in English translates to ‘son of Jack.’ Some well-known individuals with this name include former US president Andrew Jackson and the singer Michael Jackson.
95. James
This surname comes from both the Bible and the Crusades. James is a popular last name in Wales. Jefferson was responsible for various initiatives during his presidency. The name in English means ‘son of Jeffrey.’ One well-known person with this name was the American president Thomas Jefferson (1743-1826).
96. Jefferson
This surname is commonly found among African-Americans.
97. Jekyll
The last name Jekyll comes from a personal name meaning ‘generous lord’ in Breton. Robert Louis Stevenson named the character Dr. Henry Jekyll in his book Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde after this name.
98. Johnson
This is a well-known last name that comes from England and Scotland and dates back to the Middle Ages. It comes from the first name John.
99. Jones
The most common last name in Wales, this surname comes from medieval England. It is likely derived from the name John or the name Joan, following a pattern of naming after a parent.
100. Kay
The surname Kay or Kaye is of British origin and has multiple possible meanings. One common meaning comes from the old French word ‘kay,’ which refers to a wharf or quay. This surname is often used to describe someone who lived close to or worked on a wharf.
101. Kelly
Kelly is a last name that comes from various sources, including the Ui Maine. It can also be linked to specific places in Ireland and Britain, as well as family names in Irish. One famous person with the surname Kelly was the American actor and Princess Grace Kelly.
102. Kim
Kim is a highly respected and valued member of his community. More than one-fifth of South Korea’s population has this last name. The name can mean metal, iron, or gold.
103. Kipling
Kipling is a very famous author. The English surname comes from a town in Yorkshire. Rudyard Kipling, a famous writer, had this surname.
104. King
This last name is typically used for a tribal chief. It was given to someone who behaved like a king, someone who acted as a king in a medieval show, or maybe earned the title in a competition.
105. Lee
The famous surname comes from both English and Korean sources. It likely comes from a place name with the meaning of an open area in a forest or wood before the 7th century.
106. Lewis
Lewis is the surname of the person or entity being referred to. Lewis comes from a German name meaning famous battle. It is a common last name in the United States, Ireland, Scotland, and Wales.
107. Lockwood
The surname originates from a location in West Yorkshire and means ‘enclosed wood’ in Old English.
108. Long
This old surname comes from the Gaelic name Ó Longáin, which means ‘descendant of Longán,’ a person’s name. It is another surname that developed from the use of nicknames over time.
109. Lopez
The surname is derived from Spanish and means ‘son of Lope,’ with Lope meaning wolf. One well-known person with this last name is the American actor Mario Lopez.
110. Lyon
This surname comes from both English and French backgrounds. It was first used to describe someone from Lyon, a city in central France. It could also refer to someone from Lyons-la-Forêt, a small town in Normandy.
111. Madison
One well-known person with this last name was James Madison, the fourth president of the United States from 1751 to 1836. It comes from the name Mathieson, which means ‘son of Matthew.’
112. Marley
Originally from England, this surname used to describe someone who came from one of the places in Britain called Marley, which meant ‘pleasant wood’ or ‘boundary wood’ in Old English. One famous person with this last name was Bob Marley.
113. Marshall
While Marshall is commonly used in English and French, it actually originated from Germany before the 7th century. The surname Marshall has roots in ancient Norman history. It comes from the Old French word ‘mareschal,’ which ultimately comes from Germanic words meaning ‘horse’ and ‘servant.’ This surname was typically given to someone who took care of horses.
114. Martin
The surname Martin has nearly 200 variations. It comes from the Latin name ‘Martinus,’ which is linked to ‘Mars,’ the Roman god associated with fertility and war.
115. Martinez
Martinez is a common last name. The well-known name comes from the name ‘Martinus,’ which is based on the god of war, ‘Mars.’
116. Mercer
Another last name based on a person’s occupation, this English name was used for someone who traded textiles. It comes from the Old French word ‘Mercier,’ which comes from the Latin word ‘merx,’ meaning ‘merchandise.’
117. Mendoza
This is a fancy surname from Spain that describes a place. It translates to ‘cold mountain.’
118. Miller
It’s a last name that comes from someone who either owned or worked at a grain mill.
119. Mitchell
The last name, of English and Scottish descent, comes from the medieval Hebrew and Biblical name ‘Michel’ which means ‘One who is like the Lord.’ This surname was first documented in around 1160.
120. Moore
Moore is a common last name in the United States, ranking as the 16th most popular surname in 2000. It has Anglo-Celtic roots.
121. Morales
This surname belongs to the Morales family. This unique and intriguing last name comes from Spain and is a name for someone who lived near a blackberry or mulberry bush. One well-known person with this surname is Evo Morales, who used to be the President of Bolivia.
