American Surnames – Behind the Name
American names are used in the United States. See also
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AaronJewish, English
From the given name
From the given name Aaron
AbbeyEnglish
Indicated a person who lived near an abbey or worked in an abbey, from Middle English abbeye.
Indicated a person who lived near an abbey or worked in an abbey, from Middle English
AbbottEnglish
English cognate of
English cognate of Abate
Abel
1
English, French, Danish, Spanish, Portuguese
Derived from the given name
Derived from the given name Abel
AbneyEnglish
From the name of a town in Derbyshire, derived from Old English meaning “Abba’s island”.
From the name of a town in Derbyshire, derived from Old English meaning “Abba’s island”.
AbrahamJewish, English, German, French, Spanish, Dutch
Derived from the given name
Derived from the given name Abraham
AbrahamsJewish, English, Dutch
Means
“son of Abraham
Means
AbrahamsonJewish, English
Means
“son of Abraham
Means
AbramEnglish
Derived from the given name
Derived from the given name Abraham
AbramsJewish, English
Means
“son of Abraham
Means
AbramsonEnglish
Means
“son of Abraham
Means
AckerGerman, English
Denoted a person who lived near a field, derived from Middle English aker or Middle High German acker meaning “field”.
Denoted a person who lived near a field, derived from Middle Englishor Middle High Germanmeaning “field”.
AckermanEnglish
Means
“ploughman”
, derived from Middle English aker “field” and man.
Means, derived from Middle English”field” and
AdairEnglish
Derived from the given name
Derived from the given name Edgar
AdamEnglish, French, German, Polish, Romanian, Jewish
Derived from the given name
Derived from the given name Adam
AdamsEnglish, Jewish
Derived from the given name
Derived from the given name Adam
AdamsonEnglish
Means
“son of Adam
Means
AdcockEnglish
Derived from a diminutive of the given name
Derived from a diminutive of the given name Adam
AdkinsEnglish
Variant of
Variant of Atkins
AikenEnglish
From the medieval given name Atkin, a diminutive of
From the medieval given name, a diminutive of Adam
AinsworthEnglish
Habitational name for a person from the village of Ainsworth near Manchester, itself from the Old English given name Ægen and worþ meaning “enclosure”.
Habitational name for a person from the village of Ainsworth near Manchester, itself from the Old English given nameandmeaning “enclosure”.
AitkenScottish, English
Derived from the medieval given name Atkin, a diminutive of
Derived from the medieval given name, a diminutive of Adam
AkermanEnglish
Variant of
Variant of Ackerman
AkersEnglish
Variant of
Variant of Acker
AlanEnglish, Scottish
Derived from the given name
Derived from the given name Alan
AlbertEnglish, French, Catalan, Hungarian, Romanian, German
Derived from the given name
Derived from the given name Albert
AlbertsEnglish, Dutch
Means
“son of Albert
Means
AlbertsonEnglish
Means
“son of Albert
Means
AlbinsonEnglish
Means
“son of Albin
Means
AldenEnglish
Derived from the Old English given name
Derived from the Old English given name Ealdwine
AlexanderEnglish
Derived from the given name
Derived from the given name Alexander
AlfredsonEnglish
Means
“son of Alfred
Means
AlgerEnglish
From the given name
From the given name Algar
AllanEnglish, Scottish
Derived from the given name
Derived from the given name Alan
AllardFrench, English
Derived from the given name
Derived from the given name Adalhard (or the Old English cognate Æðelræd ).
AllenEnglish, Scottish
Derived from the given name
Derived from the given name Alan
AllisonEnglish
Means
“son of Alan
“son of Alexander
Al).
Meansor(as well as other given names beginning with).
AllsoppEnglish
From the name of the village of Alsop en la Dale in Derbyshire, England. It means “Ælli’s valley” in Old English.
From the name of the village of Alsop en la Dale in Derbyshire, England. It means “Ælli’s valley” in Old English.
AlveyEnglish
Derived from the given name
Derived from the given name Ælfwig
AlvinEnglish
Variant of
Variant of Elwyn
AndersonEnglish
Means
“son of Andrew
Means
AndrewsEnglish
Means
“son of Andrew
Means
AndrewsonEnglish
Variant of
Variant of Anderson
AnselEnglish
Derived from the given name
Derived from the given name Anselm
AnsonEnglish
Means
“son of Agnes
Means
ApplebyEnglish
From the name of various English towns, derived from Old English æppel “apple” and Old Norse býr “farm, settlement”.
From the name of various English towns, derived from Old English”apple” and Old Norse”farm, settlement”.
AppletonEnglish
From the name of several English towns, meaning “orchard” in Old English (a compound of æppel “apple” and tun “enclosure, yard”).
From the name of several English towns, meaning “orchard” in Old English (a compound of”apple” and”enclosure, yard”).
AptedEnglish
Probably from an unidentified place name meaning “up tower” in Old English.
Probably from an unidentified place name meaning “up tower” in Old English.
ArcherEnglish
Occupational name for one who practiced archery, from Latin arcus “bow” (via Old French).
Occupational name for one who practiced archery, from Latin”bow” (via Old French).
