Surnames range from long and melodic to short and sweet.
Today it is all about the shortest surnames with this list of one syllable last names! Take a look through this list of names from all around the world and see if you can spot any you recognise.
These names come from all over the world, from the Old English surname Brown to the Latin James. There are also some great last names that can also be used as first names like Ash or Mauve.
For more, check out these one syllable girl names and these one syllable boy names.
Popular One Syllable Last Names
There are lots of popular short surnames, including James, derived from Latin name Jac, and the last name Black, from the Middle English word ‘blak(e)’. Find more popular surnames in this list!
1. Ash (Anglo-Saxon origin) meaning «ash tree», that indicates a person who lives near ash trees.
2. Aust (German and English origin) meaning «derived from Aust», is the coolest last name.
3. Bai (Mongol and Chinese origin) meaning «the color white».
4. Bain (Scottish origin) meaning «white».
5. Baines (Old English and French origin) meaning «bones».
6. Ball (Anglo-Saxon and Old English origin) meaning «someone who had a rotund or stocky stature.»
7. Banks (English and Scottish origin) meaning «someone who lived near a hillside or a bank of land,» is an interesting British last name.
8. Barnes (Old English origin) meaning «a person who worked or lived in a barn».
9. Barr (English and Old French origin) meaning «someone who lived by a gateway or barrier».
10. Bass (Old French origin) meaning «of humble origin», is a cool surname.
11. Bates (English origin) meaning «son of Bate».
12. Batts (Old English origin) meaning «son of Batt».
13. Beake (Old English and Old French origin) meaning «the beak of a bird».
14. Bean (English origin) meaning «farmer», is a cool last name.
15. Beck (Germanic and Hebrew origin) meaning «brook».
16. Bell (Irish origin) meaning «bell ringer or bell maker», a common Irish last name.
17. Benn (Old English origin) meaning «bear cub» or «warrior», this is one of the best last names.
Unique One Syllable Last Names
There are so many cool one syllable last names such as Bright, which originated from Anglo-Saxon tribes. Find more in this list!
18. Anse (Latin and French origin) meaning «cove».
19. Aud (Danish, Norwegian and Swedish origin) meaning «wealthy».
20. Bard (Old Norse origin) meaning «peace after a battle».
21. Bast (French origin) meaning «saddle pad for a beast of burden».
22. Bing (Old English and Anglo-Saxon origin) meaning «dweller by the hollow».
23. Bligh (Old English origin) meaning «cheerful».
24. Boyne (Scottish and Irish origin) meaning «dweller by the river Boyne».
25. Briggs (English origin) meaning «dweller by the bridge».
26. Coe (English origin) meaning «jackdaw bird», is a unique last name.
27. Dand (Anglo-Saxon origin) meaning «the dweller in the valley».
28. Daw (English, Welsh, and Irish origin) meaning «the beloved one». It is also a nickname for David.
29. Dice (English origin) meaning «luck», is one of the cool last names.
30. Elm (English and German origin) meaning «people who lived near an elm tree or in an elm grove».
31. Flann (Irish and Gaelic origin) meaning «red haired».
32. Frens (French origin) meaning «Frenchman».
33. Hoyt (Old English origin) meaning «people who lived high, or on a hill».
34. Ish (Indian origin) meaning «master».
35. Jauns (Hebrew origin ) meaning «heel».
36. Jepp (Danish origin ) meaning «son of Jeppe».
37. Jex (Hebrew origin) meaning «Jehovah has favored».
38. Karp (German, Polish, and Jewish origin) meaning «fisherman».
39. King (English and Scottish origin ) meaning «originally a tribal leader».
40. Lenz (German origin ) meaning «spring».
41. Lev (Slavic origin ) meaning «lion», is one of the coolest last names.
42. Loup (French origin) meaning «wolf».
43. March (German origin) meaning «‘boundary».
44. Mauve (American origin ) meaning «purplish color».
45. Moi (African and French origin ) meaning «me».
46. Neith (Greek form of Egyptian origin) meaning «water».
47. Ner (Hebrew origin) meaning «‘lamp».
48. Oz (Hebrew origin) meaning «strength».
49. Pell (Middle English and Old French origin) meaning «dealer in furs».
50. Pim (Old English origin) meaning «son of Euphemia».
Ancient One Syllable Last Names
The list presents you with some ancient last names meanings that are one syllable long.
51. Knight (Anglo-Saxon origin) meaning «serving lad».
52. Prynne (Old French origin) meaning «superior».
53. Red (Old English origin) meaning «red haired».
54. Sadb (Irish origin) meaning «sweet» or «goodly», is one of the unique Irish surnames.
55. Shir (Hebrew origin) meaning «song».
56. Short (Anglo-Saxon origin) meaning «short height person».
57. Shri (Indian origin) meaning «diffusing light».
58. Smith (Old English origin) meaning «one who works in a metal related job».
59. Swift (Anglo-Saxon origin) meaning «rapid runner».
60. Tord (Scandinavian and Old Norse origin) meaning «peace» or «love».
61. Tyne (Ancient English origin) meaning «to dissolve or disperse».
62. Ull (German origin) meaning «wolf power».
63. Var (Norse origin) meaning «Goddess of oaths and promises».
64. Veigh (Aramaic origin) meaning «son of life».
65. Wright (Old English origin) meaning «worker or shaper of wood».
66. Zef (Albanian origin) meaning «from the Bible».
Modern One Syllable Last Names
We have put together this list of one syllable last names that are cool and modern.
