western last names

What’s in a name? A whole lot of history. Have you ever wondered why your neighbor’s last name is “Baker” or why your friend’s surname “Brooks” has nothing to do with streams?

Well, you’re about to learn about the Impressive world of Western last names – and trust me, it’s quite a ride.

Our surnames tell stories that span centuries, from skilled craftsmen to rolling hills and brave warriors to peaceful meadows.

They’re like little time capsules, carrying tales of our ancestors’ jobs, homes, and looks.

If you’re a Smith whose ancestors were metalworkers or a MacDonald whose family hailed from the Scottish Highlands, each name has a rich history.

So, let’s discuss these threads together and explore what makes our last names so special.

Playful And Stylish Western Last Names

Playful And Stylish Western Last Names

1. Abbott

Meaning: Father
Country of Origin: England

2. Abernathy

Meaning: Mouth of stream
Country of Origin: Scotland

3. Adams

Meaning: Son of Adam
Country of Origin: England

4. Albright

Meaning: Noble, bright
Country of Origin: England

5. Alexander

Meaning: Defender of people
Country of Origin: Greece

6. Alford

Meaning: Old ford
Country of Origin: England

7. Allen

Meaning: Little rock
Country of Origin: England

8. Alston

Meaning: Elf stone
Country of Origin: England

9. Andersen

Meaning: Son of Andrew
Country of Origin: Denmark

10. Anderson

Meaning: Son of Andrew
Country of Origin: Scotland

11. Armstrong

Meaning: Strong arm
Country of Origin: Scotland

12. Arnold

Meaning: Eagle power
Country of Origin: Germany

13. Ashford

Meaning: Ash tree ford
Country of Origin: England

14. Atkinson

Meaning: Son of Atkin
Country of Origin: England

15. Atwood

Meaning: From the forest
Country of Origin: England

16. Austin

Meaning: Great
Country of Origin: Latin

17. Avery

Meaning: Ruler of elves
Country of Origin: England

18. Bailey

Meaning: Bailiff
Country of Origin: England

19. Baker

Meaning: Bread maker
Country of Origin: England

20. Baldwin

Meaning: Bold friend
Country of Origin: England

21. Ballard

Meaning: Strong, brave
Country of Origin: England

22. Bancroft

Meaning: Land near the bank
Country of Origin: England

23. Banks

Meaning: Riverbank
Country of Origin: England

24. Barber

Meaning: Hair cutter
Country of Origin: England

25. Barfield

Meaning: Barley field
Country of Origin: England

26. Barnes

Meaning: Son of Barnabas
Country of Origin: England

27. Barnett

Meaning: Son of Bernard
Country of Origin: England

28. Barrett

Meaning: Bear strength
Country of Origin: Ireland

29. Barron

Meaning: Young warrior
Country of Origin: Scotland

30. Barton

Meaning: Barley town
Country of Origin: England

31. Bass

Meaning: Bass fish
Country of Origin: England

32. Bassett

Meaning: Little bass
Country of Origin: England

33. Bates

Meaning: Son of Bartholomew
Country of Origin: England

34. Baxter

Meaning: Baker
Country of Origin: England

35. Beach

Meaning: Near the beach
Country of Origin: England

36. Beck

Meaning: Stream
Country of Origin: England

37. Beckett

Meaning: Beehive
Country of Origin: England

38. Bell

Meaning: Beautiful
Country of Origin: England

39. Bellamy

Meaning: Good friend
Country of Origin: France

40. Bender

Meaning: One who bends
Country of Origin: Germany

41. Benedict

Meaning: Blessed
Country of Origin: Latin

42. Bennett

Meaning: Blessed
Country of Origin: Latin

43. Benson

Meaning: Son of Ben
Country of Origin: England

44. Bentley

Meaning: Bent grass meadow
Country of Origin: England

45. Berg

Meaning: Mountain
Country of Origin: Germany

46. Berkeley

Meaning: Birch tree meadow
Country of Origin: England

47. Bernard

Meaning: Brave as a bear
Country of Origin: Germany

48. Berry

Meaning: Berry bush
Country of Origin: England

49. Bertram

Meaning: Bright raven
Country of Origin: Germany

50. Bevan

Meaning: Fair or blessed
Country of Origin: Wales

51. Bishop

Meaning: Overseer
Country of Origin: England

52. Black

Meaning: Dark, swarthy
Country of Origin: England

53. Blackwell

Meaning: Black spring
Country of Origin: England

54. Blackwood

Meaning: Dark forest
Country of Origin: England

55. Blake

Meaning: Dark, fair
Country of Origin: England

56. Blakeley

Meaning: Dark meadow
Country of Origin: England

57. Blanchard

Meaning: White, fair
Country of Origin: France

58. Bland

Meaning: Gentle
Country of Origin: England

59. Blythe

Meaning: Free spirit
Country of Origin: England

60. Booker

Meaning: Book binder
Country of Origin: England

61. Boone

Meaning: Good, lucky
Country of Origin: France

62. Booth

Meaning: A small house
Country of Origin: England

63. Bowden

Meaning: Bending valley
Country of Origin: England

64. Bowen

Meaning: Son of Owen
Country of Origin: Wales

65. Bowman

Meaning: Archer
Country of Origin: England

66. Boyd

Meaning: Blonde, fair-haired
Country of Origin: Scotland

67. Boyle

Meaning: Descendant of Baoth
Country of Origin: Ireland

68. Bradford

Meaning: Broad ford
