Best of the internet.
Jordan is a popular surname that can trace its origins to the country of Jordan or the river Jordan. It is also derived from the given name Jordan, which was often given to individuals who were baptized in the Jordan River. The surname Jordan is common in English-speaking countries and has been adopted by people …
West is a common English surname with origins in geography. It may refer to someone who lived in the western part of a town or region. It can also be derived from the Old English word “west,” meaning “westward,” and used to describe someone who came from the west. The surname is now widely found …
Cole is an English surname derived from the Old English word “col”, meaning “charcoal”. It was likely originally a nickname for someone who worked with charcoal or had dark features. The name has been borne by various notable figures throughout history, including jazz musician Nat King Cole and astronaut Michael P. Anderson. Today, it remains …
Woods is a popular English and Irish surname derived from the Old English word “wudu,” meaning forest or woods. It was likely first used to describe someone who lived or worked in a wooded area. The name has been borne by many notable individuals, including golfer Tiger Woods and actress Natalie Wood. Variations of the …
Wallace is a Scottish surname that originated from the Old French “waleis” meaning “Welshman”. It was commonly given to people from Wales who migrated to Scotland during the Middle Ages. The name became famous through the legendary Scottish hero William Wallace who fought for Scottish independence in the 13th century. Today, the surname Wallace is …
Sullivan is an Irish surname, derived from the Gaelic O’Sullivan meaning “descendant of Súilleabhán”. The name is common throughout Ireland and has spread to other countries, particularly the United States. Notable individuals with the surname include American singer-songwriter Ed Sullivan, Irish novelist and playwright J.M. Sullivan, and British Olympic rower Frances Houghton (née Sullivan). The …
Graham is a Scottish surname that originated from the Old English word “grān hām,” meaning “grey home.” The name was first recorded in the 12th century, and the Graham family played an important role in Scottish history. Notable individuals with this surname include the poet Robert Graham, the physicist James Graham, and the billionaire investor …
Hamilton is a Scottish surname that originated from the town of Hamilton in South Lanarkshire. The name was first recorded in the 13th century and is derived from the Old English words “hamel” meaning “crooked” or “bent” and “dun” meaning “hill”. The Hamilton family played a significant role in Scottish history, with members serving as …
Ford is a surname with English origins, meaning “ford or shallow crossing”. It has been used as a surname since medieval times, and is now one of the most common surnames in the English-speaking world. The name has been borne by many notable individuals, including Henry Ford, the founder of Ford Motor Company. Today, the …
Myers is a common English surname with Germanic roots, derived from the Old English “maere” meaning famous. It is believed to have originated as an occupational name for someone who worked as a bailiff or officer of the court. Notable individuals with this surname include actor Mike Myers, author Walter Dean Myers, and psychologist David …
Hayes is a surname of Anglo-Saxon origin, derived from the Old English word “hǣse” meaning brushwood or undergrowth. It was likely used to describe someone who lived near such vegetation. The name has various spellings including Hays and Hay, and is found throughout the English-speaking world. Notable people with the surname include American president Rutherford …
Diaz is a Spanish surname that originated from the given name Diego, meaning “supplanter” or “one who replaces”. It is a common surname in Spanish-speaking countries and has spread to other parts of the world. Notable people with this surname include Spanish explorer Juan Diaz de Solis, Mexican president Porfirio Diaz, and American actress Cameron …
Griffin is a surname of Welsh origin, derived from the Welsh word “griff,” meaning “strong lord.” The name was initially given to someone with physical strength or a powerful personality. Today, the surname is most commonly found in English-speaking countries such as the United States, United Kingdom, and Canada. Famous Griffins include Kathy Griffin, the …
The Russell surname originates from Old French and means “little red one.” It was first used as a nickname for someone with red hair or a ruddy complexion. The name is also associated with the influential Russell family of England, which includes Bertrand Russell, a philosopher, mathematician, and Nobel laureate. Today, the Russell surname is …
Alexander is a surname of Greek origin, derived from the name Alexandros, meaning “defender of the people.” It is a popular surname in English-speaking countries, particularly in Scotland. Notable bearers of the surname include historical figures such as Alexander the Great, and modern-day figures such as former US President Barack Obama’s mother, Stanley Ann Dunham …
Bryant is an English surname of Celtic origin. It means “strong, virtuous, and honorable.” The surname has been traced back to the 12th century, and there are several notable individuals with this name, including the late NBA superstar Kobe Bryant. Today, the surname Bryant is ranked as the 94th most common surname in the United …
Gonzales is a common surname of Spanish origin, derived from the given name Gonzalo. It is one of the most widespread surnames in the Spanish-speaking world and has a rich history. Many notable figures bear this surname, including politicians, athletes, and artists. The Gonzales family has also been the subject of many works of literature …
Foster is a surname of English origin, meaning “one who keeps or looks after animals.” It has been in use since the Middle Ages and has numerous variations in spelling, including Forster and Forester. Famous Fosters include composer Stephen Foster and actor Jodie Foster. The name has also been used in literature, such as in …
Simmons is a surname of English origin that traces back to the medieval period. It was derived from the personal name Simon, which means “heard” or “listening” in Hebrew. The name became popular during the 12th century and spread throughout England. Today, Simmons is a common surname found in many English-speaking countries, including the United …
Butler is an English surname of occupational origin, derived from the Old French word “buteler,” meaning “bottle bearer” or “cupbearer.” The surname was initially given to those who held the position of butler in a royal or noble household. Over time, the name spread beyond the nobility and became a common surname throughout England and …
Washington is a prominent surname with historical significance. It originated from the Old English “Wassa” and “tun” which means “estate of Wassa.” The most famous bearer of the name is George Washington, the first President of the United States. His leadership during the American Revolution helped establish the country’s independence. The name Washington is also …
