It refers to Son of Thomas or Son of Thom. 80. It means Son of Walter. Laura Jo : One of the best explanations I found is from the website https://www.ancestry.com/name-origin?surname=worthington English: habitational name from places in Lancashire and Leicestershire named Worthington; both may have originally been named in Old English as Wuringtun settlement (Old English tun) associated with Wur, but it is also possible that the first element was Old English worign, a derivative of wor enclosure.. Shikha is a writer-turned-associate editor at MomJunction, with over seven years of experience in the field of content. The US Top 200 names for boys include John and William. When you look at the family tree of a dozen individuals, the names listed below would be very commonly traced back to different places. Old English last names are the same way; they can provide information and clues about your ancestors. Anstey, (English Origin) People living in a village of the same name in England. 87. Mitchell is a variant of Michael that refers to a Gift from God. Simpson is a patronymic Anglo-Scottish surname and is derived from the words Symson, Simme or Simon that refer to Son of Simon. Colonial Names | Names from the 1700s | Nameberry Berkeley, (English Origin) City in the Alameda County, United States. Names such as Llewelyn ap Dafydd ab Ieuan ap Gruffudd ap Meredydd were not uncommon. Normandy French, meaning home from what Ive found. Bentham, (English Origin) Village in Badgeworth civil parish, Gloucestershire, England. Phillips is derived from Philein, which refers to A lover for horses. The Top 50 Names in England and Wales in 1700 Tumbler, (Old English Origin) An acrobat or acrobatic dancer recruited to a noblemans court. Now I know why I took up the trade as a blacksmith! Burton is a habitational surname, which is a combination of two words. Aiello Pronounced ay- ehloh. Though similar to Thomas or Thompson, Thomson is a surname that originated from the Welsh and Scottish regions. Lynch 18. Your email address will not be published. Adams or Adamson is a popular British name of Hebrew origin. Required fields are marked *. O'Neill 11. Grant originated in English and Scottish regions and is derived from the Anglo-Norman words Graund or Graunt, which mean Tall or Large. Anouilh. Kauna unahang parabula na inilimbag sa bhutan? Edevane, (Old English Origin) ead means "prosperity or happiness". For more information, see Appendix:English surnames from Old English. Astley, (English Origin) Name of a village in Chorley, Lancashire. Anderton, (Old English Origin) Derived from Old English words meaning "Eanred's town". Waller, Walsh, Ward, Webb, Weller, West, Whitaker, Whitton, Keep on researching! This last name has several variants such as Lewes, Louis, or Luis. English Names of the 1500s - MyGen For more names ideas, take a look at Steampunk Names and Vintage Old Hollywood Names. Unique colonial-era nicknames for boys include Cuddy, Dobbin, Fate, Hiley, and Quill. Fernsby, (Old English Origin) Derived from the old English words meaning "fern farmstead". She also specializes in baby names. It is an occupational last name originated during Olde English pre 7th Century period, and refers to Hunta or Huntian, meaning Hunter. North America's Most Common Last Names. The name originated from the Scottish, German, English, Irish, and Scandinavian regions. Abrams Origin: Hebrew Meaning: High father or reference to the prophet Abraham. 7. We hope you love our recommendations for products and services! 94. These 18th century names range from classic names still used widely today, such as George and Elizabeth, and unique names as antiquated as the Colonial flag. Numbers are rounded. Unique 18th century names for girls include Hester, Mercy, Lavinia, Sophronia, and Theodosia. Cole means swarthy, coal-black or charcoal and has Middle English origin. This unique surname is the shortened version of Baldwin. 2. 66. Ryan 9. Ainsley, (English Origin) People coming from Nottinghamshire, Annesley, or Ansley in England. It has English and Scottish origins. Morris means Dark or Swarthy. Subscribe for virtual tools, STEM-inspired play, creative tips and more. Another theory is that it derives from the Latin phrase, Phoebe is the Latin variation of the Greek name Phoibe, which derived from. Another reference is from a name called Balle which means a Slope or a Hill in Old Norse. For each rank and sex, the table shows the name and the number of occurrences of that name. 67. McLoughlin 22. Popularized by the top model Naomi Campbell, this last name has Scottish Gaelic roots. Gastrell, (Old English Origin) Taken from the last name of the infamous Rev. Archie made global news as the surprise