Country of Origin: England

69. Bradley

Meaning: Broad meadow
Country of Origin: England

70. Brady

Meaning: Spirited
Country of Origin: Ireland

71. Brandon

Meaning: Hill covered with broom
Country of Origin: England

72. Brannon

Meaning: Descendant of Bran
Country of Origin: Ireland

73. Branson

Meaning: Son of Brandon
Country of Origin: England

74. Braxton

Meaning: Brock’s town
Country of Origin: England

75. Bray

Meaning: Broad
Country of Origin: England

76. Brennan

Meaning: Descendant of Braonán
Country of Origin: Ireland

77. Brewer

Meaning: Brewer of ale
Country of Origin: England

78. Briggs

Meaning: From the bridge
Country of Origin: England

79. Brock

Meaning: Badger
Country of Origin: England

80. Brockman

Meaning: Man of the badger
Country of Origin: Germany

81. Broderick

Meaning: Son of Roderick
Country of Origin: Ireland

82. Brooks

Meaning: Near the brook
Country of Origin: England

83. Brown

Meaning: Brown-haired
Country of Origin: England

84. Brownfield

Meaning: Brown field
Country of Origin: England

85. Bryan

Meaning: Strong, noble
Country of Origin: Ireland

86. Buchanan

Meaning: Dweller of the houses
Country of Origin: Scotland

87. Buckley

Meaning: Deer meadow
Country of Origin: England

88. Burch

Meaning: Birch tree
Country of Origin: England

89. Burden

Meaning: Burden bearer
Country of Origin: England

90. Burgess

Meaning: Citizen
Country of Origin: England

91. Burkett

Meaning: Little hill
Country of Origin: England

92. Burkhart

Meaning: Brave heart
Country of Origin: Germany

93. Burnett

Meaning: Little brown one
Country of Origin: England

94. Burns

Meaning: Stream, river
Country of Origin: Scotland

95. Burris

Meaning: Son of Burghard
Country of Origin: England

96. Burton

Meaning: Fortified town
Country of Origin: England

97. Butcher

Meaning: Meat seller
Country of Origin: England

98. Butler

Meaning: Steward
Country of Origin: England

99. Byrd

Meaning: Bird
Country of Origin: England

100. Cabot

Meaning: Merchant
Country of Origin: England

101. Cade

Meaning: Round, lump of earth
Country of Origin: England

102. Caldwell

Meaning: Cold stream
Country of Origin: England

103. Calhoun

Meaning: Narrow forest
Country of Origin: Scotland

104. Callahan

Meaning: Bright-headed
Country of Origin: Ireland

105. Campbell

Meaning: Crooked mouth
Country of Origin: Scotland

106. Cannon

Meaning: Clergyman
Country of Origin: England

107. Carlisle

Meaning: Fortified town
Country of Origin: England

108. Carpenter

Meaning: Woodworker
Country of Origin: England

109. Carr

Meaning: Marsh
Country of Origin: England

110. Carson

Meaning: Son of the marsh-dwellers
Country of Origin: Scotland

111. Carter

Meaning: Cart driver
Country of Origin: England

112. Case

Meaning: Box
Country of Origin: England

113. Cash

Meaning: Hollow
Country of Origin: England

114. Cassidy

Meaning: Clever
Country of Origin: Ireland

115. Castor

Meaning: To shine
Country of Origin: Greek

116. Chandler

Meaning: Candle maker
Country of Origin: England

117. Chapman

Meaning: Merchant
Country of Origin: England

118. Charles

Meaning: Free man
Country of Origin: Germanic

119. Charlton

Meaning: Town of free men
Country of Origin: England

120. Chase

Meaning: Hunter
Country of Origin: France

121. Chavez

Meaning: Son of the young warrior
Country of Origin: Spain

122. Chester

Meaning: Fortress
Country of Origin: England

123. Cheung

Meaning: Prosperous
Country of Origin: China

124. Christian

Meaning: Follower of Christ
Country of Origin: Latin

125. Clark

Meaning: Clergyman
Country of Origin: England

126. Clayton

Meaning: Clay settlement
Country of Origin: England

127. Clemens

Meaning: Merciful
Country of Origin: Latin

128. Cleveland

Meaning: Hilly land
Country of Origin: England

129. Clifford

Meaning: Ford near a cliff
Country of Origin: England

130. Cline

Meaning: Descendant of Clann
Country of Origin: Ireland

131. Close

Meaning: Enclosed field
Country of Origin: England

132. Cobb

Meaning: A round object
Country of Origin: England

133. Cochran

Meaning: Dweller by the cottage
Country of Origin: Scotland

134. Cody

Meaning: Helpful
Country of Origin: Ireland

135. Coleman

Meaning: Dove
Country of Origin: Ireland

136. Collins

Meaning: Son of Nicholas
Country of Origin: Ireland

137. Combs

Meaning: A rounded hill
Country of Origin: England

138. Conner

Meaning: Lover of hounds
Country of Origin: Ireland

139. Conway

Meaning: Chief of the warrior
Country of Origin: Ireland

140. Cook

Meaning: Cook or chef
Country of Origin: England

141. Cortez

Meaning: Court, realm
Country of Origin: Spain

142. Craig

Meaning: Rock, cliff
Country of Origin: Scotland

143. Crandall

Meaning: Crane valley
Country of Origin: England

144. Crawford

Meaning: Crow ford
Country of Origin: Scotland

145. Crosby

Meaning: Village near the cross
Country of Origin: England

146. Cross

Meaning: Cross
Country of Origin: England

147. Crossland

Meaning: Land of the cross