ArkwrightEnglish
Occupational name meaning
“chest maker”
, from Middle English arc meaning “chest, coffer” and wyrhta meaning “maker, craftsman”.
Occupational name meaning, from Middle Englishmeaning “chest, coffer” andmeaning “maker, craftsman”.
ArmisteadEnglish
Means
“hermitage”
, indicating a person who lived near one, from Middle English ermite “hermit” and stede “place”.
Means, indicating a person who lived near one, from Middle English”hermit” and”place”.
ArmstrongEnglish
Means
“strong arm”
from Middle English. Tradition holds that the family is descended from Siward, an 11th-century Earl of Northumbria. Famous bearers of this name include the Americans Louis Armstrong (1901-1971), a jazz musician, and Neil Armstrong (1930-2012), an astronaut who was the first person to walk on the moon.
Meansfrom Middle English. Tradition holds that the family is descended from Siward, an 11th-century Earl of Northumbria. Famous bearers of this name include the Americans Louis Armstrong (1901-1971), a jazz musician, and Neil Armstrong (1930-2012), an astronaut who was the first person to walk on the moon.
ArnoldEnglish
Derived from the given name
Derived from the given name Arnold
ArringtonEnglish
From the name of a town in Cambridgeshire, originally meaning “Earna’s settlement” in Old English (Earna being a person’s nickname meaning “eagle”).
From the name of a town in Cambridgeshire, originally meaning “Earna’s settlement” in Old English (being a person’s nickname meaning “eagle”).
ArterberryEnglish
Variant of
Variant of Atteberry
ArterburyEnglish
Variant of
Variant of Atteberry
ArthurEnglish, French
From the given name
From the given name Arthur
ArthursonEnglish
Means
“son of Arthur
Means
AshEnglish
From Old English æsc meaning
“ash tree”
, indicating a person who lived near ash trees.
From Old Englishmeaning, indicating a person who lived near ash trees.
AshleyEnglish
Denoted a person hailing from one of the many places in England that bear this name. The place name itself is derived from Old English æsc “ash tree” and leah “woodland, clearing”.
Denoted a person hailing from one of the many places in England that bear this name. The place name itself is derived from Old English”ash tree” and”woodland, clearing”.
AshtonEnglish
Denoted a person from one of the towns in England that bear this name, itself derived from Old English æsc “ash tree” and tun “enclosure, yard, town”.
Denoted a person from one of the towns in England that bear this name, itself derived from Old English”ash tree” and”enclosure, yard, town”.
AshworthEnglish
From an English place name meaning “ash enclosure” in Old English.
From an English place name meaning “ash enclosure” in Old English.
Aston
1
English
From a place name meaning “east town” in Old English.
From a place name meaning “east town” in Old English.
Aston
2
English
From the Old English given name
From the Old English given name Æðelstan
AtkinsEnglish
Means
“son of Atkin”
, a medieval diminutive of
Means, a medieval diminutive of Adam
AtkinsonEnglish
Means
“son of Atkin”
, a medieval diminutive of
Means, a medieval diminutive of Adam
AttawayEnglish
Means
“at the way”
, originally denoting someone who lived close to a road.
Means, originally denoting someone who lived close to a road.
AtteberryEnglish
Means
“dweller at the fortified town”
from Middle English at and burh “fortified place”.
Meansfrom Middle Englishand”fortified place”.
AtterberryEnglish
Variant of
Variant of Atteberry
AttwaterEnglish
Variant of
Variant of Atwater
AttwoodEnglish
Variant of
Variant of Atwood
AtwaterEnglish
From Middle English meaning
“dweller at the water”
.
From Middle English meaning
AtwoodEnglish
From Middle English meaning
“dweller at the wood”
.
From Middle English meaning
AudleyEnglish
From a place name meaning “
From a place name meaning ” Ealdgyð ‘s clearing” in Old English.
AugustineEnglish
From the given name
From the given name Augustine
1
AustinEnglish
Derived from the given name
Derived from the given name Austin
AuteberryEnglish
Variant of
Variant of Atteberry
AverillEnglish
From Middle English aueril, Old French avrill meaning
“April”
, perhaps indicating a person who was baptized in that month.
From Middle English, Old Frenchmeaning, perhaps indicating a person who was baptized in that month.
AveryEnglish
Derived from a Norman French form of the given names
Derived from a Norman French form of the given names Alberich or Alfred
Ayers
1
English
From Middle English eir meaning
“heir”
.
From Middle Englishmeaning
Ayers
2
English
Derived from the given name
Derived from the given name Ealhhere
Ayers
3
English
Indicated a person from the town of Ayr in Scotland. The town was named for the river that flows through it, itself derived from an Indo-European root meaning “water”.
Indicated a person from the town of Ayr in Scotland. The town was named for the river that flows through it, itself derived from an Indo-European root meaning “water”.
AylmerEnglish
Derived from the Old English name
Derived from the Old English name Æðelmær
AytonEnglish
From the name of towns in Berwickshire and North Yorkshire. They are derived from Old English ea “river” or ieg “island” combined with tun “enclosure, yard, town”.
From the name of towns in Berwickshire and North Yorkshire. They are derived from Old English”river” or”island” combined with”enclosure, yard, town”.