67. Anne (Old English origin) meaning «island, or land between streams», is also used as a first name.
68. Bay (Middle English and Old French origin) meaning «reddish brown».
69. Brooke (Old English and Irish origin ) meaning «one who lived at one of the villages called Brook».
70. Bryn (Norman origin) meaning «hill».
71. Cass (Anglo-Saxon and Old French origin) meaning «someone who worked as a maker of boxes or chests».
72. Cher (French origin) meaning «dear one».
73. Claire (French origin) meaning «bright».
74. Dawn (Old English origin) meaning «first appearance of light», is a beautiful surname.
75. Dee (English and Scottish origin) meaning «Goddess».
76. Dew (Scottish, Irish and Gaelic origin) meaning «dark».
77. Dot ( Old Celtic and Old English origin) meaning «deceiver or rascal».
78. Dove (Old English and Old Norse origin) meaning «gentle person».
79. Elle (Hebrew origin) meaning «Goddess».
80. Eve (English and Hebrew origin) meaning «living».
81. Faith (English origin) a surname meaning «loyalty».
82. Fawn (English origin) meaning «young deer».
83. Fay (Old French origin) a surname meaning «elf» or «fairy».
84. Fern ( Anglo-Saxon origin) meaning «someone who lived in a place where there are ferns «, an interesting surname.
85. Flo (Native American origin) meaning «arrow,» a surname that you will love to cherish.
86. Flor (Spanish origin) meaning «flower».
87. Frost (Scandinavian origin) meaning «born at the time of frost».
88. Gayle (ancient Anglo-Saxon origin) meaning «a person who is pleasant and merry».
89. Gem (English origin) meaning «person who resided near a river».
90. Grace (Old French origin) meaning «charm».
91. Greer (Scottish origin) meaning «watchful» or «guardian».
92. Gwen (Welsh origin) meaning «blessed».
93. Hope (Old English origin ) meaning «the side of a hill».
94. Jade (Spanish origin ) meaning «precious green stone».
95. Jai (Indian origin) meaning «victory».
96. Jan (Scottish origin ) meaning «son of John».
97. Jane (Hebrew origin ) meaning «graced by Yahweh».
98. Jazz (American origin ) meaning «style of music».
99. Jill (Latin origin ) meaning «child of the Gods».
100. Joan (Hebrew and French origin) meaning «God is gracious».
101. Joy (Latin origin) meaning » joy and joyous».
102. Joyce (Old French origin) meaning «Lord».
103. Jules (Anglo-Saxon origin ) meaning «son of Joel».
104. June (Old French origin) a surname meaning «young».
105. Kat (Anglo-Saxon origin) meaning «smallness in size».
106. Kate (Irish origin ) meaning «pure and clear».
107. Maude (Old English origin) meaning «a female relative».
108. Nell (Dutch and German) a surname meaning «champion».
Kidadl has lots of great name articles to inspire you. If you liked our suggestions for one syllable last names then why not take a look at something different like these cool last names for your characters, or these Swedish last names with meanings and history?
Every parent is looking for the right name for their baby. But in doing so, many go for names that aren’t popular for whatever reason. However, this is a costly mistake because you can’t change the name later.
We’ve all heard stories where parents name their child something that the child ends up growing up to hate it. How can you avoid that? Do some research and check out some popular old fashioned last names to get better idea.
- Coffey – “victorious”
- Copeland – “a land that is bought”
- Crespo – “someone with curls”
- Croce – “cross”
- Dempsey – “proud”
- Ditka – “important in war”
- Drewitt – “phantom or ghost”
- Hutton – “settlement”
- Kellett – “a slope with a spring”
- Lawless – “outlaw” A cool surname for a villain character.
- Merrick – “fame rule”
- Morais – “mulberry trees”
- Nuttal – “nut nook”
- Ogden – “oak valley”
- Sutcliffe – “south of a cliff”
In the past, some parents have named their child after celebrities or fictional characters. Sometimes the parents themselves will choose a name that is not typical. Other times they will choose a name that is not common at all.
Some parents are so overwhelmed with the task of naming their child, they opt for a one-word baby name. And although this has been a popular choice, it’s not always the best decision.
In many cultures around the world, a name is considered an important part of a child’s identity. Besides, it’s a good idea to avoid naming your child the same as their father, which might lead to confusion. So, what should the perfect baby’s name be? Let’s dive into the list of awesome old fashioned last names.
