English First Names
Whether you’re trying to find baby name ideas or you want to learn about English names in your family, this is a great place to look. Get an idea of name meanings and origins for English boy names and English girl names.
Old English Surnames
Referring to personal names commonly used from the 5th century to the 11th century, Old English names were widely inspired by a multitude of cultural influences. They commonly include Viking, Nordic, Scandinavian, German, and French roots. English names also take inspiration from religion, mythology, familial lines, nature, occupations, physical characteristics, and so on. When you explore the meaning behind Old English surnames that appear in your family tree, you can often learn so much more additional information such as:
- Historical Context: Old English names provide insights into the cultural and linguistic heritage of individuals and families, helping genealogists understand the historical context of their ancestors.
- Lineage Identification: Old English names can help identify family connections and trace ancestral lineages, as naming conventions often included details like parentage or place of origin.
- Naming Patterns: By studying naming patterns within families, genealogists can uncover connections and establish potential family links.
- Regional Differentiation: Old English names varied across different regions, allowing genealogists to narrow down geographical origins and track migration patterns.
- Language Evolution: Studying Old English names helps observe how the English language has evolved over time, providing insights into linguistic changes and the development of English.
25 Common English Surnames, Their Origins, and Their Meanings
The following is a list of some of the most common surnames in England today, or read about English names for boys or English names for girls. Learn a little about the origins of the names and their meanings, which possibly can tell you about your ancestors’ lives if these names are in your family tree.
Smith (smith)
- Origin: English
- Meaning: Blacksmith or metal worker
In Old English, smitan means “to strike.” Smith is an occupational name, meaning your ancestors were probably blacksmiths, who were valuable members of society and who contributed weapons and tools.
Jones (jōnz)
- Origin: Welsh
- Meaning: God is gracious
The meaning comes from the name John, which evolved from the Hebrew word Yochanan.
Williams (wil-yəmz)
- Origin: English
- Meaning: Son of William
Originally from the Germanic Willahelm,William means “desire helmet or protection” or “brave protector.” You can be proud of your possible warrior lineage.
Brown (brau̇n)
- Origin: English
- Meaning: The color brown
Brown was often a name given to someone with brown hair or skin.
Taylor (tā-lər)
- Origin: English
- Meaning: A clothing tailor
Your ancestors were likely tailors. Did you inherit the skills?
Davies (dā-vēz)
- Origin: English, Welsh, or Scottish
- Meaning: Son of David
David is a biblical Hebrew name meaning “beloved” or “uncle.”
Evans (e-vənz)
- Origin: Welsh
- Meaning: Son of Evan
Evan is the Welsh version of John,coming from the Hebrew word Yochanan, which means “God is gracious.”
Thomas (tä-məs)
- Origin: Greek or Aramaic
- Meaning: Twin
While it is possible that your ancestors were twins, Thomas was more likely passed down as a given name made popular by Saint Thomas Becket or others.
Johnson (jän-sən)
- Origin: English
- Meaning: Son of John
This is the third name on this list derived fromJohn, meaning “God is gracious.” It was clearly a popular choice.
Roberts (rä-bərts)
- Origin: English
- Meaning: Bright fame
Robert is an English name from the Germanic roots hrod, meaning “fame,” and beraht, meaning“bright.” Perhaps one of your ancestors was famous?
Lee (lē)
- Origin: English
- Meaning: Field or meadow
Your ancestors probably lived near an Old English lea, or meadow—sounds picturesque.
Walker (wȯ-kər)
- Origin: English
- Meaning: Someone who walks on raw, wet wool to clean and thicken it
This outdated occupation could also be called a fuller.
Wright (rīt)
- Origin: English
- Meaning: Carpenter, craftsman, or wagon maker
Don’t you love these occupational names? Can you picture your ancestors at work?
Robinson (rä-bən-sən)
- Origin: English
- Meaning: Son of Robin
Robin, similar to Robertearlier on this list, means “bright fame,” but it could also refer to the red-breasted bird.
Thompson (täm-sən)
- Origin: English or Scottish
- Meaning: Son of Thomas
Thomas means “twin,” but the name may not indicate that your ancestors were twins; it was a popular name.
White (wīt)
- Origin: English
- Meaning: The color white
White was a name often given to someone with white hair or a fair complexion.
Hughes (hyüz)
- Origin: German, Welsh, Irish, French
- Meaning: Bright heart, mind, and spirit
Seems similar to hue, right? It’s actually from the Germanic word hug.
Edwards (ed-wərdz)
- Origin: English
- Meaning: Son of Edward
Edward, meaning “wealthy guardian,” was the name of several Anglo-Saxon kings. It was a fitting name for a king, right?
Green (grēn)
- Origin: English or Irish
- Meaning: The color green or someone who lives near the village green
“Village green” doesn’t actually refer to a village name but rather to the common area in a village.
Lewis (lü-əs)
- Origin: English, French, or German
- Meaning: Famous warrior
Lewis is close cousins with the French name Louis and the German name Ludwig.
Wood (wu̇d)
- Origin: English or Scottish
- Meaning: Someone who lived or worked in a forest
Wood is another picturesque name that hints at your ancestors’ homes.
Harris (her-əs)
- Origin: English
- Meaning: Son of Harry
No, your ancestors weren’t named for being hairy. Rather, Harry means “army or estate ruler.”
Martin (mär-tᵊn)
- Origin: Latin or Roman
- Meaning: Servant of Mars, the Roman god of war
Martin was made popular by Saint Martin of Tours, who legendarily ripped his cloak in half in the middle of winter to share with a cold beggar.
Jackson (jak-sən)
- Origin: English or Scottish
- Meaning: Son of Jack
Jack is yet another name (fourth on this list) derived from John,a name with Hebrew roots meaning “God is gracious.”
Clarke (klärk)
- Origin: English
- Meaning: Clerk, cleric, or scribe
Clerk in Old English was clerec,originally meaning “priest.”
Haven’t found your English Surname on our list?
Find English Surnames in Your Family Tree
Do you have any of these common English names in your family tree? Are you interested in finding out if you have any English heritage? Access the world’s largest online family tree from FamilySearch! This tool allows you to access the records of over 1.2 billion ancestors, build your own family tree and connect with other users to form a well-sourced, shared tree that helps to visualize your family history in more depth than you thought possible—all with a free account.
Did you find any of the names in your tree? Did we miss any of your family names? Or perhaps your favorite names? Let us know in the comments below.
Here are a few more resources to find English surnames that may be in your family tree:
FAQs
What are the oldest English surnames?
The oldest English surnames on record date back to the time of the Anglo-Saxons, around 410-1066 AD. They were often descriptions of a person’s occupation, appearance, or personality, as well as driven by factors such as religion and mythology. The oldest recorded English surname on record is “Hatt”, first mentioned in a Norman transcript.
What are the 7 types of English surnames?
Whilst there isn’t one universally accepted list of exactly 7 types of English surname, it is generally accepted that these are the most common classifications:
- Place name surnames
- Characteristic surnames
- Occupation surnames
- Geographical surnames
- Patronage surnames
- Patronymic or matronymic
- Estate surnames