Country of Origin: England

148. Cunningham

Meaning: From the village of Cunningham
Country of Origin: Scotland

149. Curtis

Meaning: Courteous, polite
Country of Origin: France

150. Daley

Meaning: Assembly
Country of Origin: Ireland

151. Dallas

Meaning: From the field of the elders
Country of Origin: Scotland

152. Dalton

Meaning: From the valley town
Country of Origin: England

153. Daniels

Meaning: Son of Daniel
Country of Origin: England

154. Darby

Meaning: Free man
Country of Origin: Ireland

155. Darrow

Meaning: A small hill
Country of Origin: England

156. Davenport

Meaning: From the village of Davenport
Country of Origin: England

157. Davidson

Meaning: Son of David
Country of Origin: Scotland

158. Davis

Meaning: Son of David
Country of Origin: Wales

159. Dawson

Meaning: Son of David
Country of Origin: England

160. Day

Meaning: Daylight
Country of Origin: England

161. Dean

Meaning: Valley
Country of Origin: England

162. Decker

Meaning: Roof maker
Country of Origin: Germany

163. Delaney

Meaning: Oath of the challenger
Country of Origin: Ireland

164. Devereux

Meaning: From the crossroads
Country of Origin: France

165. Dewitt

Meaning: From the white
Country of Origin: Netherlands

166. Dillon

Meaning: Like a lion
Country of Origin: Ireland

167. Dixon

Meaning: Son of Dick
Country of Origin: England

168. Donaldson

Meaning: Son of Donald
Country of Origin: Scotland

169. Donnelly

Meaning: Descendant of Donal
Country of Origin: Ireland

170. Douglas

Meaning: Dark stream
Country of Origin: Scotland

171. Drake

Meaning: Dragon, serpent
Country of Origin: England

172. Duffy

Meaning: Dark
Country of Origin: Ireland

173. Dunbar

Meaning: From the fort by the stream
Country of Origin: Scotland

174. Duncan

Meaning: Dark warrior
Country of Origin: Scotland

175. Dunlap

Meaning: From the hollow
Country of Origin: Scotland

176. Dunn

Meaning: Dark-haired
Country of Origin: England

177. Duran

Meaning: Enduring
Country of Origin: Spain

178. Durbin

Meaning: From the village of Durbin
Country of Origin: France

179. Easton

Meaning: East town
Country of Origin: England

180. Eastwood

Meaning: Wood near the east
Country of Origin: England

181. Edwards

Meaning: Son of Edward
Country of Origin: England

182. Elias

Meaning: The Lord is my God
Country of Origin: Greek

183. Elliott

Meaning: The Lord is my God
Country of Origin: England

184. Ellsworth

Meaning: Ellis’s estate
Country of Origin: England

185. Elmore

Meaning: Elm tree lake
Country of Origin: England

186. Emerson

Meaning: Son of Emery
Country of Origin: Germany

187. Emery

Meaning: Brave, powerful
Country of Origin: Germany

188. Ennis

Meaning: Island
Country of Origin: Ireland

189. Evans

Meaning: Son of Evan
Country of Origin: Wales

190. Farley

Meaning: From the fern meadow
Country of Origin: England

191. Farmer

Meaning: One who works the land
Country of Origin: England

192. Farnsworth

Meaning: From the fern enclosure
Country of Origin: England

193. Farrell

Meaning: Brave man
Country of Origin: Ireland

194. Faulkner

Meaning: Falconer
Country of Origin: France

195. Fawcett

Meaning: Little falcon
Country of Origin: England

196. Ferguson

Meaning: Son of Fergus
Country of Origin: Scotland

197. Field

Meaning: Field, open land
Country of Origin: England

198. Finch

Meaning: A type of bird
Country of Origin: England

199. Finley

Meaning: Fair-haired warrior
Country of Origin: Scotland

200. Fisher

Meaning: One who catches fish
Country of Origin: England

201. Fitzgerald

Meaning: Son of Gerald
Country of Origin: Ireland

202. Fitzpatrick

Meaning: Son of Patrick
Country of Origin: Ireland

203. Fitzsimmons

Meaning: Son of Simmons
Country of Origin: Ireland

204. Fleming

Meaning: From Flanders
Country of Origin: Belgium

205. Fletcher

Meaning: Arrow maker
Country of Origin: England

206. Floyd

Meaning: Gray-haired
Country of Origin: Wales

207. Ford

Meaning: River crossing
Country of Origin: England

208. Fordham

Meaning: From the ford homestead
Country of Origin: England

209. Foster

Meaning: Forester
Country of Origin: England

210. Fowler

Meaning: Bird catcher
Country of Origin: England

211. Fox

Meaning: The fox
Country of Origin: England

212. Franklin

Meaning: Free man
Country of Origin: England

213. Freeman

Meaning: Free man
Country of Origin: England

214. Frey

Meaning: Nobleman
Country of Origin: Old Norse

215. Gallagher

Meaning: Descendant of Gallchobhar
Country of Origin: Ireland

216. Gallant

Meaning: Brave, noble
Country of Origin: France

217. Galloway

Meaning: From the foreign stream
Country of Origin: Scotland

218. Gamble

Meaning: Gambler
Country of Origin: England

219. Garcia

Meaning: Son of Garcia
Country of Origin: Spain

220. Gardner

Meaning: Gardener
Country of Origin: England

221. Garland

Meaning: Wreath of flowers
Country of Origin: England

222. Garner

Meaning: Granary keeper
Country of Origin: England

223. Garrett

Meaning: Spear ruler
Country of Origin: Ireland

