While Ross is often used as a first name, it is also a family name of Scottish descent. It is a topographical surname for someone who lived near or worked on a wharf. It is derived from the given name Maurice, which, in turn, is derived from the Latin word maurus, meaning moorish or dark.. Any information you provide to us via this website may be placed by us on servers located in countries outside the EU if you do not agree to such placement, do not provide the information. Gastrell (Old English Origin) - Taken from the last name of the infamous Rev. 2. 55. It is a variant of Mathieson, meaning son of Matthew.. This name is derived from the old English personal name Eoforwine, which means boar friend.. 96. Francis Gastrell. With roots in an English town, the old English name means timber wood. It is a popular surname in the US, Ireland, Scotland, and Wales. 2. This surname denoted a person who hailed from one of the various places in England called Overton, meaning upper settlement or riverbank settlement in Old English. We also link to other websites, but are not responsible for their content. Castillo, the 25th most common Hispanic surname, often denoted someone who lived at or near a large fortified building or a worker in a castle. A famous bearer of this last name is American actor Jodie Foster. A man known as James Adair (c. 1709 to c.1783), born in Northern Ireland, was an Indian trader who emigrated to the US. Allen has a Celtic origin which means 'cheerful' and 'handsome'. Swanson is a Patronymic form of the Middle English word swein, meaning servant. It finds its roots in Old Norse. Recorded as Kay and Kaye, this interesting surname is British. The Vikings were keen on using names that indicated strength and conquest, which would fit their warlike image. Here, a selection of surnames that ranked in the US Top 500 in 1922: Famous surnames were a widely tapped source of baby name inspiration back in the day. 49. It includes the elements fearn, meaning fern and burna, meaning stream, and thus, it means stream by which ferns grew.. This popular surname is derived from the name of the French town of Saqueneville in Normandy. Badger (English Origin) - Taken from the name of a village in Shropshire. She has contributed stories on the top 2020s names, Gen Z names, and cottagecore baby names. Shikha is a writer-turned-editor at MomJunction, with over seven years of experience in the field of content. 39. All figures are for the 2000 United States census, except for the 1990 Rank column which is for the 1990 United States census. A surname may tell a lot about your familial history and connections. Watson is a patronymic surname of English and Scottish origin. Clark evolved from the word clerk.. It is a surname of Hebrew origin. During the 2000 U.S. census, the top one hundred surnames in the U.S. were:[10][11][12], List of most common surnames in North America, "Les 1 000 premiers noms de famille selon le rang, Qubec", "Conozca los nombres ms curiosos del pas", "Cuba Genealogy Resources & Vital Records", "Piensas que tu apellido es comn? This last name is of German origin and means from Gaddesby. This name was used and popularized by the American author F. Scott Fitzgerald for the central character in his novel The Great Gatsby. A postgraduate in Human Resources from Jawaharlal Nehru Technological University, she likes understanding 200 Common American Last Names or Surnames, With Meanings, Infographic: Facts About American Surnames. 84. Of Gaelic origin, this last name was used for a Scotsman who had taken part in conquering the west coast of Scotland around the 5th century AD. The English word is the name of many English towns and means new town.. While this is an occupational surname, it does not always refer to a baker. Of Norman origin, this surname was brought to England with the Norman conquest of 1066. An English surname, Chambers is an occupational surname for a man working in his lords private chambers. The English variant of Priestley, a famous personality with this surname was the musician Elvis Presley. Television journalist Anderson Cooper is a famous holder of this surname. Clare (Irish Origin) - Taken from the name of a county of Ireland, it is also related to Clare in Suffolk, which is an eastern county of England. 8. You have the obvious names like Smith, Mason, Gardener, Potter, and so forth. Subscribe for virtual tools, STEM-inspired play, Deighton (English Origin) - Coming from the Old English terms 'dc' (ditch dike) and 'tn' (settlement enclosure), it is a habitational name after the many places in Yorkshire that go by the same name. While this surname has a few different interpretations, it is commonly believed that it was a locational surname implied for people from the French capital Paris. We try our very best, but cannot guarantee perfection. Camden (English Origin) - Named after Charles Pratt, 1st Earl Camden, who sold lots from his manor. This surname is of early medieval English and French origin and is a nickname for a brave or courageous person. The surname Foster is an occupational name given to those bestowed with the responsibility of overseeing the upkeep of the hunting territories of a monarch. Byron (English Origin) - A habitational name from Byram, Yorkshire, derived from the Old English 'brum' (at the cattle sheds). Check your inbox for your latest news from us. Of English and Irish origin, Butler was an occupational name derived from the Norman French word butiller meaning wine steward, and ultimately from the Latin word butticula, meaning bottle. A famous bearer of this surname is the fictional character Rhett Butler in Margaret Mitchells novel Gone with the Wind. This is a list of the most common surnames (also called last names or family names) in North America. Barney (Old English Origin) - Means 'barley island' or 'a barn'. The Old English term tannianmeans to tan.. Most of them may be taken from ancient scriptures and holy books. 