first name of the newborn royal baby, son of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex aka Harry and Meghan. Nameberry is a registered trademark of Nameberry, LLC. 18th century French boys names? - Writers' Corner - Nameberry Most Common French Last Names and Meanings - FamilyEducation 48. They commonly include Viking, Nordic,Scandinavian, German, and French roots. Im interested in the name Worthington what can you tell me about it? Actress Emma Watson is a famous bearer of this surname. The UTTING family tree This Utting family originated in the Berg Apton area of Norfolk, England in the early 1700s V. VACHER Family. Hoffman Origin: Ashkenazi Meaning: Steward or farm laborer. Loughty, (Old English Origin) Taken from the name of a village in Tayside. This surname originated from Italian, English, Irish or French regions. It is a patronymic name that refers to Son of Hugh. I need a name that is plausible for the 1700s, but that also works in present day [name]England [/name]/USA (or has an English variant/nickname). Barlow, (English Origin) Derived from the names of many villages in north-eastern England. Kidadl cannot accept liability for the execution of these ideas, and parental supervision is advised at all times, as safety is paramount. Other top 1700s girl names include Sarah, Jane, Martha, Alice, and Susan. The Plauen lists, from Hellfritzsch, are lists of names first recorded in the Plauen area, organized by 50-year blocks. joe What. James is a common last name in South Wales. Gibson is derived from Gilbert and refers to the Son of Gilbert or Son of Gib. This caused the alterations in the spellings of the Victorian last names, and gave them the form that we know today. Deighton, (English Origin) Taken from the name of a civil parish in North Yorkshire, England. Here, you can find information on similar surnames, most common surnames, surname distribution maps as well as surname meanings and etymologies. Television personality Piers Morgan is a noteworthy bearer of this last name. Mabel is a saucy Victorian favorite searching for its place in modern life; if you love offbeat old-fashioned names like Violet or Josephine, only sassier, Mabel is one for you to consider--it's started making a comeback and could rise to popularity a la Sadie. It is a common English patronymic last name, which refers to the Son of William. Surnames - Historic UK It was also referred to someone who served in a Royal household. The evolution of British surnames started with their first names being used as family names. 100 Victorian Last Names With Meanings And History | Kidadl The occupational last name is given to a weaver. Bentley, (English Origin) A place in the East Riding of Yorkshire, England. It is a variant of Johnson but has Welsh origins. This occupational surname refers to Wryhta or Wyrhta which means A worker or Shaper of wood. Edwards refers to Prosperity guard. It belongs to both Old Welsh and Medieval English origins and is derived from the pre 7th Century term Llwyd meaning Grey. The surname Palmer has originated from the Old French word Palmer, derived from the Latin term Palmifer meaning Palm bearer. We will always aim to give you accurate information at the date of publication - however, information does change, so its important you do your own research, double-check and make the decision that is right for your family. This popular Scottish patronymic name refers to Son of Donald. Girl names from the 1700s. It first appeared in the 14th century and refers to taste or flavor.. Top 100 Irish surnames 1. Originated from the British Isles of French and Latin origin, Taylor is an occupational last name that refers to a tailor or means To cut. It means A walker or someone who walked on a raw and damp cloth to thicken it. This unique-sounding French last name means 'bold' or 'daring'. 68. 8. 19. Pereira Origin: Sephardi Meaning: Pear tree. Lee, Lewis, Long, Lumbard, Lyon, Maddern, Marshall, Martin, Mason, Name for a person dwelled in or by an old house, from German alt "old" and haus "house". Hugh means Mind or Spirit. Clifford, (English Origin) Family last name for people residing in a place in Herefordshire. And, so, Worthing- means son of a worthy man. Now -ton means town, and so the whole name together means (from) the town of the worthy mans son.. Brannon, Branton, Braswell, Brewer, Brimmer, Bristol, Brooks, Bell, Bennett, Bickford, Bishop, Blake, Bonner, Braden, Braddock, This is a surname of English and Scottish origins. 73. 