224. Garrick

Meaning: Spear ruler
Country of Origin: Germany

225. Garrison

Meaning: Fortification
Country of Origin: England

226. Gates

Meaning: Gateway
Country of Origin: England

227. Gentry

Meaning: Noble, well-born
Country of Origin: England

228. Gibson

Meaning: Son of Gilbert
Country of Origin: England

229. Gilbert

Meaning: Bright promise
Country of Origin: France

230. Giles

Meaning: Young goat
Country of Origin: Greece

231. Gill

Meaning: Son of the church
Country of Origin: England

232. Gilmore

Meaning: Famous
Country of Origin: Scotland

233. Gladden

Meaning: To make glad
Country of Origin: England

234. Glass

Meaning: Smooth, clear
Country of Origin: England

235. Glenn

Meaning: Valley
Country of Origin: Scotland

236. Goldstein

Meaning: Golden stone
Country of Origin: Germany

237. Goodwin

Meaning: Good friend
Country of Origin: England

238. Gordon

Meaning: Great hill
Country of Origin: Scotland

239. Graham

Meaning: Gravelly homestead
Country of Origin: Scotland

240. Granger

Meaning: Farm overseer
Country of Origin: England

241. Grant

Meaning: Great, large
Country of Origin: England

242. Grantham

Meaning: Grassy homestead
Country of Origin: England

243. Graves

Meaning: From the grove
Country of Origin: England

244. Gray

Meaning: Gray-haired
Country of Origin: England

245. Graydon

Meaning: Gray hill
Country of Origin: England

246. Green

Meaning: Green pasture
Country of Origin: England

247. Greene

Meaning: Green meadow
Country of Origin: England

248. Greenlee

Meaning: Green meadow
Country of Origin: Scotland

249. Greer

Meaning: Watchful, vigilant
Country of Origin: Scotland

250. Gregg

Meaning: Vigilant
Country of Origin: Scotland

251. Gregory

Meaning: Watchful, alert
Country of Origin: Greece

252. Grier

Meaning: Watchful, vigilant
Country of Origin: Scotland

253. Griffin

Meaning: Strong in faith
Country of Origin: Wales

254. Griffith

Meaning: Strong in faith
Country of Origin: Wales

255. Grimes

Meaning: Son of Grim
Country of Origin: England

256. Grissom

Meaning: Son of the grim one
Country of Origin: England

257. Grover

Meaning: Grove of trees
Country of Origin: England

258. Gunn

Meaning: Battle
Country of Origin: Scotland

259. Hagan

Meaning: Youthful
Country of Origin: Ireland

260. Hager

Meaning: Hedge, enclosure
Country of Origin: Germany

261. Hale

Meaning: Healthy
Country of Origin: England

262. Hall

Meaning: Manor house
Country of Origin: England

263. Hamilton

Meaning: Hill of the village
Country of Origin: Scotland

264. Hammond

Meaning: House man
Country of Origin: England

265. Hampton

Meaning: From the town by the hill
Country of Origin: England

266. Harding

Meaning: Courageous
Country of Origin: England

267. Hardy

Meaning: Bold, strong
Country of Origin: England

268. Hargrave

Meaning: Grey grove
Country of Origin: England

269. Harlow

Meaning: Army hill
Country of Origin: England

270. Harper

Meaning: Harp player
Country of Origin: England

271. Harris

Meaning: Son of Harry
Country of Origin: England

272. Harrison

Meaning: Son of Harry
Country of Origin: England

273. Hart

Meaning: Stag
Country of Origin: England

274. Hartley

Meaning: Stag meadow
Country of Origin: England

275. Hartman

Meaning: Strong, brave
Country of Origin: Germany

276. Harvey

Meaning: Battle worthy
Country of Origin: France

277. Harwood

Meaning: From the forest of hares
Country of Origin: England

278. Hastings

Meaning: From Hasting’s settlement
Country of Origin: England

279. Hatcher

Meaning: Hat maker
Country of Origin: England

280. Hawkins

Meaning: Son of Hawk
Country of Origin: England

281. Hayden

Meaning: From the hay field
Country of Origin: England

282. Hayes

Meaning: From the hedged area
Country of Origin: England

283. Haynes

Meaning: From the hedge
Country of Origin: England

284. Hazelwood

Meaning: From the hazel tree woods
Country of Origin: England

285. Healy

Meaning: From the hero’s place
Country of Origin: Ireland

286. Henderson

Meaning: Son of Henry
Country of Origin: Scotland

287. Hendricks

Meaning: Son of Hendrik
Country of Origin: Netherlands

288. Hendrickson

Meaning: Son of Hendrick
Country of Origin: Netherlands

289. Henry

Meaning: Ruler of the household
Country of Origin: Germany

290. Hensley

Meaning: From the hen’s meadow
Country of Origin: England

291. Henson

Meaning: Son of Henry
Country of Origin: England

292. Hernandez

Meaning: Son of Hernan
Country of Origin: Spain

293. Hickman

Meaning: Man from the village
Country of Origin: England

294. Hill

Meaning: Elevated ground
Country of Origin: England

295. Hilton

Meaning: Town on the hill
Country of Origin: England

296. Hodge

Meaning: Little hodge
Country of Origin: England

297. Hoffman

Meaning: Man of the home
Country of Origin: Germany

298. Holden

Meaning: Hollow valley
Country of Origin: England

299. Holland

Meaning: From the land in the hollow
Country of Origin: Netherlands

300. Hollis

Meaning: From the holly trees