- Acker – “field”
- Agnello – “lamb”
- Aphelion – “point of the orbit at the greatest distance from the sun”
- Bartley – “clearing in woodland”
- Bobusic – “battle”
- Bonneville – “good settlement”
- Botkin – “someone who sells weapons”
- Brager – “thundering or roaring”
- Brubaker – “someone living close to a brook”
- Burris – “hill”
- Butterworth – “home of butter”
- . Caiazzo – “from Caiazzo, Italy”
- Chalut – “beyond”
- Clegg – “haystack”
Here are the catchy old fashioned last names with meanings:
- Voland – “agile or flying”
- Webster – “a weaver”
- Villalobos – “town of wolves”
- A aberg – “hill near the river”
- Adair – “a shallow place”
- Backus – “bakehouse”
- Barrel – “nozzle of a gun”
- Boone – “good”
- Cacho – “thick neck”
- Dalloway – “dweller of the valley”
- Deluca – “son of Luca”
- Deronda – “God is my judge”
- Elrod – “God is King”
- Frollo – “Hamlet”
- Omega – “the end”
- Whitelock – “fair haired”
- Bellagamba – “beautiful legs”
- Biggerstaff – “combination of beekeeper and area of landing”
- Clampitt – “mud pit”
- Clutterbuck – “someone originating from Cloerterbook, Flanders”
Old English Last Names
Here are the good old English last names:
- Hartshorn – “staghorn”
- Fumagalli – “smoked poultry”
- Nutter – “clerk” and “ox”
- Pappalardo – “someone who eats lard”
- Popplewell – “bubble spring”
- Rymer – “someone making rims”
- Shellaberger – “who lives in Bell Mountain”
- Shufflebottom – “the valley where sheep are washed”
- Walker – “who works”
- Alston – “elf stone”
- Bell – “beautiful”
- Calvary – “purest form of love”
- Cohen – “Priest”
- Collymore – “clear lake”
- Donna – “my lady”
Old British Last Names
Here are the catchy old British last names:
- Dwyer -“dark-colored”
- Erny – “vigorous”
- Felix – “lucky”
- Faughn – “falcon”
- Garguilo – “open jaw”
- Gilbert – “famous”
- Huxley – “cleaning wood”
- Ives – “archer’s bow”
- Kirton – “church settlement”
- Kade – “fat”
- Levine – “lion”
- Ledger – “people with a spear”
Tips to Naming Your Babies
There are millions of baby names out there, and while most parents decide on a name and stick with it for the rest of their lives, there are some who wish the best for their future child, but don’t have a clue how to choose a name. These parents may be confused about why they can’t come up with a name for their baby, or they may have tried several times and have given up on the idea.
If you are considering giving your child a name, there are some things you should know:
- Madigan – “little dog”
- Malfatto – “doer of evil”
- Martel – “hammer”
- Methadonna – “old lady”
- Pelagatti – “skins cats”
- Proulx – “brave”
- Rossingol – “nightingale”
- Seisdedos – “six fingers”
- Varon – “protection”
1. Pick the name you love, even if it is popular.
It is popular and you love it. Anything else you need to think upon? Nope. Go for it. If you want to give it uniqueness, think of a great middle name.
Here are some popular old fashioned last names out there:
- Ajax – “strong and courageous”
- Berrycloth – “grove usually indicating people who resided in Barrowclough”
- Birdwhistle – “a place where birds nest”
- Bread – “good grazing”
- Bythesea – “living near the seashore”
- Dankworth – “from farmstead”
- Edevane – “protector of prosperity”
- Fensby – “dweller of ferns”
- Loughty – “living near a lake”
- MacQuoid – “son of flames”
2. Do not skip lovely old fashioned last names even if they are unique, unusual, and different.
Sometimes, parents will not go for unusual, unique, and different baby names. They consider it weird. Let me tell you that being attractive and thought provoking is the game these days.
How would you like these old fashioned last names:
- Miracle – “dark”
- Pussmaid – “a little girl”
- Relish – “taste”
- Sallow – ‘willow”
- Slora – “leader”
- Spinster – “to spin thread”
- Villin – “commoner”
- Abreo – “a wide counselor”
- Agnor – “fishhook”
- Alvin – “elf friend”
3. Be confident if you want to go toward personalized spellings for your baby’s name.
SURE. You should be confident when giving personalized spellings to your baby’s name. However, it is important that you do not make it weird. Adding or removing an alphabet would be enough here.
Try changing these baby names spellings into personalized ones:
- Auclair – “clear” Can also be one of the cool names for girls.
- Anouilh – “a slow worm”
- Bain – “bath”
- Barrere – “obstruction”
- Bassett – “low”
- Beauregard – “fine outlook”
- Brassard – “someone who makes arms”
- Brierman – “beer drinker”
- Cellier – “storeroom”
- Dardar – “someone brave and strong in battle”
4. Crossing your favorite old fashioned last names on the feedback on friends and family members.
Feedback is important. But it does not mean to listen to every other person’s opinion. You will hardly find old fashioned last names that everybody would like. Therefore, get feedback but still know your choice.
Consider getting feedback on these baby names from your friends and family members:
- De la Croix – “belongs to the cross”
- Ebersol – “wild boar”
- Ekker – “corner”
- Escoffier – “to dress up”
- Etter – “inside the boundary”
- Fawzi – “triumph”
- Fisk – “the fish”
- Flammia – “red flame”
- Fonua – “quarrel”
5. Do a little research and find what is out there.
Research is important step for the first-time parents as well for those who do not know what sort of names people pick. You will be all good once you do a little internet research. You will also be able to find some great old fashioned last names that you might consider now or in the future.
