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 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This outdated occupation could also be called a fuller.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.”