Country of Origin: England

301. Hopkins

Meaning: Son of Hob
Country of Origin: England

302. Hopper

Meaning: One who hops
Country of Origin: England

303. Houston

Meaning: From Hugh’s town
Country of Origin: Scotland

304. Howard

Meaning: Brave heart
Country of Origin: England

305. Hudson

Meaning: Son of Hugh
Country of Origin: England

306. Hughes

Meaning: Son of Hugh
Country of Origin: England

307. Hunt

Meaning: Hunter
Country of Origin: England

308. Hunter

Meaning: One who hunts
Country of Origin: England

309. Huntley

Meaning: From the hunting ground
Country of Origin: England

310. Hutton

Meaning: From the settlement on the hill
Country of Origin: England

311. Ingram

Meaning: Angel’s raven
Country of Origin: Germany

312. Isaacson

Meaning: Son of Isaac
Country of Origin: Scandinavia

313. Jackson

Meaning: Son of Jack
Country of Origin: England

314. Jacobs

Meaning: Son of Jacob
Country of Origin: England

315. Jacobson

Meaning: Son of Jacob
Country of Origin: Scandinavia

316. James

Meaning: Supplanter
Country of Origin: Hebrew

317. Jameson

Meaning: Son of James
Country of Origin: England

318. Jansen

Meaning: Son of Jan
Country of Origin: Netherlands

319. Jefferson

Meaning: Son of Jeffrey
Country of Origin: England

320. Jenkins

Meaning: Son of John
Country of Origin: England

321. Jennings

Meaning: Son of Jenkin
Country of Origin: England

322. Jensen

Meaning: Son of Jens
Country of Origin: Denmark

323. Johnson

Meaning: Son of John
Country of Origin: England

324. Johnston

Meaning: Son of John
Country of Origin: Scotland

325. Jones

Meaning: Son of John
Country of Origin: Wales

326. Jordan

Meaning: To flow down
Country of Origin: Hebrew

327. Joyce

Meaning: Lord
Country of Origin: Ireland

328. Kavanaugh

Meaning: Descendant of Caomhánach
Country of Origin: Ireland

329. Kearns

Meaning: Descendant of Ciarán
Country of Origin: Ireland

330. Keaton

Meaning: From the town of the hawk
Country of Origin: England

331. Keegan

Meaning: Descendant of Aodh
Country of Origin: Ireland

332. Keller

Meaning: Cellar dweller
Country of Origin: Germany

333. Kelly

Meaning: Warrior
Country of Origin: Ireland

334. Kennedy

Meaning: Helmeted chief
Country of Origin: Ireland

335. Kent

Meaning: From the edge of the land
Country of Origin: England

336. Kessler

Meaning: From the cellar
Country of Origin: Germany

337. King

Meaning: Ruler
Country of Origin: England

338. Kingston

Meaning: King’s town
Country of Origin: England

339. Kirk

Meaning: Church
Country of Origin: Scotland

340. Knight

Meaning: Warrior, servant
Country of Origin: England

341. Lancaster

Meaning: From the Roman fort
Country of Origin: England

342. Landers

Meaning: Dweller by the land
Country of Origin: Ireland

343. Landon

Meaning: Long hill
Country of Origin: England

344. Landry

Meaning: Ruler of the land
Country of Origin: France

345. Langley

Meaning: Long meadow
Country of Origin: England

346. Larkin

Meaning: Fierce
Country of Origin: Ireland

347. Larson

Meaning: Son of Lars
Country of Origin: Scandinavia

348. Lawler

Meaning: Descendant of the warrior
Country of Origin: Ireland

349. Lawrence

Meaning: Laurel crowned
Country of Origin: Latin

350. Lawson

Meaning: Son of Lawrence
Country of Origin: England

351. Leach

Meaning: Physician
Country of Origin: England

352. Ledford

Meaning: Ford by the leek field
Country of Origin: England

353. Lee

Meaning: Clearing, meadow
Country of Origin: England

354. Leonard

Meaning: Brave lion
Country of Origin: Germany

355. Levens

Meaning: From the village of Leven
Country of Origin: England

356. Lewis

Meaning: Famous warrior
Country of Origin: France

357. Lincoln

Meaning: From the town by the pool
Country of Origin: England

358. Linwood

Meaning: From the lime tree wood
Country of Origin: England

359. Little

Meaning: Small
Country of Origin: England

360. Livingston

Meaning: From the village of the liver
Country of Origin: Scotland

361. Lloyd

Meaning: Grey-haired
Country of Origin: Wales

362. Locke

Meaning: From the fortification
Country of Origin: England

363. Lockwood

Meaning: Wood by the lock
Country of Origin: England

364. Logan

Meaning: Little hollow
Country of Origin: Scotland

365. Lopez

Meaning: Son of Lope
Country of Origin: Spain

366. Lott

Meaning: Fortunate
Country of Origin: England

367. Lowe

Meaning: From the hill
Country of Origin: England

368. Lowery

Meaning: Son of Laurence
Country of Origin: Ireland

369. Lowry

Meaning: Son of Laurence
Country of Origin: Ireland

370. Lucas

Meaning: Light
Country of Origin: Latin

371. Lynch

Meaning: From the hillside
Country of Origin: Ireland

372. Lyon

Meaning: From the lion’s den
Country of Origin: France

373. MacArthur

Meaning: Son of Arthur
Country of Origin: Scotland

374. MacDonald

Meaning: Son of Donald
Country of Origin: Scotland

375. Mack

Meaning: Son of
Country of Origin: Scotland

376. Mackenzie

Meaning: Son of Kenneth
Country of Origin: Scotland