80. Other common surnames included Jones, Matthews, Sinclair, and Bennett, Price, and Gray. This surname is usually given to a tribal leader. 70. Dayton (English Origin) - Taken from the name of a city in Texas. Blythe (English Origin) - Taken from one of the many places in England. This last name is derived from the Hebrew name Abram, meaning father of a multitude of nations. Abram is known to Jews as the founding father of the Jewish people. Colby (English Origin) - A place in Cumbria and Norfolk. Historically, wealthy families passed down surnames as a way to authenticate bloodlines and prove entitlement to fortunes. 23. Kidadl is supported by you, the reader. Rounding out the Top 40, here are the next 30 most common names among African-Americans and Caribbean people: Taylor (Jayceon Terrel Taylor "The Game") Wilson (Charlie Wilson) Moore (Shemar Moore) White (Barry White) Lewis (Carl Lewis) Walker (Jimmie J. J. Walker) Green (Al Green) Thompson (Kenan Thompson) Washington (Denzel Washington) [citation needed]. It is an English surname derived from the words hara, meaning hare, and leah, meaning wood, meadow, or clearing., An ancient Scottish, Irish, and English name Harris is derived from the personal name Henry, meaning home-ruler.. If you purchase using the buy now button we may earn a small commission. Easton (English Origin) - A place in West Berkshire district, Berkshire. 31. Powell, Kimberly. Allard. The island of Australia also has a city by the name Sidney. This locational name has its origins in Fairburn Yorkshire. According to US census records, Williams is the 16th most common last name associated with African Americans. The English surname originated from the name of a town in Yorkshire. English Phonetic Surname Aliases 1750 to 1800, Surnames V Go to: A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z This information was originally extracted for the Family History Department from the will indexes of the Prerogative Court of Canterbury by volunteers in 1984. 77. This English surname means son of Nicholas. A famous bearer of this last name was the American president Richard Nixon (1913-1994). A famous reference to the surname Bennet can be found in Jane Austens novel Pride and Prejudice. 53. It is a short form of any of the various Germanic compound names with the first element hug, meaning heart or mind. A notable personality with this last name is the late English poet Ted Hughes. Garcia leapfrogged from number 18 to number eight, while Rodriguez went up from 22 to nine. This surname is also traditionally found in the highland regions of Scotland. Enfield (Old English Origin) - Last name is made up of two halves: 'an' (lamb) and 'field' (open field). The surname is of Anglo-Saxon origin. 74. Colgate (English Origin) - A family name for people from a village in the Horsham district. 67. It is a locational name from any of the places with this name in England and Scotland. The most famous bearer of this last name was the legendary comedian Charlie Chaplin. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. The surname is derived from the Scandinavian word noromenn, meaning men from the north., While this is a medieval English surname, it is of ancient Viking origins. This European surname of Roman origin is said to be a residential surname applied to those who lived in or owned a fortified castle or fortress. This Anglo Scottish surname has a deep history. This English and Scottish surname is an occupational name for an individual employed in a hall or manor place. 33. She has been quoted as a name expert by The Washington Post, People, The Huffington Post, and more. It is a locational name from any of the places with the same name and means from the valley town. A notable bearer of the surname was the English chemist and physicist John Dalton (1766-1844). You have subscribed to: Remember that you can always manage your preferences or unsubscribe through the link at the foot of each newsletter. The personal name meant something along the lines of "hound of desire" in Gaelic. Nicholson is a German and Scottish surname. Of Spanish and Portugese origin, its origins can be traced back to the 5th century. The late American actor Paul Walker bore this surname. Cotton (Old English Origin) - Means a 'cotton farmstead'. It is the 8th most common surname in the UK. Including some used for girls! This is one of the most popular Irish surnames, which is said to have been derived from the Gaelic name O Murchadha, meaning the descendant of the Sea Warrior. The American actor and comedian Eddie Murphy is a famous bearer of this name. We have listed these common American surnames mostly emanating from English, Irish, and Scottish origins. Abbott Save Image: Shutterstock Derived from the given name