Anglo-Saxon last names, from medieval England, tell us about people’s jobs, traits, or where they lived. Words like “Smith,” “Weaver,” or “Baker” show their ancestors’ jobs.
Some names, like “Brook” or “Wood,” point to where they lived. “Æthel” means noble, and “Wulf” means wolf, showing what they valued.
At first, last names weren’t passed down, but over time, they became family names. Anglo-Saxon last names are like a language map, helping us understand the old days and how names changed over many years.
Top Anglo-Saxon Last Names
Prominent Anglo-Saxon last names, rooted in English history, include Smith, meaning “metalworker,” and Taylor, denoting a tailor. The surname Johnson, signifying “son of John,” is widespread. Walker, derived from “cloth-walker” or fuller, and Wilson, meaning “son of Will,” are also prevalent, reflecting the enduring legacy of Anglo-Saxon heritage in modern surnames.
Last Name | Meaning |
---|---|
Hargrave | Grove or thicket |
Smith | Metalworker |
Taylor | Tailor |
Johnson | Son of John |
Walker | Cloth-walker or Fuller |
Wilson | Son of Will |
Brown | Brown-haired |
Davis | Son of David |
Evans | Son of Evan |
Thomas | Twin |
Harris | Son of Harry |
Martin | Warlike |
Anderson | Son of Andrew |
Jackson | Son of Jack |
White | Fair or White-haired |
Wright | Craftsman or Worker |
Hall | Dweller at the Hall |
Turner | Lathe Worker |
Allen | Son of Alan |
Green | Green or Fresh |
Baker | Baker |
Carter | Cart Driver |
Morris | Dark-skinned or Moorish |
Bennett | Blessed |
Parker | Gamekeeper |
Young | Young or Youthful |
Robinson | Son of Robin |
King | King |
Phillips | Son of Philip |
Adams | Son of Adam |
Mitchell | Who is like God? |
Nelson | Son of Neil |
Perry | Pear Tree |
Cooper | Barrel Maker |
Reed | Red-haired |
Fisher | Fisher |
Butler | Wine Steward or Servant of the Butler |
Griffin | Strong Lord |
Warren | Game Preserve or Park |
Berry | Berry Picker |
Dixon | Son of Dick |
Fletcher | Arrow Maker |
Hudson | Son of Hud |
Morton | Town Near the Moor |
Arnold | Eagle Ruler |
Garrett | Spear Rule |
Chapman | Merchant or Trader |
Manning | Son of Man |
Reed | Red-haired |
Sinclair | Holy or Saint-like |
Blair | Field or Plain |
Floyd | Gray |
Garrett | Spear Rule |
Hale | Dweller in the Hall |
Lane | Narrow Road |
Morton | Town Near the Moor |
Tucker | Cloth-Fuller |
Underwood | Under the Wood |
Wyatt | Brave in War |
Wood | Dweller in or near a Forest |
Anglo-Saxon Noble Surnames
Anglo-Saxon noble surnames reflect the historical class structure of early medieval England. These names often denote lineage, land ownership, or occupational status. Examples include “Beauchamp,” signifying a beautiful field, and “Fitzgerald,” indicating a son of Gerald. Such surnames provide insights into the social and economic dynamics of the time.
- Wulfstan
- Dunstan
- Aethelred
- Godwin
- Leofric
- Ethelbert
- Offa
- Alfgar
- Siward
- Cynric
- Eadric
- Aelfric
- Leofsige
- Aethelfrith
- Eadmund
- Aethelwine
- Beornheard
- Ealdred
- Wulfric
- Aelfweard
- Eomer
- Cenred
- Osfrith
- Eadred
- Algar
- Aethelstan
- Ealdgyth
- Wigmund
- Cynewulf
- Leofwine
- Aelfred
- Godric
- Aethelberht
- Wulfgifu
- Aethelwald
- Byrhtnoth
- Eadberht
- Aelfric
- Leofric
- Eadwine
- Aethelwold
- Sigurd
- Oswine
- Aldhelm
- Wulfrun
- Aethelbald
- Cuthbert
- Eadfrith
- Byrnstan
- Aethelhelm
- Leofa
- Eadgar
- Ecgberht
- Aelfheah
- Leofsige
- Osgood
- Eadweard
- Beorhtwulf
- Wulfhere
- Ecgfrith
Most Common Anglo-Saxon Surnames
The most common Anglo-Saxon surnames reflect the historical and cultural roots of England. Smith, meaning “blacksmith,” tops the list, followed by Jones, Taylor, Brown, and Wilson. These names often originated from occupations, physical attributes, or familial connections, offering a glimpse into the rich tapestry of Anglo-Saxon naming traditions.
