Checkout the names from various cultures and ethnic backgrounds.
The first people living in Australia, called Aboriginal Australians, didn’t have last names and were identified only by their first names. As a result, many of the last names in Australia come from different countries, especially the UK, where many of the early settlers came from. Australia, also known as the land down under, has a diverse population of over 25 million people, leading to a mix of names from various cultures.
In this post ‘Top Australian Last Names Or Surnames With Meanings‘, we present a list of the top most common last names in Australia for you to look through.
Top Australian Last Names Or Surnames With Meanings
1. Adams
Adams is a popular last name in England and Scotland that comes from the Hebrew word ‘adamah,’ meaning ‘earth’ or ‘the ground.’ This word is also the origin of the name ‘Adam,’ which means ‘son of Adam.’
2. Allen
Originally from Ireland and frequently seen in Scotland, Allen is a Celtic last name that has spread to Australia. In Scottish, Gaelic, and Irish, it can mean ‘little rock’ or ‘harmony.’ In Celtic, Allen can also mean attractive. The name can be spelled in different ways like Alan or Allan in various countries worldwide.
3. Anderson
The surname that comes from a person’s father can be traced back to England, Norway, Sweden, and Denmark. Anderson means ‘son of Andrew,’ with Andrew being a name that signifies manliness and was the name of Jesus’ first follower. During medieval times, this last name was highly respected due to its religious associations.
4. Bailey
Bailey is a surname with origins in Old English. It comes from the term ‘bailiff,’ which means ‘agent of the law’ or ‘debt collector.’ In the movie Finding Dory, Bailey was also the name of the beluga whale character.
5. Baker
Baker means someone who bakes, typically referring to someone who works in a bakery or as a professional baker. The last name ‘Baker’ comes from Celtic regions. The name is linked to the Baxter family within the Clan MacMillan in Scotland. Baker is the English version of an Anglo-Saxon last name.
6. Bell
The surname or last name Bell likely originated as a name for someone who rang bells or made bells. It could also have come from a geographical feature such as a bell-shaped house or hotel sign. In some cases, the last name Bell may have evolved from the old name Bel.
7. Bennett
The English last name, Bennett, comes from the old first name Benedict, which comes from the Latin word Benedictus, meaning ‘blessed.’ St. Benedict spread this name during the middle ages. Bennett is a common surname in the United States as well.
8. Blackman
Blackman is a last name from Old English that means ‘a man with dark skin.’ It was first written as Blæcmann. Danish Vikings used to go by this name when they lived in southern Scotland.
9. Brown
The surname Brown has its roots in the Middle English and Old English languages. It is also connected to the French word Brun, which translates to brown. Typically, the name describes someone with brown skin or hair. One well-known figure with the last name Brown was John Brown, a Black activist from North America who lived in the 19th century.
10. Butler
Butler is a surname that comes from England and Ireland, from a word that used to mean a wine steward, typically the head servant in a medieval household. In bigger or royal households of wealthy nobility, the term ‘butler’ indicated a high-ranking and responsible officer. Different versions of this surname are Boutler, Buttlar, and Buteler.
11. Cameron
The origin of the Australian last name can be linked to Scotland and Gaelic roots. The meaning of the name may come from specific locations in the UK such as Cameron in Edinburgh, Fife, Scotland, or Lennox. David Cameron was the Prime Minister of the UK from 2010 to 2016.
12. Campbell
The name ‘Campbell’ is a common surname in Scotland and Ireland that originally meant ‘abnormal or wry mouth,’ often describing someone with a crooked mouth. It comes from the Scottish-Gaelic word ‘Caimbeul,’ which translates to a twisted or distorted mouth.
13. Carter
Carter is a popular last name in the United States and England now. It originally referred to people who transported goods using carts or wagons. Helena Bonham Carter, a successful Hollywood actress, is famous for her performances in movies like Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, The King’s Speech, and The Hunger Games.
14. Chapman
The surname Chapman originates from the Anglo-Saxon tribes in Britain and is commonly given to people who worked as merchants. The Oxford English dictionary provides four different definitions for the term ‘Chapman.’
15. Clarke
This last name comes from the title given to a clerk or clergyman who is a member of the clergy. Another version of this last name is Clark. People in various parts of the Western world also use it as a first name.