Here are some common baby names examples to help you:
- Fukushima – “fortune island”
- Freed – “dweller of barren fields”
- Fontana – “living close to a spring”
- Gaumond – “death in a battle”
- Hanlon – “beheaded in the war”
- Houde – “wealth”
- Hubert – “heart”
- Joubert – “famous”
- Lafitte – “a stone that’s fixed”
6. Consider names of the subsequent children.
Maybe, you are first time parents and figuring out some cool old fashioned last name. It is a good idea to consider the names of subsequent children too.
7. Avoid names with bad meanings.
Baby names with bad meanings can be a cause of embarrassment for you and your kid. Be sure to know the meaning of the name you are gonna pick and be sure it is encouraging and positive.
Here are some of the cool old fashioned last names with meanings:
- Machal – “a horse keeper”
- Mangiarotti – “rat eater”
- Ozanne – “save now”
- Palomer – “a pigeon keeper”
- Paquet – “firewood seller”
- Prevost – “a chief”
- Tasse – “purse”
- Varville – “towards town”
- Bardot – “a noble surname”
8. Pick up good people names from history.
The name of person has effect on his/her personality, it is said. Maybe, that’s the reason why people choose names from history. You can consider this as well. I am sure you have heard about many legends from the past. I bet you’d find some awesome and useable old fashioned last names if you look into it.
We have a small list of old fashioned last names here for you to check out and know if you have heard them before:
- Bellamy – “handsome or fair”
- Blaine – “slender”
- Cassidy – “curly hair”
- Caparasso – “shaved head”
- Channing – “young wolf”
- Cienfuegos – “hundred flies”
- Dracula – “Dracul’s son”
- Escarra – “left-handed”
- Falaguerra – “make war”
9. Make sure the first and second name fit with each other.
This happens rarely that the first and seconds names do not fit and meet each other well. It is, however, something you would not want.
Check out old fashioned last names and try to make full names that fit each other nicely:
- Gow – “who works with metal”
- Gushiken “strong willed person”
- Heroux – “wolf”
- Homa – “active”
- Igarashi – “fifty storms”
- Ingannamorte – “cheating death”
- Jurado – “to swear”
- La Cour – “working in the court”
- Lenoir – “dark”
10. Avoid names with too many syllables.
Baby names with too many syllables are complex. They are hard to remember. They should be avoided.
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Maryam Irfan is a BS commerce student. She is a hardworking person. Though new to writing, she still manages to do great work. In her free time, she watches movies and plays games.
There are a whole bunch of last names that sound pretty stinkin’ hilarious on their own.
These are last names like “Berger” and “Wiener” that sound like or quite literally are funny words in and of themselves.
Then there are last names that result when you couple them with other hilarious last names, or even some relatively regular sounding ones.
You end up with hyphenated last names that are so odd to hear, it’s shocking when you find out a few rare couples have actually chosen to use these double-barrel last names.
I can’t imagine how uncomfortable it’d feel to have nearly any one of these last names.
Yes, you’d probably have a sort of ice breaker when you meet new people – getting a laugh easily out of everyone you meet when you first introduce yourself, or making them feel on edge, anxious about offending you, which could be equally as funny.
Still, I feel it takes a darn strong person to have one of these last names, and that it’d likely be very awkward introducing yourself otherwise, though maybe the last name being such an easy target for jokes may make you a stronger, better humoured person.
Speaking of which, can you imagine introducing yourself as a new kid in an elementary school class with one of these last names? Or introducing yourself as you ask for a spot at a job you dreamt of having for a long time?
Yes, you probably get used to the reaction people have, but darn would I think it would transform you into a confident person, because otherwise, you’d just be embarrassed every time, and that’s unlikely considering how often you have to tell people your name.
I would absolutely be embarrassed telling people my last name is nearly any one of these, though I suppose I couldn’t continue to feel that way forever.
I wonder if people who have these last names end up finding having them really entertaining, maybe even getting a little bit of a kick out of introducing themselves to new people because of how amusing other people’s awkward reactions must seem.
Have any of these last names or know of someone who does? What do these people think/feel about their last names?
How do they introduce themselves and do they ever feel awkward about doing so, or do they find it entertaining/amusing to introduce themselves?
Can you think of any more funny last names you’ve either heard of or made up yourself (in the case of double-barrel last names)? Leave a comment down below to let me know!