- Smith
- Jones
- Taylor
- Brown
- Wilson
- Evans
- Harris
- Wright
- Hall
- Turner
- Walker
- White
- Lewis
- Green
- Baker
- Carter
- Cooper
- Hill
- Clarke
- Ward
- Hughes
- Morris
- Hayes
- King
- Morgan
- Fisher
- Russell
- Bennett
- James
- Powell
- Reed
- Collins
- Bailey
- Mason
- Cole
- Marshall
- Ford
- Ellis
- Dixon
- Grant
- Dixon
- Reed
- Murphy
- Burton
- Simpson
- Armstrong
- Foster
- Palmer
- Hale
- Cooper
- Hunt
- Fletcher
- Sims
- Warren
- Sutton
- Fisher
- Owen
- Perry
- Sutton
- Page
Saxon Surnames and Meanings
Saxon surnames, rooted in Old English traditions, often reflect occupations, locations, or personal attributes. Common prefixes like “Smith” denote craftsmen, while “Wood” signifies a woodland dweller. Surnames like “Brown” suggest physical features. These names provide glimpses into ancestral professions and environments, preserving a historical tapestry of identity.
- 1 Smith – metalworker
- 2 Taylor – tailor
- 3 Cooper – barrel maker
- 4 Baker – baker
- 5 Fisher – fisherman
- 6 Turner – wood turner
- 7 Fletcher – arrow maker
- 8 Mason – stoneworker
- 9 Carpenter – carpenter
- 10 Shepherd – shepherd
- 11 Hunter – hunter
- 12 Potter – potter
- 13 Farmer – farmer
- 14 Chandler – candle maker
- 15 Weaver – weaver
- 16 Miller – miller
- 17 Clark – clerk or scholar
- 18 Cook – cook
- 19 Butler – butler or servant
- 20 Porter – gatekeeper
- 21 Carter – cart driver
- 22 Ward – guardian
- 23 Warren – gamekeeper
- 24 Hill – dweller on a hill
- 25 Ford – river crossing
- 26 Brooks – dweller by the brook
- 27 Marsh – dweller by a marsh
- 28 Stone – dweller by a stone
- 29 Green – dweller by a green (grassland)
- 30 Hall – dweller in a hall
- 31 Wood – dweller in the woods
- 32 Lane – dweller in a lane
- 33 Wells – dweller by wells
- 34 Fordham – dweller by the ford (river crossing)
- 35 Sutton – south town
- 36 Eastman – east dweller
- 37 Westcott – west cottage
- 38 Alden – old friend
- 39 Ashford – ford near ash trees
- 40 Brock – badger
- 41 Clifford – ford near a cliff
- 42 Davenport – dweller by the port or gate
- 43 Wainwright – wagon maker
- 44 Kirk – church
- 45 Weller – well dweller
- 46 York – dweller in or near a yew tree forest
- 47 Brockman – badger man
- 48 Bray – dweller by a hill or slope
- 49 Hyatt – high gate
- 50 Blythe – happy or carefree
- 51 Ellsworth – elder’s estate
- 52 Norris – northerner
- 53 Hackett – little hewer or woodcutter
- 54 Redman – red-haired man
- 55 Stark – strong or resolute
- 56 Holbrook – brook in a hollow
- 57 Norman – Norseman or Northman
- 58 Rutherford – cattle ford near a river
- 59 Godwin – God’s friend
- 60 Winthrop – friendly or joyous town
Saxon Surname Origin
The Saxon surname traces its origin to medieval England, derived from the Old English word “Seaxe,” meaning “Saxon.” It denotes a person associated with the ancient Germanic tribe of the Saxons. The name reflects historical ties to a group known for its impact on English culture and history.