377. Madden

Meaning: Little dog
Country of Origin: Ireland

378. Maddox

Meaning: Benefactor’s son
Country of Origin: Wales

379. Madison

Meaning: Son of Matthew
Country of Origin: England

380. Madsen

Meaning: Son of Mads
Country of Origin: Scandinavia

381. Maguire

Meaning: Son of the servant of God
Country of Origin: Ireland

382. Mallory

Meaning: Unfortunate, unlucky
Country of Origin: France

383. Maloney

Meaning: Devotee of St. John
Country of Origin: Ireland

384. Manning

Meaning: Son of the hero
Country of Origin: Ireland

385. Marks

Meaning: Son of Mark
Country of Origin: England

386. Marshall

Meaning: Horse servant
Country of Origin: England

387. Martin

Meaning: Of Mars
Country of Origin: Latin

388. Mason

Meaning: Stoneworker
Country of Origin: England

389. Matthews

Meaning: Son of Matthew
Country of Origin: England

390. Maxwell

Meaning: Great stream
Country of Origin: Scotland

391. Mayfield

Meaning: Meadow of the Mayflower
Country of Origin: England

392. McAllister

Meaning: Son of Alistair
Country of Origin: Scotland

393. McArthur

Meaning: Son of Arthur
Country of Origin: Scotland

394. McBride

Meaning: Son of the servant of St. Brigid
Country of Origin: Ireland

395. McCain

Meaning: Son of Cain
Country of Origin: Scotland

396. McCall

Meaning: Son of the servant of St. Columba
Country of Origin: Scotland

397. McCarthy

Meaning: Son of Carthach
Country of Origin: Ireland

398. McClain

Meaning: Son of the servant of St. Clement
Country of Origin: Ireland

399. McConnell

Meaning: Son of Conall
Country of Origin: Ireland

400. McCormick

Meaning: Son of the champion
Country of Origin: Ireland

401. McCoy

Meaning: Son of Aodh
Country of Origin: Ireland

402. McDonald

Meaning: Son of Donald
Country of Origin: Scotland

403. McFadden

Meaning: Son of the descendant of the dark one
Country of Origin: Ireland

404. McFarland

Meaning: Son of the land of the marshes
Country of Origin: Scotland

405. McGrath

Meaning: Son of the servant of St. Gregorius
Country of Origin: Ireland

406. McGuire

Meaning: Son of the servant of St. Wighard
Country of Origin: Ireland

407. McHale

Meaning: Son of the hero
Country of Origin: Ireland

408. McKenzie

Meaning: Son of Kenneth
Country of Origin: Scotland

409. McKinney

Meaning: Son of the fair one
Country of Origin: Ireland

410. McLaughlin

Meaning: Son of the servant of St. Lochlann
Country of Origin: Ireland

411. McLeod

Meaning: Son of the famous one
Country of Origin: Scotland

412. McMahon

Meaning: Son of the bear
Country of Origin: Ireland

413. McMillan

Meaning: Son of the servant of St. Niall
Country of Origin: Scotland

414. McNamara

Meaning: Son of the master of the house
Country of Origin: Ireland

415. McNeil

Meaning: Son of Neil
Country of Origin: Scotland

416. McNeill

Meaning: Son of Neil
Country of Origin: Scotland

417. McPherson

Meaning: Son of the parson
Country of Origin: Scotland

418. Medina

Meaning: From the city
Country of Origin: Spain

419. Mercer

Meaning: Merchant
Country of Origin: England

420. Merrick

Meaning: Famous ruler
Country of Origin: Wales

421. Meyer

Meaning: Farmer
Country of Origin: Germany

422. Michaels

Meaning: Who is like God?
Country of Origin: Hebrew

423. Middleton

Meaning: Middle settlement
Country of Origin: England

424. Miller

Meaning: Grain grinder
Country of Origin: England

425. Mills

Meaning: Mill worker
Country of Origin: England

426. Milton

Meaning: Settlement by the mill
Country of Origin: England

427. Mitchell

Meaning: Who is like God?
Country of Origin: England

428. Monroe

Meaning: From the mouth of the Roe
Country of Origin: Scotland

429. Montgomery

Meaning: From the wealthy man’s mountain
Country of Origin: France

430. Moore

Meaning: Moor, swamp
Country of Origin: England

431. Morrow

Meaning: Tomorrow or a man of the future
Country of Origin: English

432. Mulligan

Meaning: Son of the bald man
Country of Origin: Irish

433. Murphy

Meaning: Sea warrior
Country of Origin: Ireland

434. Murray

Meaning: From the sea or lord of the sea
Country of Origin: Scotland

435. Myers

Meaning: A settlement by a lake
Country of Origin: German

436. Nash

Meaning: By the ash tree
Country of Origin: English

437. Nelson

Meaning: Son of Neil
Country of Origin: English

438. Nichols

Meaning: Victorious people
Country of Origin: English

439. Nielson

Meaning: Son of Neil
Country of Origin: Scandinavian

440. Nixon

Meaning: Son of Nicholas
Country of Origin: English

441. Norman

Meaning: Man from the north
Country of Origin: English, French

442. Norwood

Meaning: From the northern wood
Country of Origin: English

443. O’Brien

Meaning: Descendant of Brian
Country of Origin: Irish

444. O’Connor

Meaning: Descendant of Connor
Country of Origin: Irish

445. O’Hara

Meaning: Descendant of the gracious one
Country of Origin: Irish

446. O’Neil

Meaning: Descendant of Niall
Country of Origin: Irish

447. O’Neill

Meaning: Descendant of Niall
Country of Origin: Irish

