Names are an integral part of personal and
family identities. They can also illuminate your cultural heritage or your
ancestors’ lives. If you have English heritage, it is likely that you have
some English surnames in your family tree.
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, familial lines, nature, occupations, physical characteristics,
and so on.
Search your family tree to see if you can find
English family names or old English surnames in your tree.
25 Common English Surnames, Their Meanings, and Their Origins
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 from
John, 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.”
English Surnames in Your Family Tree
Do you have any of these common English names in
your family tree? Use FamilySearch.org to see if you can find any!
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:
Source: Family Search
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