Single-Word Funny Last Names
Pain & Violent Sounding Hilarious Last Names
- Payne
- Gorey
Adult-Sounding Funny Last Names
- Dick
- Cummings
- Ho
- Dick
- Hooker
- Pantii
- Rump
- Bottum
- Kuntz
- Condom
- Cockburn
- Cobbledick
- Wiener
- Kok
- Assman
Single-Word Last Names Funny for Connoting Bodily Functions
- Poop
- Wiwi
Miscellaneous Humourous Single-Word Last Names
- Cok
- Wacko
- Poore
- Looney
- Berger
- Ruff
- Saap
- Reckker
Hilarious Hyphenated, Double Barrel Funny Last Names
Pain & Violent Sounding Double-Barrel Funny Last Names
- Sharp-Payne
- Gorey-Butcher
Party-Themed Alluding Hyphenated Last Names
- Jaeger-Meister
- Party-Moore
Mental Health Connoting Funny Double-Barrel Last Names
- Poore-Saap
- Ruff-Goings
- Looney-Warde
Food Related Double-Barrel Funny Last Names
- Moore-Bacon
- MacDonald-Berger
Adult-Sounding Funny Last Names
- House-Reckker
- Busch-Graber
- Filler-Quick
- Wang-Holder
- Moore-Rump
- Best-Lay
- Busch-Rash
- Fillerup-Standing
- Traylor-Hooker
- Busch-Hacker
- Speedy-Zeiper
- Dick-Holder
- Gross-Pantii
- Stroker-Daily
- Appel-Bottum
- Rump-Orefice
- Dick-Champion
- Kuntz-Dick
- Dick-Long
Double-Barrel Last Names Funny for Connoting Bodily Functions
- Wannamaker-Poop
- Long-Wiwi
Miscellaneous Hilarious Hyphenated Last Names
- Peters-Rising
- Hardy-Harr
- Golden-Showers
- Little-Gay
- Gowen-Gettr
Your Thoughts on Funny Last Names?
Which of these funny last names did you find the most amusing?
Were there funny last names you thought up that didn’t make it to this article? What are they?
Have you ever known anybody with a funny last name – or do you have one yourself? What’s the last name and what type of reaction did you give/do you get when the last name was said aloud?
Have you ever thought of using a funny last name for something like a character, or even for yourself? What were you thinking of using the funny last name for?
Would love to hear your thoughts in the comments down below!
Many English last names are commonly used as first names in America, but other English-speaking cultures — including the UK — have not taken to this trend as readily.
The most common surname in the US and UK is Smith, which is currently rising as a given name in the States. Other popular English last names that are used as first names include Sawyer, Brooks, Harrison, and Everly — a very fashionable choice for girls.
Celebrities especially love English last names as first names. Hilary Duff’s oldest daughter is named Banks, and Kieran Culkin recently had a son named Wilder.
Some of the English surnames found here are well-established as first names, such as Oliver, Cooper, and Taylor. Others are yet to be discovered but have great potential, including Groves, Catesby, and Westcott.
Our extensive compilation of English last names is below. You may also be interested in our collections of English Names and Last Names as First Names.
In this Article
- 130 British Last Names or Family Names With Meanings
Surnames distinguish a person from another. It also gives a sense of belonging to a certain family. Hence last names can vary based on a particular community or cultural rules. The United Kingdom last names are popular worldwide. While Welsh and Scottish last names originate from the Celtic languages like Cymric and Scots Gaelic, UK English last names usually originate from places, ancestors, occupations, or anglicisations of first names in other languages. Colonisation and immigration too had an impact on the surnames of people globally that have been influenced by common British last names.
In England, surnames are referred to as last names that were originally introduced by the Normans in 1066. Initially. old English surnames changed from one generation to the other. Later by 1400, surnames became hereditary. This alphabetically arranged list of rare British surnames can be a useful tool in genealogy. Each of these rare British surnames has a unique history with reference to their origin across regions of the United Kingdom. There are, in fact, more than 45,000 British family names that have a distinct meanings and fascinating stories attached to them. We have compiled a list of the top common British last names. Each English last name comes with a meaning to know its history and origin.
130 British Last Names or Family Names With Meanings
This comprehensive guide of the best English last names or British aristocracy family names with their meanings can assist you in selecting the perfect surname for your family or gift your little newborn baby. Read on to find 130 British Last names or Surnames.
1. Adam
Adam means ‘man’ or ‘son of Adam’ in Hebrew’. Originating from the pre-medieval period, Adam is referred to as ‘the earth’ from where God created man.
2. Adams/Adamson
Adams or Adamson is a popular British name of Hebrew origin. It means ‘son of Adam’.
3. Ainsworth
Ainsworth is a habitational name from a place Ainsworth situated near Machester. It means ‘enclosure’.
4. Allen
This Greek word first appeared in the 14th century in Scotland and means ‘man’ or ‘manly’. It also refers to as ‘son of Andrew’.
5. Armstrong
Originated from the Scottish borders Armstrong, means meaning ‘something with strong arms’. In Irish, it means ‘Son of a strong man’.
6. Atkinson
Derived from the Middle English Atkin corresponds to the Scottish name Aitchison and means ‘son of Atkin’.
7. Bailey
This occupational surname refers to an official ‘Ballis’ or ‘Balif’. Bailey in Lancashire refers to as ‘Berry wood’.
8. Baker
This occupational surname refers to the trade of the bakery. Derived from Middle English bakere, or bacan ‘to bake’.
9. Ball
Ball is a short form of Baldwin or ‘Balle’ which means ‘a Slope’ or a ‘Hill’ in Old Norse. It may also refer to someone who has a rotund or stocky stature.
10. Bell
Bell originates from the Old French era, and it means ‘Beautiful’ or ‘fair’. It may also have originated as an occupational name for a bell ringer or bell maker.
11. Berrycloth
Berrycloth is an eccentric British last name which means ‘grove’ or ‘ravine’.
12. Birdwhistle
Birdwhistle is a pleasant last name belonging to a family name who live near the town of Padiham in Dewsbury or Lancashire in the historic county of Yorkshire.