122. Morgan
This Gaelic-Celtic last name has been commonly used since before Christianity. The Welsh last name comes from the old Welsh name ‘Morcant,’ which likely means ‘sea chief,’ ‘sea protector,’ or ‘sea defender.’
123. Morris
This last name is commonly found in the British Isles. It comes from the first name Maurice, which comes from the Latin word ‘maurus’ meaning dark or moorish.
124. Murphy
This surname is commonly seen in Ireland and is believed to come from the Gaelic name ‘O’ Murchadha,’ which translates to ‘descendant of the Sea Warrior.’ Eddie Murphy, a well-known American actor and comedian, shares this surname.
125. Myers
The name originates from medieval England and is a patronymic name that means ‘son of a mayor.’ Myers also comes from Germany and means ‘steward’ or ‘bailiff.’
126. Nash
Nash is a surname that comes from Middle English and is used to describe someone who lived close to an ash tree. A well-known person with this name was John Nash, a mathematician who lived between 1928 and 2015.
127. Nelson
Nelson is a last name that means ‘son of Nell,’ which is derived from the Irish name Neal, originating from the Gaelic name Niall, signifying ‘champion.’ This surname is also shared by the American musician Willie Nelson.
128. Newton
Have you ever heard of Sir Isaac Newton, the English physicist known for discovering gravity? The term ‘new town’ is used to name several English towns.
129. Nicholson
Nicholson is a surname that originates from Germany and Scotland. It comes from the first name Nichol, which was a popular version of Nicholas during medieval times. The famous actor Jack Nicholson, who has won three Oscars, has this last name.
130. Nixon
The English surname means ‘son of Nicholas.’ One well-known person with this last name was the American president Richard Nixon (1913-1994).
131. Norman
This last name in English describes someone who came from Scandinavia or Normandy originally. The name comes from the word ‘noromenn’ in Scandinavian, which means ‘men from the north.’
132. Osborne
Although this surname is from medieval England, it actually comes from the ancient Vikings. The Vikings liked to have names that showed power and victory, matching their warrior reputation. The surname comes from the Viking name Asbjorn, which means ‘god bear.’
133. Overton
This last name indicated that the person came from one of several places in England called Overton, which means ‘upper settlement’ or ‘riverbank settlement’ in Old English.
134. Palmer
This last name comes from the word ‘palme’ which means ‘palm tree’ in Anglo-French.
135. Parish
The last name can be interpreted in different ways, but it is usually thought to be a surname given to people who come from the city of Paris in France.
136. Parker
In Middle English, the name means ‘keeper of the park’ and refers to someone who was in charge of maintaining a park.
137. Peacock
The peacock is a large and colorful bird native to South Asia and parts of Africa. The surname ‘Peacock’ comes from a term often used to describe someone who is proud and arrogant. It might have also been used as a last name for someone who raised birds.
138. Perez
Petros, which means The Rock, has resulted in the highest number of given names and surnames that came from the Christian Church. Approximately 700 variations of this name can be found.
139. Perry
This surname, from Old English, comes from the word ‘pirige,’ which means ‘pear tree.’ The Latin root of the word is ‘pirum,’ which means ‘pear.’ Two well-known people with this surname also happen to have the same first name. One of them is Katy Perry, the famous American singer and songwriter.
140. Peterson
This last name comes from the father’s name Peter, which means ‘son of Peter.’ Peter originates from the Greek word ‘Petros,’ which translates to ‘rock’ or ‘stone.’
141. Phillips
This surname comes from medieval England and means ‘son of Phillip,’ with Phillip coming from the Greek name Philippos which means ‘friend of horses.’
142. Presley
Elvis Presley, a well-known musician, had the English version of the surname ‘Priestley.’
143. Price
Price is a surname that comes from the Welsh term ‘ap Rhys,’ meaning ‘son of Rhys.’ This surname symbolizes ‘enthusiasm’ in Welsh culture and is well-known in Wales as a surname.
144. Queen
It comes from a personal name that originated from the Old English word ‘cwen,’ which means ‘queen’ or ‘woman.’ Sometimes, it might have been used as a nickname.
145. Radcliffe
Radcliffe is a place or a surname that is often used to refer to a specific person or location. Various places in England have the name meaning ‘red cliff’ in the Old English language. Daniel Radcliffe, famous for playing Harry in the Harry Potter movies, is a well-known person with this name.
146. Ramsey
Ramsey comes from the Old English words ‘hramsa,’ which means ‘garlic,’ and ‘eg,’ which means ‘island.’ This surname is associated with the famous person Aaron Ramsey.