- Smith
- Taylor
- Brown
- Wilson
- Turner
- Evans
- Walker
- Hill
- Cooper
- Ward
- Fisher
- Dixon
- Warren
- Burton
- Fuller
- Ford
- Mason
- Marshall
- Mason
- Chapman
- Baker
- Fletcher
- Carter
- Shepherd
- Porter
- Baxter
- Fowler
- Harper
- Slater
- Tucker
- Glover
- Archer
- Mercer
- Glover
- Parker
- Spencer
- Sawyer
- Webster
- Baxter
- Baxter
- Wheeler
- Mercer
- Sawyer
- Mercer
- Chandler
- Carpenter
- Brewer
- Barber
- Butler
- Harper
- Potter
- Farmer
- Foster
- Chandler
- Hunter
- Mercer
- Cooper
- Taylor
- Parker
- Fisher
Popular Anglo-Saxon Last Names
Anglo-Saxon last names reflect a rich history and cultural legacy. Common surnames like Smith, Taylor, and Brown derive from medieval occupations or physical attributes. Others, such as Johnson and Wilson, highlight patronymic origins. These names connect modern individuals to the enduring linguistic and societal roots of the Anglo-Saxon heritage.
- 1 Smith
- 2 Taylor
- 3 Brown
- 4 Johnson
- 5 Wilson
- 6 Davis
- 7 White
- 8 Turner
- 9 Clark
- 10 Hall
- 11 Wright
- 12 Harris
- 13 King
- 14 Baker
- 15 Cooper
- 16 Walker
- 17 Hill
- 18 Carter
- 19 Adams
- 20 Morris
- 1 Berry
- 2 Porter
- 3 Austin
- 4 Day
- 5 Webb
- 6 Bradley
- 7 Fordham
- 8 Sutton
- 9 Wyatt
- 10 Holt
- 11 Hays
- 12 Mullen
- 13 Lyman
- 14 Merton
- 15 Keefe
- 16 Peck
- 17 Sanford
- 18 Alford
- 19 Overton
- 20 Elwood
- 1 Scott
- 2 Green
- 3 Wood
- 4 Lewis
- 5 Fisher
- 6 Rogers
- 7 Ward
- 8 Brooks
- 9 Foster
- 10 Gray
- 11 Coleman
- 12 Marshall
- 13 Dixon
- 14 Fox
- 15 Ford
- 16 Stone
- 17 Grant
- 18 Hayes
- 19 Mason
- 20 Reed
Unique Anglo-Saxon Last Names
Anglo-Saxon last names carry a rich history, reflecting the cultural tapestry of early medieval England. Names like Wulfric, meaning “wolf power,” and Ethelred, signifying “noble counsel,” evoke a blend of strength and wisdom. These unique surnames link modern generations to the enduring legacy of the Anglo-Saxon people.
Wulfric | Ethelred |
Eadric | Leofwine |
Godwin | Aelfric |
Beornheard | Cynric |
Aethelstan | Leofric |
Ecgberht | Eadweard |
Cynewulf | Ealdred |
Aethelwine | Leofsige |
Aldhelm | Wigstan |
Ealdfrith | Wistan |
Cuthred | Aelfweard |
Godric | Aethelbald |
Leofwulf | Osric |
Dunstan | Aethelgar |
Eadfrith | Leofgyth |
Alhmund | Byrhtnoth |
Wigmund | Ealhswith |
Osbeorn | Leofhelm |
Aethelnoth | Aethelweard |
Ealhmund | Cynesige |
Aescwine | Eadburg |
Wulfgar | Ealred |
Aethelheard | Leofgifu |
Aethelgyth | Eadred |
Godgifu | Eadmund |
Aethelmod | Leofstan |
Eadgifu | Wulflaf |
Cenred | Aelflaed |
Leofdag | Aelfric |
Aethelthryth | Cuthbert |
Ecgfrith | Aethelwold |
Aethelflaed | Eadgifu |
Wulfhere | Aelstan |
Eormenred | Wulfsige |
Aethelred | Eadberht |
Eadred | Leofric |
Wulfsige | Aethelstan |
Aethelbald | Osric |
Aelfric | Leofwine |
Eadweard | Cynewulf |
Ealdred | Aethelwine |
Leofsige | Aldhelm |
Wigstan | Ealdfrith |
Wistan | Cuthred |
Aelfweard | Godric |
Aethelgar | Leofwulf |
Osric | Aethelnoth |
Aethelweard | Ealhmund |
Cynesige | Aescwine |
Eadburg | Wulfgar |
Ealred | Aethelheard |
Leofgifu | Aethelgyth |
Eadred | Godgifu |
Cool Anglo-Saxon Last Names
Many of the Anglo-Saxon s that traversed across the North Sea to reach Britain were farmers. Historians’ study says the floodwaters where they originally came from made it difficult to farm.