448. O’Sullivan

Meaning: Descendant of the dark-eyed one
Country of Origin: Irish

449. Oliver

Meaning: Olive tree or peace
Country of Origin: Latin

450. Olsen

Meaning: Son of Ole
Country of Origin: Scandinavian

451. Osborne

Meaning: God’s bear
Country of Origin: Old Norse

452. Owens

Meaning: Born of the yew tree
Country of Origin: Welsh

453. Pace

Meaning: Peaceful
Country of Origin: Latin

454. Palmer

Meaning: One who has been to the Holy Land
Country of Origin: English

455. Parker

Meaning: Keeper of the park
Country of Origin: English

456. Parsons

Meaning: Son of the priest
Country of Origin: English

457. Patterson

Meaning: Son of Patrick
Country of Origin: Scottish

458. Payne

Meaning: Village or town
Country of Origin: English

459. Peters

Meaning: Stone or rock
Country of Origin: Greek

460. Peterson

Meaning: Son of Peter
Country of Origin: English

461. Phelps

Meaning: Son of Philip
Country of Origin: English

462. Phillips

Meaning: Son of Philip
Country of Origin: English

463. Pierce

Meaning: Son of Piers
Country of Origin: English

464. Pomeroy

Meaning: From the apple tree
Country of Origin: French

465. Porter

Meaning: Gatekeeper
Country of Origin: English

466. Preston

Meaning: Priest’s town
Country of Origin: Old English

467. Price

Meaning: Son of Rhys
Country of Origin: Welsh

468. Pritchard

Meaning: Son of Richard
Country of Origin: Welsh

469. Quinn

Meaning: Descendant of Conn
Country of Origin: Irish

470. Ralston

Meaning: From the poor town
Country of Origin: Scottish

471. Ramsey

Meaning: From the wild garlic island
Country of Origin: Old English

472. Ray

Meaning: A beam of light
Country of Origin: French

473. Reardon

Meaning: Descendant of the brave ruler
Country of Origin: Irish

474. Redmond

Meaning: Wise protector
Country of Origin: Old French

475. Reed

Meaning: Red-haired
Country of Origin: English

476. Reese

Meaning: Enthusiastic
Country of Origin: Welsh

477. Reyes

Meaning: Kings
Country of Origin: Spanish

478. Reynolds

Meaning: Son of Reynold
Country of Origin: English

479. Rhodes

Meaning: From the red or rosy place
Country of Origin: Greek

480. Richards

Meaning: Strong ruler
Country of Origin: English

481. Richardson

Meaning: Son of Richard
Country of Origin: English

482. Riley

Meaning: From the rye field
Country of Origin: Irish

483. Roberts

Meaning: Son of Robert
Country of Origin: English

484. Robertson

Meaning: Son of Robert
Country of Origin: Scottish

485. Robinson

Meaning: Son of Robin
Country of Origin: English

486. Rodgers

Meaning: Son of Roger
Country of Origin: English

487. Rogers

Meaning: Son of Roger
Country of Origin: English

488. Roland

Meaning: Famous land
Country of Origin: Old French

489. Rose

Meaning: Rose flower
Country of Origin: Latin

490. Ross

Meaning: Headland or promontory
Country of Origin: Scottish

491. Rowan

Meaning: Little redhead
Country of Origin: Gaelic

492. Rowe

Meaning: Red
Country of Origin: English

493. Russell

Meaning: Red-haired
Country of Origin: French

494. Sanders

Meaning: Son of Alexander
Country of Origin: Greek

495. Sargent

Meaning: Officer or servant
Country of Origin: Old French

496. Saunders

Meaning: Son of Alexander
Country of Origin: Greek

497. Savage

Meaning: Wild or untamed
Country of Origin: Old French

498. Schaefer

Meaning: Shepherd
Country of Origin: German

499. Scott

Meaning: From Scotland
Country of Origin: Old French

500. Shaw

Meaning: Dweller near a small wood
Country of Origin: Old English

501. Shepherd

Meaning: One who tends sheep
Country of Origin: Old English

502. Simmons

Meaning: Son of Simon
Country of Origin: English

503. Simpson

Meaning: Son of Sim
Country of Origin: English

504. Singleton

Meaning: One who lives alone
Country of Origin: English

505. Slater

Meaning: Roofer
Country of Origin: English

506. Sloan

Meaning: Warrior
Country of Origin: Irish

507. Sloane

Meaning: Raider
Country of Origin: Irish

508. Smith

Meaning: Metal worker
Country of Origin: Old English

509. Smithson

Meaning: Son of the blacksmith
Country of Origin: English

510. Snyder

Meaning: A tailor
Country of Origin: German

511. Solis

Meaning: Sun
Country of Origin: Spanish

512. Solomon

Meaning: Peaceful
Country of Origin: Hebrew

513. Spears

Meaning: Spear
Country of Origin: Old English

514. Spence

Meaning: Steward or dispenser
Country of Origin: Old French

515. Spencer

Meaning: Steward
Country of Origin: Old French

516. Stanley

Meaning: Stone clearing
Country of Origin: Old English

517. Stephens

Meaning: Son of Stephen
Country of Origin: Greek

518. Stevens

Meaning: Son of Steven
Country of Origin: Greek

519. Stewart

Meaning: Guardian of the estate
Country of Origin: Old English

520. Stone

Meaning: Stone or rock
Country of Origin: Old English

521. Strickland

Meaning: From the settlement on the street
Country of Origin: Old English

522. Sullivan

Meaning: Descendant of the dark-eyed one
Country of Origin: Irish

523. Swanson

