English Last Names: Meanings & Origins

Common English surnames with their meanings, origins and type — patronymic, occupational, toponymic or descriptive.

Four sources of English surnames

English surnames, which became fixed between the 12th and 15th centuries, come from four main sources: occupations (Smith, Taylor, Baker, Wright), patronymics (Jones, Wilson, “son of”), places (Hill, Green, Wood) and descriptions (Brown, White, for hair or complexion). Smith, from the blacksmith’s trade, remains the single most common.

Frequently asked questions

What is the most common English surname?

Smith is the most common English surname, from the blacksmithu2019s trade.

Where do English surnames come from?

From occupations (Smith, Taylor), a fatheru2019s name (Jones, Wilson), places (Hill, Green) and descriptions (Brown, White).

When did English surnames become fixed?

English surnames became hereditary between roughly the 12th and 15th centuries.