BabcockEnglish
Derived from the medieval name Bab, possibly a diminutive of
Derived from the medieval name, possibly a diminutive of Bartholomew or Barbara
BackusEnglish
Means
“bakery”
, an occupational name for a baker, from Old English bæchus literally “bake house”.
Means, an occupational name for a baker, from Old Englishliterally “bake house”.
BadcockEnglish
From a diminutive of the medieval given name
From a diminutive of the medieval given name Bada
BagleyEnglish
From various English place names, derived from the Old English given name Bacga combined with leah “woodland, clearing”.
From various English place names, derived from the Old English given namecombined with”woodland, clearing”.
BaileyEnglish
From Middle English baili meaning
“bailiff”
, which comes via Old French from Latin baiulus “porter”.
From Middle Englishmeaning, which comes via Old French from Latin”porter”.
Baines
2
English
From a nickname derived from Old English ban
“bones”
, probably for a thin person.
From a nickname derived from Old English, probably for a thin person.
BakerEnglish
Occupational name meaning
“baker”
, derived from Middle English bakere.
Occupational name meaning, derived from Middle English
BaldwinEnglish
Derived from the given name
Derived from the given name Baldwin
BallEnglish
From Middle English bal, Old English beall meaning
“ball”
. This was either a nickname for a rotund or bald person, or a topographic name for someone who lived near a ball-shaped feature.
From Middle English, Old Englishmeaning. This was either a nickname for a rotund or bald person, or a topographic name for someone who lived near a ball-shaped feature.
BancroftEnglish
From any of the various places of this name, derived from Old English bean meaning “bean” and croft meaning “small enclosed field”.
From any of the various places of this name, derived from Old Englishmeaning “bean” andmeaning “small enclosed field”.
BanisterEnglish
Variant of
Variant of Bannister
BanksEnglish
Originally indicated someone who lived near a hillside or a bank of land.
Originally indicated someone who lived near a hillside or a bank of land.
BannerEnglish
Occupational name for a flag carrier, derived from Old French baniere meaning
“banner”
, ultimately of Germanic origin.
Occupational name for a flag carrier, derived from Old Frenchmeaning, ultimately of Germanic origin.
BannermanEnglish
Variant of
Variant of Banner
BannisterEnglish
From Norman French banastre meaning
“basket”
. This was originally a name for a maker of baskets.
From Norman Frenchmeaning. This was originally a name for a maker of baskets.
BarberEnglish, Scottish
Indicated a barber, one who cut hair for a living.
Indicated a barber, one who cut hair for a living.
BarclayEnglish, Scottish
From the English place name Berkeley, derived from Old English beorc “birch” and leah “woodland, clearing”. The surname was imported to Scotland in the 12th century.
From the English place name, derived from Old English”birch” and”woodland, clearing”. The surname was imported to Scotland in the 12th century.
BardsleyEnglish
From the name a village near Manchester, from the Old English given name leah “woodland, clearing”.
From the name a village near Manchester, from the Old English given name Beornræd and”woodland, clearing”.
BarkerEnglish
From Middle English bark meaning
“to tan”
. This was an occupational name for a leather tanner.
From Middle Englishmeaning. This was an occupational name for a leather tanner.
BarlowEnglish
Derived from a number of English place names that variously mean “barley hill”, “barn hill”, “boar clearing” or “barley clearing”.
Derived from a number of English place names that variously mean “barley hill”, “barn hill”, “boar clearing” or “barley clearing”.
BarnesEnglish
Denoted a person who worked or lived in a barn. The word barn is derived from Old English bere “barley” and ærn “dwelling”.
Denoted a person who worked or lived in a barn. The wordis derived from Old English”barley” and”dwelling”.
BarnetEnglish
Variant of
Variant of Barnett
BarnettEnglish
Derived from Old English bærnet meaning “place cleared by burning”.
Derived from Old Englishmeaning “place cleared by burning”.
BarrEnglish
Indicated a person who lived near a barrier, from Old French barre.
Indicated a person who lived near a barrier, from Old French
BarretEnglish
Variant of
Variant of Barrett
BarrettEnglish
Probably derived from the Middle English word barat meaning
“trouble, deception”
, originally given to a quarrelsome person.
Probably derived from the Middle English wordmeaning, originally given to a quarrelsome person.
BartonEnglish
From a place name meaning “barley town” in Old English.
From a place name meaning “barley town” in Old English.
BartramEnglish
From the given name
From the given name Bertram
BassEnglish
English cognate of
English cognate of Basso
BatesEnglish
Means
“son of Bate
Means
BatesonEnglish
Means
“son of Bate
Means
BattleEnglish
From a nickname for a combative person. In some cases it may come from the name of English places called Battle, so named because they were sites of battles.
From a nickname for a combative person. In some cases it may come from the name of English places called, so named because they were sites of battles.
BattsEnglish
Means
“son of Bate
Means
BaxterEnglish
Variant (in origin a feminine form) of
Variant (in origin a feminine form) of Baker
BeanEnglish
English cognate of
English cognate of Bohn
BeasleyEnglish
From the name of a place in Lancashire, from Old English beos “bent grass” and leah “woodland, clearing”.
From the name of a place in Lancashire, from Old English”bent grass” and”woodland, clearing”.