13. Brown
Derived from 7th century Old English word ‘brun’ or the Old Norse name Bruni, this surname describes a person with brown complexion or clothing.
14. Browning
Browning refers to ‘a small semi-automatic handgun found in Europe’.
15. Burton
This English habitational surname is derived from Old English burh or ‘fort’ and tun’ enclosure’. It means ‘fort settlement.’
16. Camden
The surname Camden originated from a person named Charles Pratt who sold lots from his manor.
17. Campbell
Campbell is a popular English surname refering to ‘someone with a crooked mouth’. One of the popular bearer of this surname includes Naomi Campbell.
18. Carter
This occupational surname has an English, Irish and Scottish origin. It refers to ‘Someone who transports goods by a cart or wagon’.
19. Clarke
Derived from the Latin word ‘Clericus’, or Irish Gaelic sept Ó Cléirigh, this Anglo-Irish surname refers to a ‘Clerk’.
20. Cole
Considered one among the Medieval English surnames, Cole means ‘swarthy’, ‘coal-black’ or ‘charcoal’. The Cole family originated from Cornwall in South West England.
21. Collins
This surname originates from Britain and Ireland and refers to ‘son of Colin’. Its Irish variation ‘cuilein’ means ‘darling’.
22. Corbyn
Corbyn is an eccentric last name refering to someone with ‘raven hair’.
23. Dankworth
This last name has Old English roots. It is derived from a word which means ‘Tancred’s farmstead’.
24. Davidson
This surname means ‘beloved’ in Hebrew. Originating from Scottish, northern England and Jewish regions, it also means ‘son of David’.
25. Davies
Originating from ‘Dafydd’ (son), this Welsh patronymic surname means ‘beloved’. It also comes from the Hebrew male name meaning ‘beloved’.
26. Dawson
This baptismal surname originates from Anglo-Saxon era and means ‘the son of David’.
27. Dixon
This patronymic surname first originated in Scotland. It means ‘Son of Dick’. A variant of Dickson, it is a traditional Scottish surname.
28. Davidson/Davies
Davidson or Davies are Hebrew first names. The meaning of the names is ‘son of David’.
29. Eastaughffe
Having English roots, Eastaughffe means ‘eastern town’ or ‘homestead’.
30. Edwards
Edwards originated from Olde English pre 7th Century era. It comes from the Old English ‘Eadward’ and refers to ‘Prosperity guard’.
31. Elliot
Derived from Elis or Elijah, Elliot was quite commonly used in medieval times. It means ‘Jehovah is my God’.
32. Evans
Originating from Welsh regions, this patronymic surname means ‘Son of Evan’. Evan derives from the Welsh name ‘Ifan’ meaning ‘gracious gift of Jehovah’.
33. Everly
Everly is a surname of English origin, meaning ‘wild boar and woodland clearing’.
34. Fernsby
Fernsby is a rare Victorian last name of Old English origin. It means ‘fern farmstead’.
35. Fisher
This occupational surname refers to fishermen or people who lived by a fishing weir. In Ireland, it is the anglicised form of Gaelic Ó Bradáin which means ‘salmon’.
36. Fletcher
Derived from Scottish, English and Irish origin, this occupational surname refers to ‘Arrowsmith’ or ‘Seller of Arrows’.
37. Ford
This habitational surname is a variation of the Irish surname O Fuartháin or ‘descendant of O Fuarthán’. It refers to people who lived near a ford.
38. Foster
Foster refers to ‘nourish’ or ‘rear’. The ancient surname means ‘forest guardian’ or ‘a person who looks after a forest’.
39. Fox
Derived from Old English pre 7th century England, Fox was first used in Ireland and England. It is taken from the animal fox.
40. Garfield
Garfield is one of the fancy Victorian surnames of English origin. It is thought to be habitational with no actual meaning.
41. Gastrell
Gastrell is a fancy British last name of Old English origin. The infamous Rev. Francis Gastrell is one of the popular surname bearers.
42. Gibson
This surname of English and Scottish origin is derived from Gilbert and refers to the ‘Son of Gilbert’ or ‘Son of Gib’.
43. Graham
Originating from Old English, Graham refers to a ‘Grey home’.
44. Grant
Originating from English and Scottish regions, Grant means ‘tall’ or ‘large’.
45. Gray
Originating from Scotland, Gray is a habitational surname meaning ‘people having grey hair’.
46. Green
Originating from Scotland, Green dates back to the 7th century. Derived from ‘Grene’, it refers to the colour Green.
47. Griffiths
This patronymic name originated in Wales and means ‘strong chief’ and ‘Son of the chief’.
48. Hall
Derived from the Scottish, German, English, Irish, and Scandinavian regions, this surname refers to a spacious part of the residence.
49. Hamilton
Hamilton is a habitational surname that refers to the village of Hamilton in Leicestershire, England.
50. Harris
Originating from English, Irish, and Scottish regions, Harris refers to ‘the son of Harry’ or ‘Home ruler’.
51. Harrison
Harrison is an elegant last name of English origin, meaning ‘son of Harry’.
52. Harvey
Harvey is derived from the Celtic words that refer to ‘ardent’, ‘battle’, ’ worthy’, or ‘strong’.