lfwig. Birdwhistle (Old English Origin) - Meaning 'a fork or junction on a river where birds nest', derived from the pre-seventh century term 'bridd twissel'. This name dates back to the 7th century. There are an estimated 700 variations of this name. 1. Denholm (English Origin) - Named after many places in Canada and the UK. It is an occupational name for a professional player of the fiddle. It is believed that they evolved from a practice called 'by-name' which used to reflect one's trade and locality in the name. This last name is of English and Scottish origin, meaning son of Andrew, which in itself is derived from the Greek word Andreas meaning man or manly. Anderson is the eighth most common surname in Scotland and 52nd most common in England. It is derived from the Middle English whit, meaning white.. British actor Dame Emma Thompson is a bearer of this last name. Historical figures such as George Washington and Christopher Columbus were common namesakes, as well as contemporary notables including Warren G. Harding and Henry Ford. Macca (Old English Origin) - Means the 'son'. Most of the English people who settled in Ireland did not know the Gaelic language. 34. Bytheseashore (English Origin) - Another last name similar to Bythesea. It is derived from the Hebrew given name Hebel meaning breath or vapor and was used as a name of endearment. The name was brought to Ireland by the Anglo-Norman settlers following the Strongbow-led invasions of 1171 and 1172. 27. For more information, see Appendix:English surnames from Old English. A notable persona with the name Kelly was the late American actor and Princess Grace Kelly. This Anglo-French surname is derived from the word palme, meaning palm tree.. A notable bearer of this name is the Spanish football player Fernando Torres. 82. Our references consist of resources established by authorities in their respective fields. A popular surname from the British Isles, it is a patronymic name meaning son of Robin.. Langley (English Origin) - Village in the south of Langley Mill in Derbyshire. It is derived from a medieval form of the given name Samson and means son of Samson. Popular variants of this surname include Samson, Sansom, Sansum, and Samsen. A patronymic form of Roger, this last name is of English and Scottish origins. The names below were drawn from early 20th-century Social Registers of New York and Chicago: Sophie Kihm has been writing for Nameberry since 2015. Of English and Scottish origin, the last name Roberts is borne by famous Hollywood actor Julia Roberts. These Biblical words can turn into beautiful names for your little angel. It generally refers to a place with cold streams or springs. Most common native American last names A native American in traditional clothing. A famous bearer of this surname was Bob Marley. 45. Nelson is a patronymic surname that translates to son of Nell, a form of the Irish name Neal, from the Gaelic Niall, which means champion. The American musician Willie Nelson bears this last name. Daniel Radcliffe, known for his role as Harry in the Harry Potter movie series, is a notable bearer of the name. 63. Most follow the Western naming style, which includes a first name followed by a last name. During the 19th century in England, this surname became the most popular name in the country owing to the explorer Sir Samuel Baker. ThoughtCo, Feb. 16, 2021, thoughtco.com/most-common-us-surnames-1422656. The last names may vary based on the individuals country of origin. 43. Yes, we tend to think of surname names as a modern trend, and in many ways it is. English, Scottish, German, Irish, Scandanavian. years old. Father: Pedro Garca Prez Mother: Madeline Marquez Rodrguez From lino cutting to surfing to childrens mental health, their hobbies and interests range far and wide. The surname Abbott is an English and Scottish name that refers to an abbot or a priest. It originated as an occupational name for a priest or head of a monastery. Browning (English Origin) - Derived from the Old English word 'bruning', which was in common usage until the 14th century. 94. Ajax (English Origin) - Probably the last name was brought by Huguenot refugees who came from France. One of the major reasons for the transfer of these surnames is the migration of families from one place to another. Bob Ross, a famous American painter universally adored, bore this surname. It is derived from the Anglo-Saxon name Bonde or Bonda and was a status surname for a farmer. For each rank and sex, the table shows the name and the number of occurrences of that name. In the 21st century, parents prefer celebrity surnames like Beckham and Brooks, Lennon and Legend. This last name has over 70 recorded spellings and variations. Price is a patronymic name derived from the Welsh word ap Rhys, which translates to son of Rhys. It means enthusiasm in Welsh and is a famous last name in Wales. Haley (English Origin) - A surname of the person from any of several places in the US or Canada meaning 'hay clearing'. 