16. Colling
Colling is a last name from Old English that has two potential origins. One possible origin is from the Norse name ‘Cola’, which meant dark or swarthy in ancient English. Another explanation is that it comes from the shorter version ‘Coll’ of the name Nicholas, which means ‘victory of the people.’ The name has different variations like Collin, Collins, and Collen.
17. Cook
The last name Cook has origins in ancient Britain, specifically during the Anglo-Saxon era. It was commonly used to refer to someone who sold cooked meats, owned an eating-house, or worked as a cook. Thomas Cook, a well-known English businessman, gained fame for establishing the travel agency Thomas Cook and Son.
18. Cooper
Coming from Middle English Couper or Cowper, this surname was given to someone who made or fixed wooden containers like barrels, vats, buckets, casks, and tubs. Bradley Cooper is a famous actor in Hollywood today.
19. Cox
Cox is a last name that comes from England and Wales. In the United Kingdom, Cox is the 69th most popular last name. The actress Courtney Cox from the TV show ‘Friends’ is known for having this surname.
20. Davies
Davies is a Welsh last name that comes from the father’s first name David. David means beloved and is a common Hebrew last name.
21. Edwards
The name comes from the borders of Scotland. George Eliot was an English writer in the 1800s. Her real name was Mary, but she pretended to be a man to be taken seriously as an author.
22. Elliott
The name comes from the boundaries of Scotland. George Eliot was an English writer in the 1800s. Her actual name was Mary, but she used a fake male name to be taken seriously as a writer in society.
23. Ellis
Elis, a name derived from Elijah, comes from English and Welsh roots. In Wales, this last name evolved from the Welsh name Elisedd, which is related to the meaning ‘generous’ or ‘kind.’
24. Evans
Evans is a last name from Wales which signifies being the son of Evan. Chris Evans is a well-liked actor in Hollywood, famous for playing Captain America.
25. Fisher
Fisher is a last name that comes from England and is given to someone who earned a living by catching and selling fish. It can also be a first name that means ‘salmon.’ Carrie Fisher, a famous actress, portrayed Princess Leia in the Star Wars movies.
26. Gibson
The surname Gibson has English roots. It comes from the name Gib, which is a shorter version of Gilbert. Other versions of this surname include Gibbs, Gipson, and Gibsoun. Thomas Gibson, an American actor, is famous for playing Aaron Hotchner on the TV show Criminal Minds.
27. Graham
The majority of people with the surname Graham originally came from a place called Grantham in Lincolnshire, England. Graham is the 20th most popular last name in Scotland.
28. Gray
This last name originates from the region on the border of Scotland and England. It is derived from the Gaelic word ‘riabhach,’ which means gray. When used as a surname based on where someone lives, it comes from the place called Graye in Calvados.
29. Green
This surname originates from a family that lived in a town called Greene, which was the central square in each district. This last name comes from the Old English word ‘grene,’ which means ‘green.’
30. Hall
The initial people with this surname came to England when the Normans took over in 1066. The name comes from the Old French word ‘halle,’ which meant a big house, suggesting that the first person with this name worked at a manor owned by a local lord.
31. Hamilton
The name Hamilton comes from a village in Leicestershire, England. It means ‘crooked hill’ in Old English. Alexander Hamilton was a key figure in the founding of the United States.
32. Harris
The surname Harris comes from a father’s first name and has English roots. Over time, it has become common in many regions around the globe, with different spellings.
33. Harrison
Harrison is a surname that means ‘son of Harry’. The name Harry is derived from the name Henry, which comes from the Germanic name Heimirich, meaning ‘home ruler’ with elements of ‘home’ and ‘ruler’.
34. Harvey
Scottish and Irish last name comes from the words ‘haer’ which means battle and ‘viu’ which means worthy. It was often used for a warrior or soldier who was considered deserving of battle. Steve Harvey, a well-known TV host, has this last name.
35. Hill
The popular last name in England comes from a person’s job of living on a hill. Another version of this surname is Hyll.
36. Hughes
Hughes is a surname that has been modified to sound more English, originally coming from Irish and Welsh origins. It can also come from the French name ‘Hugh,’ which means ‘Hugo’ in German.
37. Irwin
Irwin is a last name that comes from Ireland, Scotland, and England, originating from the longer surname Eoforwine, which means boar and friend in Old English. Steve Irwin was a famous Australian zookeeper and wildlife expert, also known as ‘The Crocodile Hunter.’