Hence, they chose to go to Britain in search of lands to farm. Get cool Anglo-Saxon last names from our list below.
Doakes – son of the servant of St. Cadog
Nute – knot
Balkwill – dweller by the footbridge
Wollstonecraft – wolf stone
Emer – swift
Iiams – son of Emma
Bus – for everyone
Blagden – From the dark valle
Ing – someone living near an ing, a meadow
Beekman – creek man
Godwulf
Britheva
Quendreda
Frithestan
Sigebert
Lanfranc
Earcongota
Hygelac
Waerburh
Brihtnoth
Hildithryth
Saethryd
Alfwen
Aelfhun
Waerburh
Weonard
Feolomaer
Begild
Beorhtweald
Brihteue
Mildburh
Tondbert
Cwenthryth
Balethiva
Brifard
Sidelufu
Stigand
Aethelind
Tunbeorht
Richeard
Garwynn
Eawyn
Cuthburga
Aedilhild
Wardlaw
Baldred
Flodwig
Yric
Cyneberg
Eanmaer
Egwine
Aedilburh
Alburga
Leofgeat
Ordlaf
Hildithryth
Ewias
Colman
Bregeswith
Alnoth
Wulfwynn
Oswy
Aethelthryth
Ermenburga
Beorhtfrith
Aelflaed
Aelgifu
Tilbert
Ecgmund
Adellufu
Alfwine
Tunbert
Arild
Beornthryth
Aldhun
Turgiua
Aelfswith
Edwen
Hugeburc
Mansige
Winfirth
Roswitha
Wealhburh
Wynflead
Aluuard
Brihtiue
Oswold
Mildred
Guthfrith
Wealhtheow
Cynered
Egfrith
Oftfor
Hildegyth
Stithwulf
Eadburg
Godgifu
Bertrade
Cwichelm
Elwyn
Related: German Surnames That You Love It
Catchy Anglo-Saxon Last Names
Our every day of the week comes from Anglo-Saxon times, where they named their days Monandæg, Tiwesdæg, Wodnesdæg, Ðunresdæg, Frigedæ,g Sæternesdæg, and Sunnandæg. Not much has changed, and it just shows how impactful and the vital role the Anglo-Saxons played in our history. Hook onto some catchy Anglo-Saxon name by scrolling down.
Holloway – someone who lived ‘(by the) sunken road
Benningfield – bean field
Cran – a crane
Babbitt – a person who came from Babe
Sather – pasture
Clevenger – keeper of the keys in a great household
Hiott – at the high-gate
Lumb – gentle or inoffensive person
Hingestone – someone who lived in the village of Hinxton
Hyndestane – Stallions Hill
Grimwold
Wulfsin
Brichtled
Eorkonweald
Leofwine
Eadwynn
Herburga
Haemgils
Alchfrid
Maethild
Eormengyth
Ermenred
Feolugeld
Witburh
Bricheve
Freodhoric
Ethelsige
Balthildis
Byrtferth
Godwine
Gertrude
Tunfrith
Waerhild
Burghelm
Brichtled
Jurmin
Wilmund
Leofred
Bregusuid
Heresuid
Hunbeorht
Saeward
Heahmund
Hildelida
Eoforich
Trumhere
Aethelwaru
Cynehelm
Ceolwulf
Sigered
Germund
Herewynn
Turbert
Hunlaf
Beorhtwynn
Wihtburg
Baldeth
Aylild
Coenburg
Estrith
Birghiva
Wilthryth
Hild
Wulfhad
Baerwald
Aelfhelm
Brictuia
Eardnoth
Hariulf
Wulfwynn
Widukind
Brictiua
Eadild
Frithebert
Norbert
Godrun
Gosbeorht
Ealhild
Hardulph
Hunburg
Ceawlin
Aedilburh
Brunweard
Heathuburg
Wulmar
Rafenild
Tatwulf
Heahgyth
Erwald
Eudelme
Eanflaed
Bedgeat
Hygered
Cuthhere
Osbald
Eadweald
Bricthled
Bealdwine
Beornstan
Egfrin
Related: Jewish Last Names
Best Anglo-Saxon Last Names
As superstitious as Anglo-Saxons were, they also believed in magic spells. At the same time, they had faith in the potions they made, stones and jewels they used in ornaments to protect themselves from evil spirits and sickness. Were they still looking for the best Anglo-Saxon last name? Try our list down below.