53. Hill
This surname of English origin is derived from the Greek or Latin name Hillary and means ‘someone who lives on a hill’.
54. Hughes
Hughes is basically a German first name. In English, it means ‘son of Hugh or Hugo’.
55. Jackson
Derived from English and Scottish origins, this patronymic name means ‘Son of Jack’.
56. James
This British surname is a Latin form of Hebrew name Jacob. It refers to a ‘Supplanter’ or ‘One who follows’.
57. Jenkins
Derived from John, Jenkins originated from Cornwall, England, this surname refers to ‘God has graced me with a son’.
58. Johnson
This patronymic surname of English and Scottish origins refers to ‘Son of John’. Derived from the Latin term Johannes or Yohanan, it means ‘Jehovah has favoured’.
59. Johnston
Johnston is a habitational last name of Scottish origin. It implies ‘John’s town’.
60. Jones
This surname of Welsh origin refers to ‘Son of John’ and is popular in Wales and South Central England.
61. Kelly
This Irish last name means ‘Bright Headed’ or ‘Troublesome’ and is derived from Ceallach.
62. Kennedy
This surname is derived from the anglicised form of the term ‘Ceanneidigh’ referring to the ‘Descendant of Ceanneidigh’. Kennedy means ‘Someone with an ugly head’.
63. King
This surname refers to tribal leaders or someone who served in a Royal household. In old English, King is among the fashionable royal surnames England and is popular in England, Scotland and Ireland.
64. Knight
Derived from the Old English word ‘Cniht’, Knight refers to ‘Servant’ or a ‘Common soldier’.
65. Lawrence
Lawrence is a habitational last name that refers to ‘Someone from Laurentium’ a town near Italy.
66. Lee
Derived from Old English period, Lee is a variant of Lea, Leah, or Leigh. It refers to a ‘forest’ or a ‘meadow’.
67. Lewis
Lewis originated from England and Wales, and it means ‘Winner’ or ‘Victor’.
68. Lloyd
Belonging to both Old Welsh and Medieval English origins, Lloyd is a derivative from the term Llwyd which means ‘Grey’.
69. Loughty
Loughty is a habitational surname of Old English origin. The name is taken from the name of a village in Tayside.
70. Marshall
This surname of ancient Norman origin is derived from ‘Mareschal’. It also has certain Germanic elements such as ‘Marah’ which means ‘Horse’ or ‘Who tended to Horses’.
71. Martin
Originating from France, Ireland, Germany and Scotland, Martin is a derivative of Mars or Martis who is a Roman god of war or fertility.
72. Mason
Originating from Irish, French, Italian and English regions, Mason is a derivative of ‘Maso’, which means ‘someone who does stone masonry work’.
73. McDonald
This popular surname is a derivative of Donald which means ‘World ruler’. It is a Scottish patronymic name referring to ‘Son of Donald’.
74. Morgan
Morgan is an eccentric last name of celtic origin. It is derived from the word Morcant which means ‘sea circle’.
75. Morris
Morris is a popular surname in the British Isles. It is derived from the term Maurice which means ‘dark’.
76. Murphy
Derived from the Irish personal name ‘Murchadh’, Murphy means ‘Sea Warrior’.
77. Natt
This locational surname comes from the old English word ‘The cattle farm’ or ‘neat’ which means ‘cattle’.
78. Nelson
This patronymic surname is a form of the Irish name Neal or from the Gaelic Niall and means ‘champion’. It could also be the matronymic surname that means ‘son of Eleanor’.
79. Nightingale
This English surname meaning ‘someone with a sweet voice’ has an Anglo-Saxon origin. It is a derivative of Olde English pre 7th Century word ‘nihtegal’.
80. Nixon
This surname of Irish, Scots or English origin means ‘Son of Nicholas’.
81. Nutter
This English occupational surname means ‘a keeper of oxen’ or ‘a scribe’ or ‘a clerk.’
82. O’Dell
Originating from the 17th century, it refers to the village Odell in Bedfordshire, England. It also comes from Old English words “wad,” “hyll,” “and woad” which is a plant producing blue dye from its leaves.
83. Osborne
Osborne is a baptismal name that means ‘Divine bear’. Popular in Ireland, it refers to ‘the son of Osbern’.
84. Owen
Owen originates from a Welsh first name called Owain and means ‘Noble’ or ‘Well-born’.
85. Oxley
This Old English habitational name originates from Oxley in Staffordshire and West Yorkshire. It means ‘woodland’.
86. Page
Common in English, Scottish and French regions, this surname means ‘attendant’.
87. Painter
Dating back to mid 13th century, this occupational surname is derived from the Old French word ‘peinto(u)r’ meaning ‘painter’.
88. Palmer
Palmer is an occupational surname of old English, Norman, German, French and Scottish origin. It means ‘Palm bearer’.
89. Pastor
This occupational surname is relevant to the profession of a religious pastor and a shepherd pastor.
90. Payne
Payne has Old English and Latin roots. It is derived from the term Paganus which means rustic.
91. Peterson
This Scandinavian patronymic surname means “son of Peter’. Peter is derived from the Greek word meaning ‘stone’ or ‘rock’.
