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The surname Dean has origins in both Old English and Old French. In Old English, it was used to describe a valley, while in Old French it was used to describe someone who worked as a servant in a noble household. The name is now most commonly found in the United States and the United …
Lynch is a surname with Irish roots, derived from the Gaelic word “O’Loingsigh,” meaning “descendant of Loingseach.” The name has a historic association with the legal profession and was used to describe a person who enforced the law. Notable Lynches include Charles Lynch, a Virginia justice of the peace, who lent his name to the …
Fuller is an English occupational surname meaning “one who works with cloth”. The name likely originated from the Old English word “fullere”, which referred to someone who fulled (cleaned and thickened) woolen cloth. Fullers were an important part of the medieval textile industry and the surname can be found throughout England, as well as in …
Kim is a common surname in Korea, with over 10 million people bearing the name. It is the most common surname in both North and South Korea. The origin of the name is uncertain, but it may have originated from a word meaning “gold” or “metal.” Famous Kims include the North Korean leader Kim Jong-un …
Reid is a Scottish surname that originated from the Old English word “read,” meaning “red.” It is a name commonly associated with individuals who have red hair or a ruddy complexion. The name has been traced back to the 13th century, with early Reid families residing in the Scottish borders region. Today, the surname can …
Jacobs is a common surname of English and Dutch origin. It derives from the given name Jacob, meaning “supplanter” in Hebrew. The name has been in use since medieval times and has been borne by many notable individuals, including politicians, athletes, and actors. The surname has also been adapted into variations such as Jacobson and …
George is a popular surname with a rich history. It is derived from the Greek name Georgios, meaning farmer or earthworker. The name gained popularity in England during the medieval period and has since spread worldwide. Famous Georges include George Washington, the first president of the United States, and author George Orwell. Today, the surname …
The surname Nguyen is one of the most common family names in Vietnam, with an estimated 40% of the population bearing it. It originates from the Chinese word “Ruan” and was brought to Vietnam by Chinese immigrants. During the Nguyen Dynasty (1802-1945), the name became associated with royalty and high social status. Today, Nguyen is …
The surname Stanley is of English origin and is derived from the Old English words “stan” meaning stone and “leah” meaning clearing or meadow. The name is believed to have originally referred to someone who lived near a stony clearing. The Stanley family has a long and distinguished history, including several notable figures such as …
Burton is a surname of English origin. It is derived from the Old English words “burh” meaning fortress or fortified town and “tun” meaning enclosure or settlement. The name was originally given to people who lived in or near a fortified town. Famous people with the surname Burton include actor Richard Burton, explorer Richard Francis …
Little is a surname with English and Scottish origins, derived from the Old English word “lytel,” meaning small or tiny. The name likely originated as a nickname for someone who was short in stature. The Little family can be traced back to the 14th century, and variations of the name, such as Littel and Lyttle, …
Harvey is a surname of English origin that dates back to the Anglo-Saxon era. It derives from the Old English words “heorot” meaning stag, and “wic” meaning a farm or settlement. The name was originally used to refer to someone who lived or worked at a place associated with stags. Famous bearers of the surname …
Garza is a Spanish surname that originates from the word “garza,” meaning “heron.” The Garza family has a rich history in Spain, with records dating back to the Middle Ages. Today, the surname is most commonly found in Mexico, Texas, and other parts of the southwestern United States. Many prominent individuals have carried the Garza …
Fernandez is a common surname of Spanish origin. It derives from the given name Fernando, which means “brave traveler.” The name has a long history, dating back to the Middle Ages. Many notable individuals with this surname have made significant contributions in fields such as politics, sports, and the arts. The surname is especially prevalent …
Hansen is a popular Scandinavian surname, derived from the given name Hans. It is most commonly found in Denmark and Norway, but also appears in Germany and other European countries. The name means “son of Hans,” with Hans being a diminutive of Johannes, the Scandinavian version of John. Today, many people with the surname Hansen …
Morrison is a surname of Scottish origin, derived from the Gaelic “MacGilleMhuire”, meaning “son of the servant of Mary”. It is one of the most common surnames in Scotland and has spread worldwide. Famous Morrisons include musician Jim Morrison, author Toni Morrison, and actor Matthew Morrison. The name has also been used in popular culture, …
Alvarez is a Spanish surname that originated from the given name Álvaro. It is one of the most common surnames in the Spanish-speaking world, with variations such as Alvarado and Alves. The name means “all guard” or “protector of all.” Notable people with the surname Alvarez include boxer Canelo Alvarez, physicist Luis Alvarez, and footballer …
Howell is a Welsh surname derived from the Welsh personal name “Hywel”, meaning “eminent”. The name was popularized in the Middle Ages by a 10th-century Welsh king named Hywel Dda, who is known for his codification of Welsh law. Today, the Howell surname is relatively common in Wales and the United States. Notable bearers of …
McCoy is a popular surname of Irish origin that is prevalent in the United States. The name is derived from the Gaelic word “Mac Aodha,” meaning “son of Aodh,” a common given name in medieval Ireland. The most famous bearer of the surname is the legendary American Old West figure, Hatfield-McCoy feud participant, and folk …
The surname Bishop has English origins and derives from the Old English word “biscop,” meaning overseer or supervisor. It was initially used as a title for high-ranking church officials but eventually became a surname. Bishops can be found all over the world, with the highest concentration in the United States. Notable individuals with the Bishop …
Meyer is a common German and Jewish surname that originated from the Middle High German word “meiger,” meaning “tenant farmer.” The name is often associated with successful businessmen and scholars, such as mathematician Ernst Meyer and biologist Hans Adolf Meyer. In the United States, Meyer is the 131st most common surname. Notable American Meyers include …