62. The origins of Knight date back to the Anglo-Saxon culture of Britain. : Juan de Palencia, Mara de Recalde. Goldmann Origin: Ashkenazi Meaning: Gold. 42. Carpenter, Unique Colonial names for boys include Amias, Hezekiah, Nehemiah, and Philomon. In the Old Testament, Adam is also referred to as 'the earth' from where God created the man. This surname originated from English and German regions. (This includes names derived at an older stage of the language.). Compton, (Old English Origin) Meaning a "valley town". Your email address will not be published. Dalton, (English Origin) A city in Georgia, United States. McCarthy 14. Check your inbox for your latest news from us. This long list of English or British surnames will acquaint you with the most popular ones. The Top 100 German Surnames - ThoughtCo Murphy, meaning Sea warrior, originated in Ireland. Top 1700s boy names include Thomas, James, Joseph, and Henry. Burke 6. They all derive from the occupation of a builder or craftsman (from millwrights to wheelwrights). 51. This last name is of the Welsh origin and is the Anglicized form of the term Hywel or Howell, which means Eminent. Old English names were widely inspired by a multitude of cultural influences. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. It is an Old English patronymic last name. 2023 Nameberry.com.Nameberry is a registered trademark of Nameberry, LLC. Acadian Family Names 1700 to 1755 and Variations West is a topographical last name that refers to Someone who lived by the west of a settlement. O'Connell 26. These are all the families known to us who were (or, who might have been) among the approximately 13,000 Acadians involved in the Dispersion, whether deported or [] 16th Century Spanish Names - Carnegie Mellon University What are the rarest surnames in the UK? Andrew, which first appeared in the 14th Century in Scotland, is a Greek word that means a Man or Manly. Haley, (English Origin) A surname of the person from any of several places in the US or Canada. Read on to know more about such unique British last names, their origin, history, meaning, and many other interesting facts. March Addition: GenealogyBank Just Added New Content from 46 Titles! 52. 11. During the Norman Conquest of 1066, it is believed that the ancestors of the Spencer family migrated to England. O'Doherty 16. Lucy is the English form of the Roman Lucia, which derives from the Latin word "lux" meaning "light." 90. It is a variation of Edwardes and Edwardson and originated from Olde English pre 7th Century. Actress Emilia Fox is a noteworthy bearer of this last name. Although some surnames have lost their glory, many of the common Victorian family names are still in use. The toponymic surname refers to Someone residing near a stream. Agnes Agneta Agnetia Agna Angnes : Tag Taggett : Alan Allen : Robinson, Ross, Rowdon, Salford, Sawford, Scott, Sedlow, Shaw, Allerton, (English Origin) People belonging to the neighborhood of the Bronx. 250 Traditional And Classy French Last Names Or Surnames - MomJunction At Kidadl we pride ourselves on offering families original ideas to make the most of time spent together at home or out and about, wherever you are in the world. The name means "nobility", "Agnes", and "Alice" in Greek. Get high-quality PDF version by clicking below. Alice was derived from the Old French name Aalis, a diminutive of Adelais that itself came from the Germanic name Adalhaidis. This patronymic name refers to Son of Red or in French variation it refers to Little Red-haired. 49. The origins of this last name date back to the pre-medieval period. Most of the English people settled in Ireland but did not know the Gaelic language. Popular English (British) Last Names Or Surnames 1. Hall is a variation of Heall, Halle or Holl and is derived from a spacious part of the residence. Several celebs have chosen it, including Chad Lowe, Nenah Cherry, Bruce Willis and Dermot Mulroney. ( Full methodology ) Ancestry.com further provided a list of the 25 most common surnames among . It refers to the village of Hamilton, Leicestershire, England. This surname originates from the Old French era wherein Bel means Beautiful or Fair. Bellamy: Are You Related to Pocahontas & John Rolfe? Atkinson is a variation of Atkin, a name derived from the many forms of nicknames given to Adam. 55. Bechard: Derived from an old French word bochier, which means 'butcher'. So take a bow, Jude Law: You--in collaboration with the Lennon-McCartney song "Hey Jude"--have erased Jude's old connections to the traitorous Judas Iscariot and Thomas Hardy's tragic, Nathaniel was derived from the Hebrew name Netanel, meaning gift of God, composed of the elements. The 85 Most Common Last Names in the World - PrepScholar Also, on my mothers side, what is the background of the name Burney. Robertson is the last name having a patronymic origin that refers to Son or Robert. Another variation is