BeaumontFrench, English
From French place names derived from beau “beautiful” and mont “mountain”.
From French place names derived from”beautiful” and”mountain”.
Beck
1
English, German, Danish, Swedish, Norwegian
Cognate of bekke (from Old Norse), Low German beke or Old Norse bekkr all meaning
“stream”
.
Cognate of Bach , from Middle English(from Old Norse), Low Germanor Old Norseall meaning
Beck
3
English
From a nickname for a person with a big nose, from Middle English bec meaning
“beak”
.
From a nickname for a person with a big nose, from Middle Englishmeaning
Beck
4
English
From Old English becca meaning
“pickaxe”
, an occupational surname.
From Old Englishmeaning, an occupational surname.
BecketEnglish
Variant of
Variant of Beckett
BeckhamEnglish
From an English place name meaning “Becca’s homestead” in Old English (with Becca being a masculine byname meaning “pickaxe”). A famous bearer is retired English soccer player David Beckham (1975-).
From an English place name meaning “Becca’s homestead” in Old English (withbeing a masculine byname meaning “pickaxe”). A famous bearer is retired English soccer player David Beckham (1975-).
BelangerEnglish
From the given name
From the given name Berengar
BelcherEnglish
From a Middle English version of Old French bel chiere meaning
“beautiful face”
. It later came to refer to a person who had a cheerful and pleasant temperament.
From a Middle English version of Old Frenchmeaning. It later came to refer to a person who had a cheerful and pleasant temperament.
Bell
1
English
From Middle English belle meaning
“bell”
. It originated as a nickname for a person who lived near the town bell, or who had a job as a bell-ringer.
From Middle Englishmeaning. It originated as a nickname for a person who lived near the town bell, or who had a job as a bell-ringer.
Bell
2
English
Derived from the given name Bel, a medieval short form of
Derived from the given name, a medieval short form of Isabel
BellamyFrench, English
From Old French bel ami meaning
“beautiful friend”
.
From Old Frenchmeaning
BelmontFrench, English
French and English form of
French and English form of Belmonte
BenbowEnglish
From a nickname
“bend the bow”
given to an archer.
From a nicknamegiven to an archer.
BenjaminsonEnglish
Means
“son of Benjamin
Means
BennEnglish
From a short form of
From a short form of Benedict
BennetEnglish
Derived from the medieval English given name
Derived from the medieval English given name Bennett
BennettEnglish
Derived from the medieval English given name
Derived from the medieval English given name Bennett
BenningtonEnglish
From the English town name Benington, which can mean either
“settlement belonging to Beonna’s people”
or
“settlement by the River Beane”
.
From the English town name, which can mean eitheror
BensonEnglish
Means
“son of Benedict
Means
BentleyEnglish
From a place name derived from Old English beonet “bent grass” and leah “woodland, clearing”. Various towns in England bear this name.
From a place name derived from Old English”bent grass” and”woodland, clearing”. Various towns in England bear this name.
BentonEnglish
Denoted someone who came from Benton, England, which is derived from Old English beonet “bent grass” and tun “enclosure”.
Denoted someone who came from Benton, England, which is derived from Old English”bent grass” and”enclosure”.
BeringerGerman, English
From the given name
From the given name Berengar
BernardFrench, English, Dutch, German, Czech, Slovene
From the given name
From the given name Bernard
BerryEnglish
Derived from a place name, which was derived from Old English burh
“fortification”
.
Derived from a place name, which was derived from Old English
Best
1
English
Derived from Middle English beste meaning
“beast”
, an occupational name for a keeper of animals or a nickname for someone who acted like a beast. A famous bearer of this surname was soccer legend George Best (1946-2005).
Derived from Middle Englishmeaning, an occupational name for a keeper of animals or a nickname for someone who acted like a beast. A famous bearer of this surname was soccer legend George Best (1946-2005).
BeverleyEnglish
From the name of an English city, derived from Old English beofor “beaver” and (possibly) licc “stream”.
From the name of an English city, derived from Old English”beaver” and (possibly)”stream”.
BeverlyEnglish
Variant of
Variant of Beverley
BirdEnglish
Occupational name for a person who raised or hunted birds.
Occupational name for a person who raised or hunted birds.
BishopEnglish
Means simply
“bishop”
, ultimately from Greek ἐπίσκοπος (episkopos) meaning “overseer”. It probably originally referred to a person who served a bishop.
Means simply, ultimately from Greekmeaning “overseer”. It probably originally referred to a person who served a bishop.
BissetEnglish
From Old French bis meaning
“drab, dingy”
, a nickname for someone who looked drab.
From Old Frenchmeaning, a nickname for someone who looked drab.
BissetteEnglish
Variant of
Variant of Bisset
BlackEnglish
Means either
“black”
(from Old English blæc) or
“pale”
(from Old English blac). It could refer to a person with a pale or a dark complexion, or a person who worked with black dye.
Means either(from Old English) or(from Old English). It could refer to a person with a pale or a dark complexion, or a person who worked with black dye.
BlackbourneEnglish
Variant of
Variant of Blackburn
BlackburnEnglish
From the name of a city in Lancashire, meaning “black stream” in Old English.
From the name of a city in Lancashire, meaning “black stream” in Old English.
