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Last name meanings

Common surnames in the United States, grouped by how they began.

Patronymic surnames

Adams · son of adamAnderson · son of andrewDavis · son of davidGonzalez · son of gonzaloHarris · son of harryHernandez · son of hernandoJackson · son of jackJohnson · son of johnJones · son of johnKelly · descendant of ceallachLopez · son of lopeMartinez · son of martinMurphy · descendant of murchadhNelson · son of neilRobinson · son of robinRodriguez · son of rodrigoSullivan · descendant of súil-dubháinThomas · from the name thomasThompson · son of thomWilliams · son of williamWilson · son of will

Occupational surnames

Baker · bakerCarter · cart driverClark · clerk, scribeCooper · barrel makerFisher · fishermanMiller · miller, one who grinds grainPatel · village headman, landholderSchmidt · smith, metalworkerSmith · metalworker, blacksmithTaylor · tailorTurner · woodturner, lathe workerWalker · cloth fullerWright · craftsman, builder

From a first name surnames

Allen · from alan; possibly little rockLewis · from louis; famous warriorMartin · from the latin martinusMitchell · from michel (michael)

Descriptive surnames

Brown · brown-haired or brown-skinnedWhite · fair-haired or paleYoung · young

Locational surnames

Green · lived near the village greenHill · lived on or near a hillMoore · lived near a moor

Clan name surnames

Kim · gold, metalNguyen · from a ruling dynasty name

Uncertain surnames

Garcia · possibly young or bear

Locational (English); clan name (Chinese) surnames

Lee · meadow, clearing (english)

Nickname surnames

King · king

Ethnic surnames

Scott · a scot, someone from scotland
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