147. Reed
It comes from the English word ‘read,’ which means ‘red.’ It was likely originally used as a nickname for someone who has red hair.
148. Remington
This special last name comes from the Anglo-Saxon tradition and is a surname for those who live in a town called Remington near Gisburn in West Yorkshire.
149. Rey
The last name is of English origin and it means ‘female roe deer’ in Old English, suggesting that the person may have a nervous personality.
150. Richardson
This last name is a version of a person’s name that means ‘son of Richard.’
151. Ripley
It is a name that comes from English towns. The name comes from an Old English word meaning ‘strip of land’ and ‘clearing.’
152. Rivera
The last name comes from Spain and Italy and is probably a name based on where someone lives near a river.
153. Roberts
The surname Roberts has more than 70 different spellings and variations. It comes from England and Scotland and is famously held by Hollywood actress Julia Roberts.
154. Robinson
It is a common last name from the British Isles, which means ‘son of Robin.’
155. Rodney
The last name comes from Rodney Stoke, a place in Somerset. It can also be linked to Rodney, a small moss island in the parish of Wedmore in the same county.
156. Rodriguez
The surname, which is old and respected, means ‘son of Rodrigo’ and has been documented in various versions such as Roderick in English, Rodiger in German, Rodriguez in Spanish, and Rodrigues in Portuguese.
157. Rogers
A patronymic version of the name Roger, this surname comes from England and Scotland. It is made up of the words ‘hrod,’ which means fame, and ‘gari,’ which means spear. One well-known person with this surname is the country singer Kenny Rogers.
158. Rose
Rose has been a Scottish surname since the early 1300s. It might have been given to people who lived close to rose gardens or to those with a rosy complexion.
159. Ross
Ross is a common first name, but it is also a Scottish family name. Bob Ross, a beloved American painter, had the last name Ross.
160. Roydon
This English last name comes from a place name that means ‘rye hill.’ The name has two parts in Old English, ‘ryge’ for ‘rye’ and ‘dun’ for ‘hill.’
161. Ruiz
The Spanish surname Ruiz comes from the Germanic name ‘Hrodric,’ which means ‘fame’ and ‘power.’ Ruiz can also be a way of saying ‘son of Roderick’ from the name Ruy, short for Rodrigo.
162. Russell
Russell is a Norman-French name that is commonly used by Americans and people in English-speaking countries. The nickname Russell means ‘little red one,’ possibly referring to someone with red hair. Andre Russell is a well-known cricket player from the West Indies.
163. Sackville
This well-known last name comes from the name of a French town called Saqueneville in Normandy.
164. Sampson
The name comes from a version of the name Samson used in medieval times and it means ‘son of Samson.’ Some common variations of this last name are Samson, Sansom, Sansum, and Samsen.
165. Sanchez
This well-known last name from Spain and Portugal has various versions such as Sancho and Sanz. It comes from the Latin word ‘sanctus,’ which means ‘innocent’ and ‘sacred.’ A famous individual with this surname is the Chilean soccer player Alexis Sanchez.
166. Sanders
The surname Alexander is derived from a Greek personal name. It was brought to Britain by crusaders and pilgrims. Bernie Sanders, a well-known US senator and Presidential candidate, has this surname.
167. Savage
This last name comes from the Old French word ‘sauvage,’ which means ‘untamed,’ and originates from the Latin word ‘silvaticus,’ which means ‘wild,’ or ‘from the woods.’
168. Sawyer
The Adventures of Tom Sawyer, tells the story of the main character who got his name from a Middle English job title that means ‘woodcutter.’ In Old English, the word ‘sagu’ meant ‘saw.’
169. Scott
This surname comes from Gaelic roots and was given to a Scottish person who helped conquer the west coast of Scotland in the 5th century AD. The famous Scottish writer and poet Sir Walter Scott has this surname.
170. Shakespeare
The origins of this surname have been debated, but it is most commonly believed to come from a nickname for someone who used a spear or was combative. The surname became well-known thanks to the famous English writer William Shakespeare.
171. Shelton
This name comes from the names of different places in England, such as Nottinghamshire, Bedfordshire, Norfolk, Shropshire, and Staffordshire. These places were named after the words in Old English that mean ‘shelf’ and ‘enclosure’ or ‘settlement.’
172. Shepherd
Originating from the Anglo-Saxon people in Britain, this surname typically refers to someone who works as a shepherd or a town guard.
173. Sidney
This surname comes from England and is found in different places there. There is a city named Sidney in Australia. The name comes from Old English and means ‘wide island’.
174. Simpson
This surname in English means ‘son of Sim,’ with Sim being a nickname for Simon, who carried the cross for Jesus in the Bible. The surname became even more popular because of the animated TV show The Simpsons, which features an American family.
