Best of the internet.
Banks is a surname with English origins, derived from the Old English word “banke,” meaning a hillside or riverbank. The name was likely given to those who lived near such geographic features. Banks is a relatively common surname, with notable individuals including writer Russell Banks and musician Azealia Banks. The surname has also been used …
Johnston is a surname of Scottish origin, meaning “John’s town”. It is a popular name in the English-speaking world and has been borne by many notable people, including the first governor of North Carolina, Gabriel Johnston, and the founder of the American Red Cross, Clara Barton. The name can also be spelled “Johnson” and variations …
Williamson is an English surname derived from the personal name William. It was originally used as a patronymic, indicating that the bearer was the son of someone named William. Today, Williamson is a common surname in the English-speaking world, particularly in the United States and Canada. Notable people with the surname Williamson include writer Tad …
Richards is a common surname with Welsh roots, derived from the given name Richard, meaning “brave power”. The name first appeared in the 14th century and has spread worldwide. Notable Richards include British composer Richard Wagner, American politician Ann Richards, and Welsh rugby player JPR Williams. The name also appears in popular culture, such as …
Montgomery is a Scottish surname derived from the town of Sainte Foy de Montgomery in Normandy. The name means “Gumarich’s mountain”. The first recorded use of the name was in the 13th century, when Robert de Montgomerie came to Scotland as part of the retinue of Walter de Berkeley. The name spread throughout Scotland and …
Oliver is a surname of English origin, derived from the Old French name Olivier. It was originally a given name meaning “olive tree”. The name became popular in England after the Norman Conquest in 1066. Notable people with the surname Oliver include the English general Oliver Cromwell, American politician Oliver Wendell Holmes Jr., and British …
Chapman is an English surname with origins in the Old English word “ceapmann,” meaning a trader or merchant. It was a common occupational name for someone who sold goods, particularly clothing. The Chapman family can be found throughout England, with variations including Chappell and Chaplin. Notable Chapmans include Maria Mitchell, the first professional female astronomer …
Wheeler is an English occupational surname derived from the word “wheeler,” meaning a wheel maker or a wheelwright. The name is most commonly found in the United States, where it ranks among the top 500 surnames. Notable Wheelers include jazz trumpeter and composer Kenny Wheeler, physicist and philosopher John Archibald Wheeler, and actor and comedian …
Castillo is a Spanish surname that originated from the Latin word “castellum,” meaning “castle” or “fortress.” It is a common surname in Spanish-speaking countries and can be traced back to the medieval period. People with the surname Castillo are often associated with strength and fortitude. Some notable people with this surname include Mexican boxer Julio …
Vasquez is a common surname in Spanish-speaking countries, with its origins traced back to the ancient Kingdom of Castile. The name is derived from the Old Spanish word “vasco,” meaning Basque, and was likely given to individuals of Basque origin. Today, Vasquez is a popular surname worldwide, with many notable individuals bearing the name. It …
Carr is a surname of English and Irish origin. It is derived from the Old Norse word “kjarr,” meaning “swamp” or “marsh.” The name may also refer to a transport operator or driver of a cart or carriage. Famous Carrs include former NFL quarterback David Carr and actress Tia Carrere. Today, the surname Carr can …
Schmidt is a common German surname meaning “smith”. It is the most common surname in Germany and one of the most common in the world. Many notable individuals with this surname include Johann Schmidt, a German physicist, and Franz Schmidt, an Austrian composer. The name also appears in popular culture, such as the Marvel Comics …
Ryan is an Irish surname that has a rich history and meaning. It derives from the Gaelic Ó Riain, which means “descendant of Rian,” a personal name meaning “little king.” The Ryan family can trace its roots back to the ancient kings of Ireland and played important roles in Irish history. Today, the surname is …
Gutierrez is a Spanish surname that originated from the Basque region. The name is derived from the words “guti” meaning “good” and “erre” meaning “field,” indicating a person who came from a prosperous or fertile area. Today, Gutierrez is a common Hispanic surname, and many notable figures have borne the name, including Mexican-American civil rights …
Fields is a common English surname derived from the Old English word “feld,” meaning “field.” The name likely originated as a surname for those who lived or worked in fields, or who owned land in the countryside. Famous Fields include actress Sally Field and musician W.C. Fields. The surname has also been used as a …
Lawson is a surname of English origin, derived from the given name Lawrence. The name means “son of Lawrence,” and was first recorded in the 13th century. Notable people with the surname Lawson include British author and journalist Nigella Lawson, American civil rights activist John Howard Lawson, and Canadian ice hockey player Al Lawson. The …
Franklin is a surname of English origin that means “free landowner.” It first appeared in the 12th century, and many notable individuals have carried the name throughout history, including Benjamin Franklin, one of the founding fathers of the United States. The name has also been associated with industries such as printing, as in the case …
The surname Kelley is of Irish origin, derived from the Gaelic O’Ceallaigh, meaning “descendant of Ceallach”. The name was first recorded in County Galway and has since spread throughout Ireland and the world. Notable bearers include author and poet Jack Kerouac (born Jean-Louis Lebris de Kérouac), musician Gene Kelly, and astronaut Scott Kelly. The name …
Peters is a common surname of English, German, and Dutch origin. It is derived from the given name Peter, meaning “rock” or “stone.” The name was first recorded in England in the 13th century and later spread to other parts of Europe and the United States. Notable people with the surname Peters include Canadian politician …
The surname Austin has its origins in medieval England, derived from the Latin name “Augustine,” meaning “majestic” or “venerable.” The name was first recorded in the 13th century and has since become widespread throughout the English-speaking world. Famous Austins include the 19th-century novelist Jane Austen, as well as legendary wrestler “Stone Cold” Steve Austin. Today, …
Sims is a surname of English origin, derived from the given name Simon. It is most commonly found in the United States, where it ranks as the 221st most common surname. Notable people with the surname Sims include jazz musician Zoot Sims, actress Molly Sims, and video game designer Will Wright. The name is also …