BlackmanEnglish
From a nickname, a variant of
From a nickname, a variant of Black
BlackwoodEnglish, Scottish
From an English place name meaning “black wood”.
From an English place name meaning “black wood”.
BlakeEnglish
Variant of
Variant of Black . A famous bearer was the poet and artist William Blake (1757-1827).
BlakeleyEnglish
From name of various English places, derived from Old English blæc “black” and leah “woodland, clearing”.
From name of various English places, derived from Old English”black” and”woodland, clearing”.
BlakelyEnglish
Variant of
Variant of Blakeley
BlakesleeEnglish
Variant of
Variant of Blakesley
BlakesleyEnglish
From the name of a town in Northamptonshire, itself meaning “Blæcwulf’s meadow” in Old English. Blæcwulf is a byname meaning “black wolf”.
From the name of a town in Northamptonshire, itself meaning “Blæcwulf’s meadow” in Old English.is a byname meaning “black wolf”.
BlanchardFrench, English
Derived from the given name
Derived from the given name Blanchard
BloodworthEnglish
Originally indicated someone from the town of Blidworth in Nottinghamshire, which was derived from the Old English byname Blīþa (meaning “happy, blithe”) combined with worð “enclosure”.
Originally indicated someone from the town of Blidworth in Nottinghamshire, which was derived from the Old English byname(meaning “happy, blithe”) combined with”enclosure”.
BloxamEnglish
Variant of
Variant of Bloxham
BloxhamEnglish
From a place name meaning “Blocca’s homestead”. The Old English byname Blocca is of uncertain origin.
From a place name meaning “Blocca’s homestead”. The Old English bynameis of uncertain origin.
BlueEnglish
From a nickname for a person with blue eyes or blue clothing.
From a nickname for a person with blue eyes or blue clothing.
BlytheEnglish
From Old English meaning
“happy, joyous, blithe”
.
From Old English meaning
BoatwrightEnglish
Occupational name meaning
“maker of boats”
.
Occupational name meaning
BoltonEnglish
From any of the many places in England called Bolton, derived from Old English bold “house” and tun “enclosure”.
From any of the many places in England called Bolton, derived from Old English”house” and”enclosure”.
BondEnglish
Occupational name for a peasant farmer, from Middle English bonde. A famous bearer is the fictional spy James Bond, created by Ian Flemming in 1953.
Occupational name for a peasant farmer, from Middle English. A famous bearer is the fictional spy James Bond, created by Ian Flemming in 1953.
Bone
1
English
Derived from Old French bon meaning
“good”
.
Derived from Old Frenchmeaning
BonhamEnglish
English form of
English form of Bonhomme
BonnerEnglish
From Middle English boneire
“kind, courteous”
, derived from Norman French bon aire “good bloodline”.
From Middle English, derived from Norman French”good bloodline”.
BonneyEnglish
From northern Middle English boni meaning
“pretty, attractive”
.
From northern Middle Englishmeaning
Boon
2
English
Originally indicated a person from the town of Bohon, in Manche in France. The town’s name is of unknown origin.
Originally indicated a person from the town of Bohon, in Manche in France. The town’s name is of unknown origin.
BoothEnglish
Topographic name derived from Middle English both meaning
“hut, stall”
.
Topographic name derived from Middle Englishmeaning
BoothmanEnglish
Variant of
Variant of Booth
BotterillEnglish
Probably indicated someone from the town of Les Bottereaux in Normandy, itself derived from Old French bot “toad”.
Probably indicated someone from the town of Les Bottereaux in Normandy, itself derived from Old French”toad”.
BotwrightEnglish
Variant of
Variant of Boatwright
BourkeEnglish
Variant of
Variant of Burke
BourneEnglish
Derived from Old English burna
“stream, spring”
.
Derived from Old English
BowmanEnglish
Occupational name for an archer, derived from Middle English bowe, Old English boga meaning “bow”.
Occupational name for an archer, derived from Middle English, Old Englishmeaning “bow”.
BoyceEnglish
From Old French bois meaning
“wood”
, originally given to someone who lived by or in a wood.
From Old Frenchmeaning, originally given to someone who lived by or in a wood.
BraddockEnglish
From various locations derived from Old English meaning
“broad oak”
.
From various locations derived from Old English meaning
BradfordEnglish
Derived from the name of the city of Bradford in West Yorkshire, which meant “broad ford” in Old English. This is also the name of other smaller towns in England.
Derived from the name of the city of Bradford in West Yorkshire, which meant “broad ford” in Old English. This is also the name of other smaller towns in England.
BradleyEnglish
From a common English place name, derived from brad “broad” and leah “woodland, clearing”.
From a common English place name, derived from”broad” and”woodland, clearing”.
Brand
1
German, English
Derived from the Old German given name
Derived from the Old German given name Brando or its Old Norse cognate Brandr
BrandonEnglish
From the name of various places in England meaning
“hill covered with broom”
in Old English.
From the name of various places in England meaningin Old English.
BransonEnglish
Means
“son of Brandr
Means
BrasherEnglish
Means
“brass worker”
, derived from Old English bræs “brass”.
Means, derived from Old English”brass”.
BrassingtonEnglish
From a place name, which derived from Old English meaning “enclosure by a steep path”.