the Irish surname O Fuarthin, which refers to descendant of O Fuarthn. Shergold, Shipsey, Simmons, Smith, Staunton, Stewart, Stiles, It refers to someone having a crooked mouth. Neil Pearson is a famous bearer of this last name. It may come from the Germanic name Adenorde, meaning "ancient north" or "noble north". Corbyn is referred to as someone having raven hair. You also might want to browse our lists of Colonial Names for Girls and Colonial Names for Boys. Alphabetical Lists Four lists are available. August is THE celebrity baby name of the moment, chosen by both Princess Eugenie and Mandy Moore for their baby boys in early 2021. The Kidadl Team is made up of people from different walks of life, from different families and backgrounds, each with unique experiences and nuggets of wisdom to share with you. Collins, Cook, Cooper, Cox, Croom, Davis, Dawkins, Dawson, Dixon, This is another occupational surname, which originated from the Anglo-Saxon tribes in Britain. Harrow, Hart, Harwood, Hayes, Herring, Hewitt, Hill, Holman, 64. This last name was brought to Ireland with Anglo-Norman invasion in the 12th Century. My second great grandfather, Daniel B. Williams, was married to Mercy Charlotte Bartoo, and my great dad Daniel [jr] was married to Susan M. Demaranville. The association of this last name is said to be from Wales. Originated in Wales, this last name is a patronymic name. The month of August was named after the Emperor Augustus. It is derived from a Gaelic word which means Headland. Jacob comes from the Latin name Iacobus, which was ultimately derived from the Hebrew name Yaaqov. 26. Kelly is an Irish last name derived from Ceallach that means Bright headed or Troublesome. Malcolm is a warm and welcoming Scottish appellation (originally Mael-Colium) that fits into that golden circle of names that are distinctive but not at all odd. This name generator will give you 10 random colonial American names and surnames. Thank you very much. Davenport, (Old English Origin) Last names for people from the port in River Dane. Churchill, (English Origin) Last name for people who lived near a church and hill. 12. O'Sullivan 4. Dankworth, (Old English Origin) Derived from the word meaning "Tancred's farmstead". Hello. Mucius Scaevola. It is a variant of Murchadh, Murphey, or MacMurphy. Lists Of Most Common Bajan (Barbados) Last Names - Blogger I am Roger L. Williams; I married Leta Patricia Hearne. Why do people say that forever is not altogether real in love and relationship. O'Brien 7. It is an occupational name and refers to a steward or official Ballis or Balif. An interesting point to note is that these surnames have a distinct history attached to them, with references spanning Scotland, Wales, and various other regions of the United Kingdom. Old High German Origin Surnames - Behind the Name Greene, Griffin, Groston, Haddon, Hale, Hall, Hallett, Harris, It belongs to English and French origins. Hadleigh, (English Origin) Victorian surnames derived from a market town name in England. 34. Jenkins, Johnson, Kelly, Kettle, King, Kottow, Latton, Lawrence, Turner is a surname of English and Scottish origins and refers to Maker of objects from wood or metal. O'Carroll 23. Dankworth, Villan, Fernsby, MacQuoid (Scottish), and Miracle (Welsh) are some of the rarest surnames in the UK. Singer Liam Payne is a popular bearer of this surname. For example, here Continue reading "Last names in Quebec: the influence of the . 17th Century. Hamlet and Hamnet, Shakespeares writing and sons name are from this root. Morrison is an Anglo Scottish last name which is also very popular in Ireland. This Old English occupational last name refers to a Hunter. August is THE celebrity baby name of the moment, chosen by both Princess Eugenie and Mandy Moore for their baby boys in early 2021. Jude is an example of a name whose image was turned on its head primarily by one appealing celebrity. It is derived from an English nickname, which means Someone with strong arms. Names popular in 18th century America and England are names that would not be out of place in the 21st century world. Wilson 27. Amelia is derived from the German name Amalia, which in turn is a variation of Amalberga. Devitt Blakewell Canning Chambers Chattoway Chrysanthia Claudonia Cook Davies Davis Davonius Deboria Donophria Dosett Elmstone Godwin Griffiths Habsburg Hayward Hill Hogwood Kaylock Kenward Lidgett Lisanthium Longhurst Lygon Moore Morgan Norris Pankhurst 40. 44. It means Powerful or Brave. 