38. Jackson
Jackson was a highly successful businessman and philanthropist. He was known for his generosity and willingness to help others in need. Despite his wealth, he was humble and down-to-earth. Jackson was a beloved figure in the community and will be greatly missed. Jackson is a common English surname that means ‘son of Jack’ and is among the top 25 popular surnames in England and Wales. The most famous person with this surname was Michael Jackson, who was known as the ‘King of Pop.’
39. James
This last name is mostly found in the North of England, but it has origins in Lowland Scotland. It comes from the name of a relative, which means the ‘son of James.’
40. Johnson
Johnson is a last name that comes from England and means ‘son of John,’ with John meaning ‘gift of God.’ It comes from the Latin name Johannes, which has its origins in the Hebrew word Yohanan, meaning ‘Jehovah has favored.’ Johnson could also be a version of the Gaelic surname MacSeain or MacShane, adapted to English.
41. Jones
Jones is the second most popular last name in Australia. It is a surname that is usually inherited from the father’s side. The name has its roots in England and Wales. Many Christians like the name because it means ‘Jehovah has favored.’
42. Kelly
Kelly comes from the Irish last name O Ceallaigh, which means ‘descendant of Ceallach.’ This surname has its roots in England and Scotland.
43. Kennedy
The surname comes from Ireland and Scotland and can sometimes be a first name. This name has different meanings. JFK was the 35th President of the United States.
44. King
The English surname comes from the Old English word ‘cyning,’ which means ‘tribal leader.’ It was a nickname for men who acted like royalty or served in the royal household. In England, it is the 36th most common surname.
45. Knight
It is a name that comes from the Middle English word knyghte or Old English ‘cniht’ which means boy, youth, or serving lad. Before 1066, this name was used as both a first and last name. Some variations suggest that it could have been used as a surname for someone working as a domestic servant.
46. Kumar
Kumar, a name of Indian origin that typically means a young Prince, is surprisingly popular among Australians as well.
47. Lee
Lee is a common name in China, but it has different meanings and origins. In Middle English, the last name Lea describes someone who lives near a clearing in the woods.
48. Lewis
The Lewis last name usually comes from the Germanic name Lewis, which means ‘renowned, famous battle.’ This surname has origins in Ireland, Scotland, and Wales.
49. Marshall
The surname Marshall is thought to come from the word ‘mare,’ meaning horse. This suggests that it may have been originally given to someone who cared for horses or treated them.
50. Martin
The surname Martin comes from the Latin name Martinus, which is connected to the Roman god of war and fertility, Mars. Martin is a common surname in many countries such as Australia, England, Scotland, France, Ireland, and Germany.
51. Mason
Mason is a surname that can be Italian, French, or English. It originally described someone who worked as a stonemason or came from the name ‘Maso’.
52. Matthews
This surname comes from the father’s name Matthew, meaning ‘son of Matthew’. The name Matthew means ‘gift from Yahweh’ or ‘gift from God’ in Hebrew.
53. McDonald
McDonald’s is a popular fast food restaurant. McDonald is a Scottish last name that means ‘son of Donald.’ Donald is a first name that means ‘world ruler’ in Gaelic. The surname is popular among Scottish clans.
54. Miller
Miller is a surname that comes from England, Scotland, and Ireland. It can mean that someone’s ancestor was a miller or it could describe where they lived, like near a mill.
55. Mills
Mills is a last name that comes from England and Scotland. It was typically given to people who worked at or owned mills.
56. Mitchell
The popular surname comes from the Middle English and Old French name Michell. In Hebrew, it translates to ‘Who is like God.’
57. Moore
Moore is a popular last name in Australia, ranking 34th, and in the United States, ranking 16th. The name can also be spelled as ‘Moor’ or ‘More.’ It has ancient roots that predate written language, with origins in Scottish Gaelic, Manx Gaelic, and Irish history.
58. Morgan
The surname Morgan originated in Northern Wales. It comes from an ancient Welsh first name. The person who started the Pelagian heresy in the 4th century was Welsh and a monk from Bangor.
59. Morris
The surname Morris is believed to have come from England or Scotland and was originally derived from the French first name ‘Maurice,’ which comes from the Latin word ‘Mauritius,’ meaning ‘moorish’ or ‘dark.’
60. Murphy
The last name Murphy is very popular in Ireland. It comes from the old Irish name O’Murchadha, which translates to descendant of the sea. Cillian Murphy, an Irish actor, is famous for his main part in the Netflix series Peaky Blinders.