93. Culpepper (Middle English Origin) - Meaning 'spice gatherer' where 'cul' means to 'gather'. We recognise that not all activities and ideas are appropriate and suitable for all children and families or in all circumstances. The last name Ainsworth has its origins in the Northwest of England. This is probably a patronymic version of the name John or a matronymic version of the name Joan. Of English and French origin, this last name originally denoted a person from the city of Lyon in central France. Your privacy is important to us. Crawford (English Origin) - Taken from the name of an earldom in Scotland. Katy Perry, the American singer and songwriter, is a famous bearer of this name. The Book of Genesis states that Adam was the first man on earth, while in Hebrew, the word adama means earth. The s ending generally indicates a patronymic surname, meaning son of Adam. Adams is the 39th most popular surname in the United States. 24. Burton (English Origin) - A town in Leicestershire, England. 91. Many immigrants from non-English-speaking countries Anglicized their names. 7. Moreover, it is not uncommon for most people to use surnames to address someone. The English, Scottish, and Irish origin-name is an occupational name for an arrowsmith or seller of arrows. It is also a diminutive name of the name Babb. https://www.thoughtco.com/most-common-us-surnames-1422656 (accessed May 1, 2023). A Norman-French name, Russell is a name adopted by Americans and people of many other English-speaking countries. Victorian surnames have a sense of royal legacy. She teaches at the Genealogical Institute of Pittsburgh and the Salt Lake Institute of Genealogy. A patronymic form of a personal name, this last name means son of Richard., It is a habitational name derived from the name of various English towns. 41. It is derived from words meaning 'hermitage' and 'clearing'. Having done a certification in Relationship Coaching, her core interest lies in writing articles that guide couples through their courtship to marriage and parenthood. This does not influence our choices. Aaron is also the elder brother of Moses. 62. While this is an English and French surname, it also has pre 7th-century German origins. Garcia and Martinez represent the rapid growth of several Hispanic communities in the United States. The name is derived from the Old English word wyrhta meaning a craftsman. The Wright brothers were the famous bearers of this surname. Powell, Kimberly. But by and large, these once-stylish surnames are currently neglected. This culturally strong community in Spain has a treasure trove of beautiful names. 90. It is probably derived from any of the places named with the pre 7th Century element leah, meaning an open place in a forest or wood.. Beckwith (Old English Origin) - A fancy surname derived from the village of Beckwith, in the Nidd Valley, near Harrogate. A notable bearer of this name is the famous Hollywood actor Anne Hathaway. When you buy through the links on our site we may earn a commission. This name is common in a lot of European countries. 59. A few of these vintage surnames are now hits for girls, most notably Emerson and Palmer.. This American surname originates from Native American ancestors and means 'defender of the men'. Please note: prices are correct and items are available at the time the article was published. A patronymic name of Abraham, the surname, Abramson, was first found in Balfeth, Scotland, in 1163. It could be a topographical name for someone living near a bed of roses, or it could also be a nickname for someone with a rosy complexion. A famous bearer of this surname was the fourth American president James Madison (1751-1836). 29. "Top 100 Most Common Last Names in the United States." The Anglo-Saxon word worth means enclosure, while ain is speculated to have been someones name. With forty entries in the Dictionary of National Biography, this distinguished surname is derived from the Old English word coc and is an occupational name for a cook or seller of cooked meats. However, as they all do, the last name has gone through variations and is now no longer only an occupational name. While Smith remains the most common U.S. surname, for the first time, two Hispanic namesGarcia and Rodriguezmade the top 10. Clifford (English Origin) - A family last name for people residing in a place in Herefordshire. It is the 14th most common surname in England. Many major US cities had (and still have) a Social Register, a directory of the whos who of high society and the social clubs they belong to. Hadleigh (English Origin) - Victorian surnames derived from a market town name in England. This English surname refers to a person who was originally from Scandinavia or Normandy. This medieval English and Scottish surname is a patronymic form of Will. The most common interpretation of its meaning is William, which includes the elements will, meaning desire, and helm, meaning helmet or protection. The 28th U.S President Woodrow Wilson bore this last name. 28. However, some surnames have gone through transformations of late. Of Spanish origin, this is the most popular surname of the region. Kidadl has a number of affiliate partners that we work with including Amazon. Abram English Derived from the given name Abraham. Elton (Old English Origin) - The Old English word meaning 'Ella's town'. Dankworth (Old English Origin) - Derived from two terms meaning 'Tancred's farmstead'. "Top 100 Most Common Last Names in the United States." This famous name is of English and Korean origin. The surname of English and Scottish origins is derived from the medieval Hebrew and Biblical name Michel, meaning One who is like the Lord. This last name was first recorded around the year 1160.