Ivey – a climbing evergreen ornamental plant
Commander – a person who commands
Cattell – helmeted warrior
Bodily – relating to the body
French – From France
Baygents – someone who worked as a coiner or minter
Cartmill – habitational name from Cartmel in Cumbria (formerly in Lancashire)
Hengeston – a variation of Hyndestane
Leverock – a person who was a good singer or someone who had a cheery personality
Hyndestan – variation of Hyndestane
Aethelthrith
Rowena
Rimilda
Waerferth
Wuscfrea
Earpwald
Swaebhard
Wilgils
Touild
Cynwulf
Hathcyn
Aedilthryd
Theabul
Heoruweald
Oslafa
Burghwenna
Thanchere
Eambald
Sidwell
Derehild
Herefrid
Leoflaed
Bregeswith
Mathilda
Wulffrith
Odoacer
Aelfthryth
Ealhhun
Eadild
Plegmund
Wealhburh
Hrotsvitha
Harding
Aldfrith
Saewynn
Ceredig
Touild
Cutheard
Farman
Eorconbehrt
Cyneswith
Begilda
Oeric
Gudram
Beadohild
Gytha
Instio
Heagyth
Godwin
Brunwulf
Aldhelm
Herebeald
Willehad
Coenburg
Wulfgifu
Eosterwine
Witburh
Seaxburg
Tortgith
Cynethryth
Beorhtric
Herebehrt
Aethelflaed
Saebeorht
Eanwin
Waerbeald
Leofing
Thedware
Aethelhun
Aethelthryd
Eanwine
Saewara
Ceolhere
Leofgifu
Wilcum
Eohhere
Aescwine
Wendreda
Watman
Hermynhild
Ordric
Wynhaeth
Cyneburg
Beyhild
Aelffrith
Cuthman
Waerhild
Swartcol
Ecghere
Beorngyth
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Amazing Anglo-Saxon Last Names
Not just our weekly days but also the Christmas traditions we have, come from Anglo-Saxon s. Even before they became Christians, they celebrated Yuletide, which was celebrated on 25th December. According to that time’s old Julian calendar, it was the winter solstice day. Pick an amazing Anglo-Saxon last name from down below.