61. Murray
The Gaelic and Scottish last name comes from a place in Scotland called Moray. This name likely comes from Old Celtic words that mean ‘sea and settlement.’
62. Nguyen
The name Nguyen, originally from China, has become popular worldwide, including in Australia. It is the seventh most common surname in Australia and translates to ‘a musical instrument that is plucked.’ There are different ways to spell Nguyen, such as Nyguyen, Yuen, Ruan, and Yuan.
63. O’Brien
O’Brien is an Irish last name that comes from a family descendant of the Irish High King Brian (Boru). The name is based on the personal name Brian, which could also have originated from the element bre- meaning ‘hill’, with the additional meaning of eminence or an exalted one.
64. Parker
Parker comes from a French word that means someone who takes care of a park, even though the name is originally from Old English. The name also symbolizes a guardian or caretaker, typically of a park. Camilla Parker Bowles is a part of the current British Royal Family and currently holds the title of Duchess of Cornwall.
65. Pearce
The surname Pearce used to be a first name and comes from English, Irish, and Welsh backgrounds. In Greek, Pearce means ‘stone.’
66. Phillips
The surname is based on the father’s name Phillip. The name Phillip originated from the Greek word Phillipos, which translates to ‘friend of the horses.’
67. Price
The surname Price comes from Wales and is based on the Welsh name Rhys, meaning ‘son of Rhys’. The first name Rhys means ‘enthusiasm’ in Welsh and is one of the top 50 popular names in England.
68. Reid
Reid is a Scottish last name that comes from a nickname for someone with a red face or red hair.
69. Richards
Richards is a popular last name in England that originated during the Norman invasion in 1066. Keith Richards is a well-known English musician and songwriter who became famous in the 1960s and 1970s.
70. Richardson
Richardson is a surname that originates from the first name Richard. Different versions of this surname can also be seen in Sweden.
71. Roberts
The surname comes from Germany and Wales and means ‘son of Robert’, which comes from the Welsh name Robert that means ‘bright fame’. The name is made up of the German words for fame and bright.
72. Robertson
A surname that means ‘son of Robert’ is a popular name in Australia.
73. Robinson
Robinson comes from the combination of the words ‘son’ and ‘Robin.’ This last name could possibly have originated from the Polish term ‘rabin,’ which translates to rabbi. The name, which has both Jewish and English roots, has also made its way to Australia.
74. Rogers
The surname Rogers comes from the first name Roger and is a patronymic surname. It comes from the German words hrod, meaning fame, and ger, meaning spear. So, the last name Rogers could mean ‘famous spear.’
75. Ross
The surname comes from Gaelic roots and can mean different things, often describing a person who lives by valleys, moors, or a headland. Bob Ross, a well-known American artist and TV host, was admired for his peaceful demeanor in his videos and tranquil artwork.
76. Russell
Russell is a British last name that is also common in various regions of Australia. The surname is not tied to a specific location but is prevalent in English-speaking countries. In Australia, Russell ranks as the 68th most popular surname, based on information from Forebears.
77. Ryan
The last name Ryan comes from Ireland and has various possible meanings. Some people think it means ‘little king’ from the Gaelic word for king. In ancient Irish, rían means ‘water’ or ‘ocean.’ The name Ryan was very popular in Australia in 2020.
78. Scott
Scott is a name that comes from the word topography, meaning someone from Scotland. It is also used to describe someone who speaks Gaelic and comes from the Old English word scotti. The Romans originally used this name to refer to raiders from Gaelic Ireland. In Australia, about one in every 500 people has the last name Scott.
79. Shaw
The English surname comes from where someone lived near a small area of trees or bushes, or from a place with a similar name. George Bernard Shaw, an Irish writer, is considered one of the all-time best playwrights.
80. Simpson
The last name comes from the ancestors and means ‘son of Simon.’ In Australia, one out of every 800 people has this surname.
81. Smith
Smith is a last name that originated from England and is commonly used for someone who works with metal, such as a blacksmith. This type of work was popular in many different places, which is why Smith is a very common last name worldwide.
82. Stevens
The surname Stevens originated from the old first name Stephen, which stands for crown, wreath, or garland. This name was introduced to England by the Normans during their conquest in 1066.
83. Stewart
About 1 in every 500 people in Australia has the last name Stewart. Kristen Stewart is a famous actress from America.