From a place name, which derived from Old English meaning “enclosure by a steep path”.
BraxtonEnglish
From an English place name place name meaning “Bracca’s town” in Old English.
From an English place name place name meaning “Bracca’s town” in Old English.
BrayEnglish
From a place name derived from Cornish bre
“hill”
.
From a place name derived from Cornish
BreckenridgeScottish, English
Originally indicated someone from Brackenrig in Lanarkshire, derived from northern Middle English braken meaning “bracken” (via Old Norse brækni) and rigg meaning “ridge” (via Old Norse hryggr).
Originally indicated someone from Brackenrig in Lanarkshire, derived from northern Middle Englishmeaning “bracken” (via Old Norse) andmeaning “ridge” (via Old Norse).
BreckinridgeScottish, English
Variant of
Variant of Breckenridge
BrentEnglish
Originally derived from the name of a hill (or the village nearby) in Somerset, perhaps derived from a Celtic word meaning “hill”.
Originally derived from the name of a hill (or the village nearby) in Somerset, perhaps derived from a Celtic word meaning “hill”.
BrettEnglish
Originally a name given to someone who was a Breton or a person from Brittany.
Originally a name given to someone who was a Breton or a person from Brittany.
BrewerEnglish
Occupational name for a maker of ale or beer.
Occupational name for a maker of ale or beer.
BrewsterEnglish
Variant of
Variant of Brewer , originally a feminine form of the occupational term.
BriceEnglish
From the given name
From the given name Brice
BridgesEnglish
Originally denoted a person who lived near a bridge, or who worked as a bridgekeeper, derived from Middle English brigge, Old English brycg.
Originally denoted a person who lived near a bridge, or who worked as a bridgekeeper, derived from Middle English, Old English
BrierleyEnglish
From an English place name, derived from brer “briar” and leah “woodland, clearing”.
From an English place name, derived from”briar” and”woodland, clearing”.
BriggsEnglish
Variant of
Variant of Bridges
BrighamEnglish
Originally referred to one who came from a town called Brigham, meaning “homestead by the bridge” in Old English. This is the name of towns in Cumberland and Yorkshire.
Originally referred to one who came from a town called Brigham, meaning “homestead by the bridge” in Old English. This is the name of towns in Cumberland and Yorkshire.
BrileyEnglish
Possibly a variant of
Possibly a variant of Brierley
BrinleyEnglish
Possibly from English places named Brindley, derived from Old English berned “burned” and leah “woodland, clearing”.
Possibly from English places named, derived from Old English”burned” and”woodland, clearing”.
BristolEnglish
From the name of a city in England meaning “the site of the bridge”.
From the name of a city in England meaning “the site of the bridge”.
BristowEnglish
From the name of the city of Bristol, originally Brycgstow in Old English, meaning “the site of the bridge”.
From the name of the city of Bristol, originallyin Old English, meaning “the site of the bridge”.
BrittainEnglish
Variant of
Variant of Britton
BrittonEnglish
Originally given to a person who was a Briton (a Celt of England) or a Breton (an inhabitant of Brittany).
Originally given to a person who was a Briton (a Celt of England) or a Breton (an inhabitant of Brittany).
BroadbentEnglish
From a place name derived from Old English brad “broad” and beonet “bent grass”.
From a place name derived from Old English”broad” and”bent grass”.
BrockEnglish
Derived from Old English brocc meaning
“badger”
, ultimately of Celtic origin.
Derived from Old Englishmeaning, ultimately of Celtic origin.
BronsonEnglish
Patronymic form of
Patronymic form of Brown
BrookEnglish
Denoted a person who lived near a brook, a word derived from Old English broc.
Denoted a person who lived near a brook, a word derived from Old English
BrookeEnglish
Variant of
Variant of Brook
BrooksEnglish
Variant of
Variant of Brook
BrownEnglish
Originally a nickname for a person who had brown hair or skin. A notable bearer is Charlie Brown from the Peanuts comic strip by Charles Schulz.
Originally a nickname for a person who had brown hair or skin. A notable bearer is Charlie Brown from thecomic strip by Charles Schulz.
BrowneEnglish
Variant of
Variant of Brown
BrownlowEnglish
From Old English brun meaning “brown” and hlaw meaning “mound, small hill”. The name was probably given to a family living on a small hill covered with bracken.
From Old Englishmeaning “brown” andmeaning “mound, small hill”. The name was probably given to a family living on a small hill covered with bracken.
BryanEnglish
From the given name
From the given name Brian
BryantEnglish
From the given name
From the given name Brian
BryceEnglish
From the given name
From the given name Brice
BrysonEnglish
Means
“son of Brice
Means
Buckley
1
English
From an English place name derived from bucc “buck, male deer” and leah “woodland, clearing”.
From an English place name derived from”buck, male deer” and”woodland, clearing”.
BullEnglish
From a nickname for a person who acted like a bull.
From a nickname for a person who acted like a bull.
BullardEnglish
Possibly a nickname derived from Middle English bole
“fraud, deceit”
.
Possibly a nickname derived from Middle English
BullockEnglish
From a nickname meaning
“young bull”
.
From a nickname meaning
BunkerEnglish
Derived from Old French bon cuer meaning
“good heart”
.