92. Quill
This anglicised version of the Irish surnames Ó Cuill, Coll, Coill and O’Coill means ‘forest’, or ‘shrub’.
93. Quimby
Quimby is a surname derived from a toponym such as Quenby. Its original Norse meaning is ‘from the woman’s estate’.
94. Quintrell
This English surname originally derives from Cornwall. Cornish refers to the Celtic meaning ‘horn’, ‘headland’.
95. Ramsey
This English toponymic surname of Anglo-Saxon origin is derived from Ramsey in Essex or Ramsey in Huntingdonshire.
96. Ratliff
Ratliff is a habitational surname belonging to any place in Britain called Ratcliffe, Radcliffe, or Redcliff. The name is a variant of ‘red cliff’.
97. Relish
Relish is an Old French word which means ‘taste’.
98. Richards
This surname of Germanic origin means ‘powerful’, ‘brave’. Brought by the Normans in 1066, Richard derives from ‘ruler’, and ‘hard’ or ‘strong in rule’.
99. Roberts
This surname of Germanic roots means ‘bright’ or ‘fame’.
100. Robinson
This patronymic first surname originating from England means ‘son of Robin’.
101. Russell
Russell has Old French roots and is derived from the diminutive of Rous. It refers to ‘someone with complexion or hair of reddish brown’.
102. Saunders
Saunders originated from The British Isles, but is derived from the Greek word Alexandros, which means ‘Defender of men’.
103. Scott
Originating from the Medieval English era, Scott is derived from the 7th-century word ‘Scotti’. It refers to the inhabitants of Scotland.
104. Simpson
This patronymic Anglo-Scottish surname is derived from the words ‘Symson’, ‘Simme’ or Simon’ and means ‘Son of Simon’.
105. Smith
This occupational surname is an Old English term meaning ‘one who works in metal’. It can be an old English form of ‘smith’ or ‘to strike’.
106. Spencer
Spencer refers to ‘house steward’ or ‘butler’.
107. Stewart
Derived from the pre-7th century Old English word ‘Stigeweard’, it means ‘Warden’ or ‘Wall guardian’.
108. Taylor
Originating from the French and Latin origin, this occupational surname refers to a ‘tailor’ or ‘to cut’.
109. Thomas
This common last name means ‘Twin’ and has a Biblical reference due to Saint Thomas.
110. Thompson
Originating from the Scottish and English regions, this surname refers to ‘son of Thom’.
111. Thomson
Thomson has Welsh and Scottish roots and refers to ‘son of Thomas’.
112. Turner
This last name of Scottish and English origin refers to ‘Maker of objects from wood or metal’.
113. Villin
Villin is a rare Victorian last name of Old English origin. It refers to ‘a servant or a commoner in a household’.
114. Walker
Walker is an occupational name that originated from English and German regions of Europe. It refers to ‘someone who beats or presses cloth’.
115. Walsh
This common Irish last name originates from the British and Welsh community of soldiers. It refers to ‘Foreigner’ or ‘Welshman’.
116. Ward
Ward is an Old English word that entered England after the Norman conquest of 1066 and means ‘Guardian’ or ‘Watchman’.
117. Watson
Watson is an ancesteral name meaning ‘son of Walter’. It has roots in regions of England and Scotland.
118. Webb
Belonging to the Old English pre 7th Century era, Webb means ‘To Weave’.
119. West
Originating from English and German regions, West is a topographical surname that refers to ‘Someone who lived by the west of the settlement’.
120. White
This topographical surname of Irish origin belongs to the Isle of Wight, near Hampshire in England.
121. Yalden
Yalden could have been derived from a geographical locality of Yalding, which is a parish in Kent.
122. Yarbury
Derived from Yarborough, a county in Lincolnshire, this surname comes from the Anglo-Saxon tribes of Britain.
123. Yardley
This Old English habitational surname is derived from various places like Essex, West Midlands and means ‘of the Yard’.
124. Yarrow
Yarrow is a surname that is derived from the locality of Yarrow, which is a parish in Selkirkshire.
125. Yates
This topographic name refers to ‘someone who lived near the gates of a walled town’, or an occupational name for ‘a gatekeeper.’
126. Young
Belonging to the pre 7th-century Anglo-Saxon era, this last name is derived from the word ‘Geong’ which means ‘The young one’.
127. Zachary
Zachary is a family surname that came into England with the Norman conquest of 1066. It means ‘remembered by God’.
128. Zelly
Originating from Anglo-Saxon tribes, Zelly is an Old English word that means ‘happy’ or ‘blessed’.
129. Zinc
This unusual surname has a Germanic origin. It is a variant of Zinke that means ‘a tip’ or ‘point’ or Sink which is a topographical name.
130. Zouch
Zouch is a topographical surname that comes from a hamlet in Nottinghamshire in England.
The most popular to obscure UK last names can reveal their linguistic origins. When a child was christened with two or more baptismal names, often the last name would be adopted as a surname. Surnames also threw light on the lives of the ancestors. Most common Old English names have Vikings, Nordic, Scandanavians, German and French roots. Search for your family tree, and you will be amazed to find yourself part of an illustrious family that may add a touch of glory to your personal identity.