84. Taylor
The last name originally comes from tailor, which comes from Old French tailleur and the Latin taliare. This means ‘to cut.’ In addition, the name has a religious meaning of ‘clothed with salvation’ and also represents eternal beauty. Taylor is a very common last name in English-speaking countries, including Australia.
85. Thomas
The last name Thomas has its roots in the history of English and Welsh languages. It started as a patronymic surname, derived from the medieval first name Thomass. Thompson is a shorter form of the name, originating from the Aramaic word for ‘twin.’
86. Thompson
Thompson is a last name that originated from the son of Thom, Thompkin, Thomp, and other variations of the name Thomas. It comes from either Scottish or English heritage. One well-known person with this surname was Fred Thompson, who was a U.S. Senator and TV actor.
87. Thomson
MacThomas is a Scottish last name that means descendant of Thomas, Thomp, or Thompkin. It comes from the word Tom in Aramaic, which means ‘twin’.
88. Tran
Tran is a last name with roots in both Vietnam and China. The name means ‘old’ or ‘ancient.’ In Australia, Tran is the 147th most popular surname.
89. Turner
The last name Turner comes from the Latin word Tornarius, which means ‘lathe,’ a tool that rotates. Turner is often used to describe someone who used a lathe to create things out of wood, bone, or metal. Tina Turner, the American singer, is a well-known person with this last name.
90. Walker
Walker is a last name that comes from England and Scotland and originally meant someone who thickened cloth by walking on it. It might also come from an Old English word that means to walk or tread. In 2007, it was the 14th most common surname in Australia.
91. Walsh
Walsh is one of the top five most popular last names in Ireland. The name typically signifies someone who is a foreigner, specifically a Briton. It is a commonly seen surname in Australia.
92. Ward
The surname Ward originated in Northampton and was introduced to England during the Norman conquest in 1066. Approximately one out of every 700 individuals in Australia has the surname Ward.
93. Watson
The surname Watson is well-known in Australia, as well as in England, Scotland, and the United States. It is the 40th most popular last name in Australia. The name Watson comes from the meaning ‘son of Watt,’ and is a shortened version of the name Walter, which means ‘strong leader of the army.’
94. Webb
This surname comes from England and was traditionally used for someone who worked as a weaver, which comes from the Old English word ‘webbe’ meaning woven cloth. It describes someone who was involved in making fabric and is the 85th most popular surname in Australia.
95. White
The White surname comes from Ireland, England, and Scotland and has various meanings. For instance, White could describe someone with fair skin or light hair. The name might also come from the Isle of Wight in England and has links to the Anglo-Saxon word wiht, which means brave.
96. Williams
Williams is a last name that comes from the first name William, meaning ‘son of William.’ It is made up of elements from Old French and Germanic languages and has various variations. The part ‘Wil’ means ‘desire’ and ‘helm’ means ‘helmet or protection.’ Williams is a very common last name in Australia, England, and Europe.
97. Wilson
Wilson is a last name that comes from England or Scotland and it means ‘son of Will.’ It became popular in medieval times as a surname based on the father’s name. The name ‘Will’ might have originated from the Germanic word ‘wil,’ which means ‘desire.’ In Australia, Wilson is ranked as the fifth most common surname.
98. Wood
Originally, ‘Wood’ was used to refer to individuals who either worked with wood or resided in a forest. This surname ranks as the 26th most popular in England and the 42nd most common in Australia.
99. Wright
It is a last name based on occupation. Wright comes from ‘the wright,’ which was used to describe a skilled worker who specialized in working with different materials, especially wood and carpentry. This surname is often found in the southern regions of England and the north of England.
100. Young
The last name Young comes from an old English word meaning ‘young.’ It was used to describe someone who was younger compared to others. Young is also thought to be a variation of other surnames like Jong, Jung, and Lejueune from different countries.
Frequently Asked Questions
Australia is a stunning country with a wide variety of names and surnames. The popular Australian last names like Johnson, Smith, Richards, and Williams have been around for a while. Different regions and tribes in Australia have unique surnames. Some Australian surnames have roots in countries like India, England, and Germany.
Explore additional baby names
When picking a name for your baby, you may find that a few hundred options just isn’t sufficient. Keep searching through the abundance of baby names until you discover the perfect one.
Illustration: Australian Last Names Or Surnames With Meanings
One way families often get their last name is based on their job. Australians also use job-related last names, and some famous ones have come from this practice. Check out popular Australian surnames that originated from occupations.