57. Sutton, Taylor, Thompson, Turner, Tuscott, Varley, Walford, Walker, [1] This surname means 'beautiful outlook'. Burh means Fort and tun means Enclosure or Settlement. You can also browse this list to check the rarest victorian names in the world today. The Battle of Yorktown was the last major battle in the American Farley, (English Origin) Victorian-era last names meaning "fern woodland". This name probably means a Strong chief or Son of chief. The origins of this last name date back to the 7th Century. 28. led to American independence. The word Rhys means Enthusiasm in Welsh. . The patronymic surname derived from Morris and refers to Son of Morris. Sophie Turner is a popular bearer of this surname. Henry, which means Home-ruler, originated in English, Irish, and Scottish regions. The lists which appears below are the 100 Most Common Surnames for 1995. It is used for someone who worked as a cook, seller of cooked food, or a keeper of an eatery. Kidadl has lots of great names articles to inspire you. MARSHALL - The literal meaning of the name is 'horse-servant' and some 1,776 people in Barbados are part of this group. English: habitational name from Howell in Lincolnshire, so named from an Old English hugol mound, hillock or hune hoarhound. [Ancestry, Howell Family History at https://www.ancestry.com/name-origin?surname=howell (accessed 28 May 2019). Very popular in the Iranian community, this name of the founder of the Persian Empire has had a more down-home, corncob pipe-smoking image for most Americans in the past, but this has begun to change. 6. Those extended patronymics were essentially a genealogical history of the male line. Below we've picked a list of 30 names from the 1700s we felt sounded just the right amount of vintage. It is derived from the word Wudu that refers to A forest or Wood. You would undoubtedly be surprised if you found a person with the surname 'Bythesea.' Fun Fact: Elan is a sporting goods manufacturer that handcrafts skis and snowboards in the Alps. 18th century names popular again thanks to Bridgerton include Daphne, Eloise, Penelope, Benedict, Henry, and Colin. Hamon is a common name in Jersey, Channel Islands. Dan Stevens is a famous bearer of this surname. Some other reference of the name also describes Perry as Stranger or Traveler. The meaning of Williams is a patroymic form of the name William that orginated in medieval England. Colby, (English Origin) A place in Cumbria and Norfolk. David, in Hebrew, means beloved. 3. Along with John and William, other 18th century names for boys in the US Top 200 today include Abraham, Alexander, Christopher, Elias, Isaac, Jacob, Levi, and Nathaniel. Hornsby (English Origin) Surnames of people from a place in England. In Hebrew, Adam refers to a Man. This is a common Irish last name that originated from the British and Welsh community of soldiers. on seeing them. SENNEN: Williams (7); Richards (4) Gwennap, Hockin, James, Matthew and Osborne (3) [No.= 59] SHEVIOCK: Bray, Harry and Sargent (6); Chubb, Dewstow and Rundle (5) [No.= 154] SITHNEY: Thomas (17); Nicholas (7); Harry (6); Coode, Steven and Williams (5) [No.= 190] SOUTH HILL: Grills (19); Deacon (11); Tipper (6); Landry (5) [No.= 122] 100 Most Common American Last Names - rong-chang It refers to Someone who transports goods by a cart or wagon. This information is for educational purposes only and not a substitution for professional health services. Derived from the given name Altimaro, an alteration of Adelmar. This last name belongs to the 12th Century and is derived from Benedict or Benedictus in Latin, which means Blessed. These stories often found in newspaper archives weave life and depth into the roots of our very lineage. Means "son of Adalheidis ". This is an English and Scottish surname, derived from Will a popular medieval name. 77. Derived from Piers, Pearson is a patronymic last name meaning Son of Peter. Hughes originated in the regions of Wales, Scotland, Ireland, and France. 76. We try our very best, but cannot guarantee perfection. Garfield, (English Origin) An English surname which is thought to be habitational. A Abdon Abington Abney Abram Acker Ackerley Ackford Acklam Ackley Ackworth Acland Acton Adderley Addington Adley Adlington Ailsworth Ainsley Ainsworth Akeley Akridge Albury Alby Aldersey Alderton Aldington Aldridge Alford Allbrook Allday Allerton Allingham Allington Allnutt Allport Allsebrook Alston Altham Alton Anderton Ansley Anstey Appleton The figures from Janell Lovelace are: John 29% Smith-Bannister, Scott, Names and Naming Patterns in England 1538-1700, Oxford 1997. Chandler, Chapman, Claridge, Clark, Clifton, Cole, Coleman, This last name originated from the British Isles, and is actually taken from the Greek name Alexandros, which refers to Defender of men. The name Wilkin is derived from the words will or desire. Adams It is derived from Adam, which means a 'Man' in Hebrew. Lucy can alternatively be spelled Luci or Lucie. Last names in Quebec: the influence of the pioneers That should help a lot. 3. 