Derived from Old Frenchmeaning
BurgessEnglish
From Middle English and Old French burgeis meaning
“city-dweller”
, ultimately from Frankish burg “fortress”.
From Middle English and Old Frenchmeaning, ultimately from Frankish”fortress”.
BurkeEnglish, Irish
Derived from Middle English burgh meaning
“fortress, fortification, castle”
. It was brought to Ireland in the 12th century by the Norman invader William de Burgh.
Derived from Middle Englishmeaning. It was brought to Ireland in the 12th century by the Norman invader William de Burgh.
BurnhamEnglish
From the name of various towns in England, typically derived from Old English burna “stream, spring” and ham “home, settlement”.
From the name of various towns in England, typically derived from Old English”stream, spring” and”home, settlement”.
Burns
1
English, Scottish
Derived from Old English burna
“stream, spring”
. A famous bearer was the Scottish poet Robert Burns (1759-1796).
Derived from Old English. A famous bearer was the Scottish poet Robert Burns (1759-1796).
BurrellEnglish
English form of
English form of Bureau
BurtonEnglish
From a common English place name, derived from Old English meaning “fortified town”.
From a common English place name, derived from Old English meaning “fortified town”.
BushEnglish
Originally a name for a person who lived near a prominent bush or thicket.
Originally a name for a person who lived near a prominent bush or thicket.
ButcherEnglish
Occupational name for a butcher, derived from Old French bouchier.
Occupational name for a butcher, derived from Old French
ButlerEnglish, Irish
Occupational name derived from Norman French butiller
“wine steward”
, ultimately from Late Latin butticula “bottle”. A famous bearer of this surname is the fictional character Rhett Butler, created by Margaret Mitchell for her novel Gone with the Wind (1936).
Occupational name derived from Norman French, ultimately from Late Latin”bottle”. A famous bearer of this surname is the fictional character Rhett Butler, created by Margaret Mitchell for her novel(1936).
ButtsEnglish
From a nickname meaning
“thick, stumpy”
, from Middle English butt.
From a nickname meaning, from Middle English
ByrdEnglish
Variant of
Variant of Bird
CaldwellEnglish
From various English place names derived from Old English ceald “cold” and wille “spring, stream, well”.
From various English place names derived from Old English”cold” and”spring, stream, well”.
CannonEnglish
From the ecclesiastical usage of canon, referring to a church official or servant who worked in a clergy house.
From the ecclesiastical usage of, referring to a church official or servant who worked in a clergy house.
CantrellEnglish
Originally a name for someone from Cantrell in Devon, from an unknown first element and Old English hyll meaning “hill”.
Originally a name for someone from Cantrell in Devon, from an unknown first element and Old Englishmeaning “hill”.
CarlEnglish, German
From the given name
From the given name Carl
CarlisleEnglish
From the name of a city in northern England. The city was originally called by the Romans Luguvalium meaning “stronghold of ker “fort” was appended to the name of the city.
From the name of a city in northern England. The city was originally called by the Romansmeaning “stronghold of Lugus “. Later the Brythonic element”fort” was appended to the name of the city.
CarlyleEnglish
Variant of
Variant of Carlisle
Carman
1
English
Occupational name for a carter, from Middle English carre “cart” (of Latin origin) and man “man”.
Occupational name for a carter, from Middle English”cart” (of Latin origin) and”man”.
Carman
2
English
From an Old Norse byname derived from karlmann meaning
“male, man”
.
From an Old Norse byname derived frommeaning
CarpenterEnglish
From the occupation, derived from Middle English carpentier (ultimately from Latin carpentarius meaning “carriage maker”).
From the occupation, derived from Middle English(ultimately from Latinmeaning “carriage maker”).
CarterEnglish
Occupational name for a person who operated a cart to transport goods, from Norman French caretier. A famous bearer is the former American president Jimmy Carter (1924-).
Occupational name for a person who operated a cart to transport goods, from Norman French. A famous bearer is the former American president Jimmy Carter (1924-).
CartwrightEnglish
Occupational name indicating one who made carts.
Occupational name indicating one who made carts.
CarverEnglish
Occupational surname for a carver, from Middle English kerve “cut”.
Occupational surname for a carver, from Middle English”cut”.
CaseEnglish
From Norman French casse meaning
“box, case”
, ultimately from Latin capsa. This was an occupational name for a box maker.
From Norman Frenchmeaning, ultimately from Latin. This was an occupational name for a box maker.
CashEnglish
Variant of
Variant of Case
CasonEnglish
From the English place name Cawston, derived from the Old Norse given name tun meaning “enclosure, yard, town”.
From the English place name, derived from the Old Norse given name Kálfr combined with Old Englishmeaning “enclosure, yard, town”.
CastleEnglish
From Middle English castel meaning
“castle”
, from Late Latin castellum, originally indicating a person who lived near a castle.
From Middle Englishmeaning, from Late Latin, originally indicating a person who lived near a castle.
CaulfieldEnglish
From a place name meaning
“cold field”
, from Old English ceald “cold” and feld “pasture, field”.
From a place name meaning, from Old English”cold” and”pasture, field”.
CauserEnglish
Occupational name for one who made leggings, derived from Old French chausse
“leggings”
.