Ackles – when the family resided in Eccles which was in both Norfolk and a parish near Manchester
Foland – a hunter of wild birds, fowler
Burbidge – someone who lived at the brook or valley of the burg
Rockhold – the area where the original bearers lived
Hengsteton – king’s town
Aldane – dweller at the old enclosure
Ashman – worker who removes ashes
Bryer – A strong man
Hungerford – ford leading to poor land
Bux – beach
Swithulf
Harold
Aedwen
Unlaf
Godric
Wulftrudis
Herewynn
Leofwynn
Hunbald
Berchthild
Cynidr
Eadfrith
Denegyth
Beornmund
Eardwul
Guthmaer
Osbeorn
Eormenhilde
Helpric
Hendina
Ealdgyth
Cameleac
Hrotsvitha
Swithun
Wilgisl
Godelina
Cynebald
Wyverun
Sigebryht
Bealdthryth
Eormenhild
Aegthryth
Eadwine
Touillda
Cenhelm
Merehwit
Fritheswith
Jambert
Bebbe
Godlefe
Darwin
Beornnoth
Alfilda
Eadwulf
Eohric
Arnulf
Coenberg
Acwuld
Wulfrid
Touilt
Eanswida
Alchflead
Wighard
Aylild
Brichterith
Goldcorna
Wychtleth
Eadburh
Eawyn
Burghwenna
Radbod
Centweald
Egefride
Ealhheard
Goldyna
Ingweald
Edric
Burhtred
Hereric
Wulfheah
Aylyld
Forthhere
Botild
Frethesant
Geatfleda
Rendel
Bricheve
Ingwulf
Heorulaf
Hildebeorht
Sighere
Ealdfrith
Ecgfrida
Ecgbert
Sunnild
Eadlac
Aethelheard
Aethelhild
Scenwulf
Herered
Related: Elegant Last Names
Awesome Anglo-Saxon Last Names
The first Anglo-Saxons that came to Britain were known to be Pagans. They worshipped many gods who they had faith in to be controlling the weather, war, and crop growing. As time passed by, the Anglo-Saxon s became Christians after Augustine, a monk sent by the pope from Rome to convince them to turn to Christianity.
Bargy – when the family resided in the parish of Berkeley in the county of Gloucestershire
Sode – when the family lived in an area that was referred to as the south down
Skipworth – dwelling specialized farm
Clow – ravine
Eymor – love
Immer – Saying, speaking, a lamb
Hingeston – an earlier variation of the surname Hingston
Ivy – vine
Yarbrough – fortifications
Seamark – aid to navigation
Tancred
Unwona
Aethelheah
Wihtburh
Aethelwaru
Behrtwald
Aengifu
Eanswyth
Hleogar
Mildthryth
Eudelme
Eorcongota
Freware
Ecgric
Wicthiue
Agenilda
Hildilid
Estrid
Maegenfrith
Godgyth
Brictric
Peohtric
Britheue
Sigegeat
Eorcenbehrt
Berthelm
Hunstan
Brichterith
Aedilbert
Brunloc
Tondhere
Hringwynn
Medwin
Engeled
Rimilde
Aelwin
Eormenburh
Heferth
Feolumaer
Aedilhum
Cyneheard
Wulflead
Jaruman
Aluburg
Widmund
Agilbert
Beorthwulf
Cyneweard
Hrothlaf
Brichtrede
Aethelfrid
Aylyld
Sabehrt
Bricthiua
Alfric
Osbryht
Theberga
Frythegith
Osegod
Everildis
Ealdbeorht
Mildburh
Widuc
Acwulf
Akelda
Hundine
Cuthswith
Brichtrethe
Vluerona
Beornheard
Ganulf
Eadbehrt
Tilmund
Rumwald
Aegenwulf
Hybald
Grimbeald
Wihtburg
Aethelgifu
Angenmaer
Theorigitha
Heiu
Agnes
Wlencing
Saegeat
Hygbald
Erwin
Egferth
Brychan
Juthwara
Related: Hispanic Last Names
Conclusion
Anglo-Saxon last names from medieval England show what people did, looked like, or where they lived. Smith comes from blacksmiths, and Hill means living on high ground. These names tell us about the past and where families came from in old English times.
Anglo-Saxon Last Names Generator
Anglo-Saxon last names, rooted in Old English, reflect ancestral occupations, locations, or personal attributes. They carry historical significance, linking generations.
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Mother of Two children. I’m a former teacher with a background in child development and a passion for Good parenting. I understand child development and know how to develop activities to help children learn and grow. Spare time, I enjoy spending time with my family, reading, and volunteering in my community.
What about the Anglo Saxon name HARGRAVE?
Absolutely! The name “Hargrave” has fascinating roots in Anglo-Saxon heritage. It derives from the Old English words “har,” meaning “gray,” and “graf,” referring to a grove or thicket.
Thanks for suggesting a Wonderful name
Of course you mentioned every kind of Anglo Saxon name but my own which is HARGRAVE!!I would appreciate it if you would add it.
Yes, We already added same in our list.
Now I see it ! Thank You!!