175. Smith
Smith is likely one of the most common last names in America. It means ‘metalworker’ or ‘blacksmith’ and comes from the Old English word ‘smiþ,’ which means ‘to smite’ or ‘to hit.’ One well-known person with this surname was the Scottish economist Adam Smith.
176. Spencer
Spencer is a last name given to someone who provides food. This English surname comes from the Middle English word ‘spense,’ which means ‘storage room for food.’
177. Stanley
This name in English means ‘stone clearing’ in Old English. Sir Henry Morton Stanley, a famous British-American explorer and journalist, also had this surname.
178. Statham
Statham is a last name that comes from a village in Cheshire, England. The word stæð in Old English means ‘wharf’ or ‘landing place,’ while ham means ‘home’ or ‘settlement.’
179. Stewart
This popular Scottish last name is usually given to a person who was in charge of managing the property of a royal or noble family.
180. Summerfield
Summerfield is an English surname that comes from the place called Summerfield in Wiltshire.
181. Swanson
Swanson comes from the Middle English word ‘swein,’ which means ‘servant.’ The word has its origins in Old Norse.
182. Tanner
This popular last name in America describes someone who used to tan leather. The term ‘tannian’ in Old English means ‘to tan.’
183. Taylor
The name Taylor comes from the Old French term ‘tailleur,’ which means ‘tailor.’ The Latin root word ‘taliare’ means ‘to cut.’ One well-known person with this name is the iconic Hollywood actress Elizabeth Taylor.’
184. Tennison
Tennison is a name derived from Dennis, and it means ‘son of Dennis.’ It is a form of the surname ‘Tenney’ found mostly in the north of England.
185. Thatcher
This traditional English last name is connected to someone who used straw to thatch roofs. One well-known individual with this surname was Margaret Thatcher, who was the Prime Minister of the UK from 1979 to 1990.
186. Thomas
The surname comes from the Aramaic word “t’om’a,” which means “twins.” There are more than two hundred different ways to spell this last name. It is well-known around the globe.
187. Thompson
The well-known last name comes from the name Thomas. Actress Dame Emma Thompson is one of the people who has this surname.
188. Timberlake
The old English name originating from an English town means timber wood. The term ‘Lake’ is derived from the word ‘lacu,’ referring to a pool, stream, or water body. Justin Timberlake is a well-known person with this last name.
189. Torres
This last name comes from ancient Rome and is believed to have been given to people who lived in or owned a strong castle or fortress. One famous person with this surname is the Spanish soccer player Fernando Torres.
190. Turner
This is probably a last name given to someone who works with wood, metal, or bone by shaping it on a lathe. It comes from the Anglo-Norman French word ‘torner.’
191. Walker
This well-known surname appears in the ‘Dictionary of National Biography’ over fifty times. It was either originally used to describe someone who worked with cloth or came from a place called Walker in Northumberland. The famous actor Paul Walker had this last name.
192. Ward
Ward is a surname that originated in Old English, either from someone who worked as a guard or keeper, or from a location near a marsh.
193. Watson
The surname Watson comes from England and Scotland and means ‘son of Walter.’ It is one of the most popular English surnames. Emma Watson, known for her role in Harry Potter, has this surname.
194. White
The surname White is often used to describe someone with very light hair or complexion. It comes from the Middle English word ‘whit,’ which means ‘white.’
195. Williams
This surname comes from France, England, and Italy, and means ‘son of William.’ Two well-known people with this surname are the famous American tennis players Venus Williams and Serena Williams.
196. Wilson
This surname from medieval England and Scotland comes from the name ‘Will.’ It is typically understood to mean a variation of ‘William,’ which combines ‘will’ for ‘desire’ and ‘helm’ for ‘helmet’ or ‘protection.’ Woodrow Wilson, the 28th President of the United States, had this surname.
197. Woolf
The last name was first noted in the early 1100s. An example of someone with this surname is the well-known English writer Virginia Woolf who lived from 1882 to 1941.
198. Wood
This last name comes from a word that describes someone who lived or worked in a forest. The surname was first documented in the early 1200s.
199. Wright
The term ‘Wright’ is given to someone who works with wood to create machinery or objects. This term comes from an Old English word meaning ‘craftsman.’ The Wright brothers, well-known inventors, were known by this surname.
200. Young
The interesting surname comes from Middle English and comes from ‘yunge’ or ‘yonge,’ which means ‘The youthful one.’
Frequently Asked Questions
Many people use surnames to refer to others, showing the significance of your last name. Here are some common American surnames with roots in English, Irish, and Scottish backgrounds. Names like James, Thomas, and Parker have been popular for a long time. However, some surnames have changed over time recently.