Occupational name for one who made leggings, derived from Old French
CauseyEnglish
Indicated a person who lived near a causeway, from Old French caucie.
Indicated a person who lived near a causeway, from Old French
ChadwickEnglish
From the name of English towns meaning “settlement belonging to
From the name of English towns meaning “settlement belonging to Chad ” in Old English.
ChamberlainEnglish
Occupational name for one who looked after the inner rooms of a mansion, from Norman French chambrelain.
Occupational name for one who looked after the inner rooms of a mansion, from Norman French
ChambersEnglish
From Old French chambre meaning
“chamber, room”
, an occupational name for a person who worked in the inner rooms of a mansion.
From Old Frenchmeaning, an occupational name for a person who worked in the inner rooms of a mansion.
ChanceEnglish
From a nickname for a lucky person or a gambler.
From a nickname for a lucky person or a gambler.
ChancellorEnglish
Occupational name for an administrator, a chancellor, from Norman French chancelier.
Occupational name for an administrator, a chancellor, from Norman French
ChandlerEnglish
Occupational name meaning
“candle seller”
or
“candle maker”
in Middle English, ultimately derived from Old French.
Occupational name meaningorin Middle English, ultimately derived from Old French.
ChaplinEnglish, French
Occupational name for a chaplin, or perhaps for the servant of one, from Middle English, Old French chapelain. A famous bearer was the British comic actor Charlie Chaplin (1889-1977).
Occupational name for a chaplin, or perhaps for the servant of one, from Middle English, Old French. A famous bearer was the British comic actor Charlie Chaplin (1889-1977).
ChapmanEnglish
Occupational name derived from Old English ceapmann meaning
“merchant, trader”
.
Occupational name derived from Old Englishmeaning
ChaseEnglish
Occupational name for a hunter, from Middle English chase
“hunt”
.
Occupational name for a hunter, from Middle English
CheshireEnglish
Originally indicated a person from the county of Cheshire in England. Cheshire is named for its city
Originally indicated a person from the county of Cheshire in England. Cheshire is named for its city Chester
ChesterEnglish
From the name of a city in England, derived from Latin castrum “camp, fortress”.
From the name of a city in England, derived from Latin”camp, fortress”.
ChristianEnglish, French, German
Derived from the given name
Derived from the given name Christian
ChristiansEnglish
Derived from the given name
Derived from the given name Christian
ChristiansonEnglish
Means
“son of Christian
Means
ChristinsenEnglish
Means
“son of Christian
Means
ChristisonEnglish
Means
“son of Christian
Means
ChristopherEnglish
Derived from the given name
Derived from the given name Christopher
ChristophersEnglish
Derived from the given name
Derived from the given name Christopher
ChristophersonEnglish
Means
“son of Christopher
Means
ChurchEnglish
From the English word, derived from Old English cirice, ultimately from Greek κυριακόν (kyriakon) meaning “(house) of the lord”. It probably referred to a person who lived close to a church.
From the English word, derived from Old English, ultimately from Greekmeaning “(house) of the lord”. It probably referred to a person who lived close to a church.
ClarkEnglish
Means
“cleric”
or
“scribe”
, from Old English clerec meaning “priest”, ultimately from Latin clericus. A famous bearer was William Clark (1770-1838), an explorer of the west of North America.
Meansor, from Old Englishmeaning “priest”, ultimately from Latin. A famous bearer was William Clark (1770-1838), an explorer of the west of North America.
ClarkeEnglish
Variant of
Variant of Clark
ClarksonEnglish
Patronymic form of
Patronymic form of Clark
ClayEnglish
Means simply
“clay”
, originally referring to a person who lived near or worked with of clay.
Means simply, originally referring to a person who lived near or worked with of clay.
ClaytonEnglish
From the name of various places meaning “clay settlement” in Old English.
From the name of various places meaning “clay settlement” in Old English.
ClemensEnglish
Derived from the given name
Derived from the given name Clement . This was the surname of the author Samuel Clemens (1835-1910), also known as Mark Twain.
ClementEnglish
Derived from the given name
Derived from the given name Clement
ClevelandEnglish
Derived from a place name meaning “cliff land” in Old English.
Derived from a place name meaning “cliff land” in Old English.
CliffordEnglish
Derived from various place names that meant “ford by a cliff” in Old English.
Derived from various place names that meant “ford by a cliff” in Old English.
CliftonEnglish
Derived from various place names meaning “settlement by a cliff” in Old English.
Derived from various place names meaning “settlement by a cliff” in Old English.
ClintonEnglish
Derived from the English place name Glinton, of uncertain meaning, or Glympton, meaning “settlement on the River Glyme”. This surname is borne by former American president Bill Clinton (1946-).
Derived from the English place name, of uncertain meaning, or, meaning “settlement on the River Glyme”. This surname is borne by former American president Bill Clinton (1946-).
CloseEnglish
From Middle English clos meaning
“enclosure”
, a topographic name for someone who lived near a courtyard or farmyard.
From Middle Englishmeaning, a topographic name for someone who lived near a courtyard or farmyard.
CobbEnglish
From a medieval English byname meaning
“lump”
.
From a medieval English byname meaning
