Video:What Are Common Meanings Behind English Surnames?

Transcript:What Are Common Meanings Behind English Surnames?

Hi I'm Jen D'Amore for About.com, and this video is all about common meanings behind english surnames.

Basic Meanings Behind English Surnames

The most common english surname "Smith" and it's derivatives comes from the occupation of working with metal, as a smith or blacksmith. Metal smiths were prevalent in many societies, and each language has it's own version of the common "smith" surname.

More Meanings Behind English Surnames

Another occupational surname is Taylor referring to that popular medieval occupation. an "s" or "son" at the end of a traditional name usually means "son of" includingEvans - "son of Evan"Davies - Son of DavidWilson - Son of WilliamJohnson - Son of Johnand so on.

Additional Meanings Behind English Surnames

Descriptive surnames are based on a unique quality or physical feature including color, complexion, or physical shape - Armstrong, denotes strong arms, and Brown could refer to complexion or hair or garment color.Geographical surnames derived from the location where the family, or ancestors first lived. Examples are Kent, Oxford and Devon. They can also derive from descriptive landscape features that described the residence, including "Bush" or "Hill."

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