Meaning: Son of Swen
Country of Origin: Scandinavian

524. Taylor

Meaning: Tailor or cutter of cloth
Country of Origin: Old French

525. Thomas

Meaning: Twin
Country of Origin: Aramaic

526. Thompson

Meaning: Son of Thomas
Country of Origin: English

527. Thornton

Meaning: From the thorny town
Country of Origin: Old English

528. Tillman

Meaning: Man of the farm
Country of Origin: Old English

529. Timmons

Meaning: Son of Timothy
Country of Origin: English

530. Torres

Meaning: Towers
Country of Origin: Spanish

531. Turner

Meaning: Lathe worker or maker
Country of Origin: Old French

532. Underwood

Meaning: From the wood beneath the hill
Country of Origin: Old English

533. Vance

Meaning: Marshland or fen
Country of Origin: Scottish

534. Vargas

Meaning: From the plains or field
Country of Origin: Spanish

535. Vaughn

Meaning: Small or little
Country of Origin: Welsh

536. Walker

Meaning: Fuller of cloth
Country of Origin: Old English

537. Wallace

Meaning: Foreigner or stranger
Country of Origin: Old French

538. Walters

Meaning: Son of Walter
Country of Origin: English

539. Ward

Meaning: Guard or watchman
Country of Origin: Old English

540. Warren

Meaning: Game park or enclosure
Country of Origin: Old French

541. Waters

Meaning: Dweller by the water
Country of Origin: Old English

542. Watson

Meaning: Son of Walter
Country of Origin: Old English

543. Waverly

Meaning: From the meadow of quivering aspens
Country of Origin: Old English

544. Weaver

Meaning: One who weaves
Country of Origin: Old English

545. Webb

Meaning: Weaver
Country of Origin: Old English

546. Webster

Meaning: Weaver of cloth
Country of Origin: Old English

547. Wells

Meaning: From the spring or well
Country of Origin: Old English

548. West

Meaning: From the west or western area
Country of Origin: Old English

549. Westbrook

Meaning: From the western brook
Country of Origin: Old English

550. Weston

Meaning: From the western town
Country of Origin: Old English

551. Wheeler

Meaning: Wheel maker
Country of Origin: Old English

552. Whitaker

Meaning: White field
Country of Origin: Old English

553. White

Meaning: Fair or light in complexion
Country of Origin: Old English

554. Whitley

Meaning: White meadow
Country of Origin: Old English

555. Wilder

Meaning: Untamed or wild
Country of Origin: Old English

556. Wiley

Meaning: Crafty or cunning
Country of Origin: Old English

557. Wilkes

Meaning: Son of Will
Country of Origin: Old English

558. Willard

Meaning: Desiring or brave
Country of Origin: Old English

559. Williams

Meaning: Son of William
Country of Origin: English

560. Williamson

Meaning: Son of William
Country of Origin: English

561. Willis

Meaning: The will or desire
Country of Origin: Old English

562. Wilson

Meaning: Son of Will
Country of Origin: Old English

563. Winfield

Meaning: From the friend’s field
Country of Origin: Old English

564. Winfrey

Meaning: Fair friend
Country of Origin: Old English

565. Womack

Meaning: From the winding stream
Country of Origin: Old English

566. Wood

Meaning: From the forest
Country of Origin: Old English

567. Woodard

Meaning: Guardian of the wood
Country of Origin: Old English

568. Wyatt

Meaning: Little warrior
Country of Origin: Old English

569. Yates

Meaning: Gates or gateways
Country of Origin: Old English

570. York

Meaning: From the town near the yew tree
Country of Origin: Old English

571. Young

Meaning: Youthful or young man
Country of Origin: Old English

572. Ziegler

Meaning: Brick maker
Country of Origin: German

573. Zimmerman

Meaning: Carpenter
Country of Origin: German

Conclusion

Well, there you have it, folks – the wonderful trip through the world of Western surnames. It’s pretty incredible how these names aren’t just random labels but windows into our past, right?

From the Bakers who kept medieval towns fed to the Smiths who crafted essential tools, and from the Hills who lived on high ground to the Brooks who settled near streams – each name carries a unique story.

And isn’t it impressive how these names have stuck around for centuries, traveling across oceans and continents?

Next time you meet someone new or flip through a phone book (do people still do that?), remember that each surname is like a tiny history lesson wrapped in a few simple letters.

After all, our last names aren’t just what we’re called – they’re part of who we are.

Tessa Thompson

Tessa Thompson

Tessa Thompson, a Yale University Linguistics graduate, has been a valuable contributor to our blog section since 2018. With over a decade of experience in onomastics, Tessa specializes in uncovering the origins and meanings behind names from various cultures. Her previous work includes collaborating with top websites and consulting for expectant parents. When she's not researching names, Tessa enjoys traveling and learning about different naming traditions worldwide.

https://www.mothersalwaysright.com

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