4. In the Old Testament, Adam is also referred to as the earth from where God created the man. John and Mary were the Number 1 baby names in the 1700s.and in the 1800s and much of the 1900s too. Actress Carry Fisher was a famous bearer of this last name. Hill is the 36th most common last name in England. Derived from a Norman name Huard or Heward, this last name has Anglo-Scandinavian origin. 59. Archie made global news as the surprise first name of the newborn royal baby, son of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex aka Harry and Meghan. Last names give us insights into where our ancestors lived, their profession, and more. Holton, Howard, Howland, Hubbard, Hughes, Hunt, Hunter, Jackson, The -ing is an Old English patronymic (like -son). 84. My maternal grandfathers name was Smith! Murray is a famous last name across Ireland and originated from both Scottish and Irish regions. When you buy through the links on our site we may earn a commission. After the Norman conquest of 1066, this last name migrated to England. Common Quaker Names - QuakerSpeak German Last Names and Their Meanings Signers of the Declaration of Independence & Their Scions (part 1). 3. 22. Actress Naomi Watts is a popular bearer of this last name. Some of these go back to the 11th century A.D. 34. Eaton, (Old English Origin) Derived from the word meaning "homestead by an island or a river". It is suspected that Levi derives from the Hebrew word, William is derived from the Germanic name Wilhelm, composed of the elements. ; 0 watching users This was the name of several dukes of Brittany and many Breton settlers, who immigrated to England. Nameberry is a registered trademark of Nameberry, LLC. Learn how your comment data is processed. A person was often defined and named by their trade, and their sons would then follow suit. Abram, (Old English Origin) Derived from Abraham a prophet in the Old Testament. Revolution. 14. Steves is a British surname but has a Greek origin. British surnames reflect their rich cultural heritage and adhere to familial lineage. Crawford, (English Origin) Taken from the name of an earldom in Scotland. Olivier emerged as the dominant spelling for its associations with the Latin word. Walsh 5. Beausoleil: It means a 'beautiful sun.' It probably refers to a place exposed to the sun. This page was last edited on 25 December 2015, at 15:57. A Complete List of English Last Names - FamilyEducation Jones refers to Son of John and is a popular last name in Wales and South Central England. Better yet, theyre real. Thomas is a common last name of Scottish, Welsh, English, Dutch, German, French, and Danish origin. Richards was brought to Great Britain by the Normans in the year 1066, and the origins are said to be Germanic. Emsworth, (English Origin) Named after a small coastal town in Havant borough, England. Parents have the liberty of choosing the first and middle names of their children. Hastings, (English Origin) Taken from the Anglo-Norman personal name Hastang. Subscribe for virtual tools, STEM-inspired play, It can help you guess a persons ethnicity just by knowing their names. 11. Holmes is a habitational or geographical last name that originated in the Northern Middle English region called Holm, meaning An Island. Marat, dfenseur de la Patrie. 1 Smith 2 Johnson 3 Williams 4 Jones 5 Brown 6 Davis 7 Miller 8 Wilson 9 Moore 10 Taylor 11 Anderson 12 Thomas 13 Jackson 14 White 15 Harris: 16 Martin 17 Thompson 18 Garcia 19 Martinez 20 Robinson 21 Clark 22 Rodriguez 23 Lewis 24 Lee 25 Walker 26 Hall 27 Allen 28 Young 29 Hernandez 30 King: 31 Wright 32 Lopez 33 Hill 34 Scott 35 Green 36 Adams 37 Baker They have been superseded by more up-to-date and comprehensive information, which you can find on the Most Common Surnames in Birth, Marriage and Death registers pages. The English comedian Graham Arthur Chapman is a famous bearer of this last name. Owen is derived from a Welsh first name called Owain and refers to Noble or Well-born. My family name on my fathers side is Williams; from imformation I found so far, Im a direct descendant of Roger Williams, founder of Rhode Island, U.S. His father was a tailor, James Williams from Smithfield, England. Before that, August had been heating up in Hollywood used by Mariska Hargitay and Peter Hermann, Lena Olin, Dave Matthews and Jeanne Tripplehorn for their sons, and is rapidly becoming the preferred month of the year for boys' names. Most Common Last Names in the United States in 1990 Updated July 10, 2020 | Infoplease Staff Visit Family Name Search to discover the meanings and origins of last names.