The Most Popular British Surnames

1. Smith

Originating from Middle English (1150 – 1470), ‘Smith’ is an occupational surname common in both English and Scottish cultures, denoting individuals who worked with metal, particularly as blacksmiths. At least 85 people bearing the name Smith arrived as convicts in Australia in the 1700s! Learn more about transportation to the penal colonies here.

2. Jones

‘Jones’ is an English and Welsh surname, stemming from the Middle English personal name “Jon.” It gained widespread usage in the 18th and 19th centuries. There is a lion on the earliest-known coat of arms for this name, which was often used in heraldry to symbolise a valiant warrior. Read more about ‘Heraldry Symbols and What They Mean’ here.

3. Williams

Derived from the personal name ‘William’, ‘Williams’ is a variant surname with roots in Middle English. It was adapted from the German name “Willihelm,” meaning ‘desire and protection’. The motto on the earliest coat of arms is ‘By Following the Truth’.

4. Taylor

‘Taylor’ is an occupational surname with its origins in Middle English, denoting individuals who worked as tailors. The name was even found on board the Titanic.

5. Davies

Originally a Welsh patronymic surname, ‘Davies’ indicates descent from a father named ‘Dafydd’, gradually evolving from ‘Dafydd’s (son)’ over time. As with so many names, the name Davies is frequently found in registers of migrants to the New World.