Today, surnames such as O’Brien, O’Connor and O’Sullivan are recognised around the world. However, their origins stretch back many centuries and tell an important story about Irish heritage, family identity and social structure.

Quick Summary

• O’ means “descendant of”.
• The prefix developed in early medieval Ireland.
• Many Irish families later dropped the O’.
• Some restored it during the Irish cultural revival.
• O’ surnames remain an important part of Irish identity today.

The Meaning of O’ in Irish Surnames

The prefix O’ comes from the Irish word “Ó”, meaning “grandson” or “descendant”. It identified a person as belonging to a particular family line.

For example, O’Brien means “descendant of Brien”, while O’Connor means “descendant of Conchobhar”.

These names helped distinguish one family group from another at a time when communities were organised around kinship and ancestry.

As Irish society developed, these hereditary surnames became established and passed from one generation to the next.

Ireland Was One of the First Countries to Use Hereditary Surnames

Many people are surprised to learn that Ireland was among the first countries in Europe to adopt hereditary surnames.

By the tenth and eleventh centuries, Irish families were already using surnames that would continue through future generations. This happened long before hereditary surnames became common in many other parts of Europe.

As a result, some Irish surnames can be traced back more than a thousand years.

Why Did Some Families Lose the O’?

Not every Irish surname still carries its original prefix.

During periods of English administration, many Irish names were anglicised. In some cases, prefixes such as O’ and Mac disappeared altogether.

For example:

O’Neill became Neill

O’Doherty became Doherty

O’Sullivan became Sullivan

Some families removed the prefix voluntarily to make their names easier to spell or pronounce. Others experienced changes through official records and administration.

Consequently, modern Irish surnames often exist in several different forms.

Why Were Some Prefixes Restored?

During the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, interest in Irish language and culture grew significantly.

This period saw many families restore traditional forms of their surnames. As Irish national identity strengthened, prefixes such as O’ and Mac became symbols of cultural heritage.

Today, both versions of many surnames continue to exist.

For example, you may encounter both Sullivan and O’Sullivan, depending on the family’s history.

What Is the Difference Between O’ and Mac?

While O’ means “descendant of”, the prefix Mac means “son of”.

Both developed as part of Ireland’s naming traditions.

Examples include:

MacCarthy

MacMahon

MacDonnell

Over time, both O’ and Mac surnames became hereditary family names and remain common throughout Ireland and among Irish communities around the world.

Irish Migration Spread These Names Worldwide

Irish migration helped carry O’ surnames far beyond Ireland’s shores.

Large numbers of Irish people settled in Britain, North America, Australia and New Zealand. As they moved, they brought their family names and traditions with them.

Today, Irish surnames are among the most recognised names in the English-speaking world.

Many people researching their family history discover Irish ancestry through their surname and then begin exploring historical records, migration patterns and family stories.

Why Irish Surname History Remains Fascinating

Irish surnames provide a direct connection to centuries of history. They reveal clues about ancestry, language and cultural identity.

At Hall of Names, we have spent many years researching surname history and heraldry. Our database contains over one million surnames, including thousands of Irish names and traditional sept histories.

Many visitors begin by exploring the history of their surname before continuing their own family history research.

View our Irish Name History Prints

View our blog posts about Irish Names

Frequently Asked Questions

What does O’ mean in an Irish surname?

It means “descendant of” and identifies a connection to an ancestor or family line.

Why do some Irish surnames no longer have O’?

Many surnames lost their prefixes during periods of anglicisation and administrative change.

Is O’ always a sign of Irish ancestry?

In most cases, yes. The prefix has deep roots in Irish naming traditions.

What is the difference between O’ and Mac?

O’ means “descendant of” while Mac means “son of”.

Are Irish surnames among the oldest in Europe?

Yes. Ireland was one of the earliest countries to adopt hereditary surnames.

Visit Us in Dunster

If you are interested in Irish surname history, heraldry and family heritage, we would love to welcome you to our Dunster shop. Our team is always happy to help visitors explore the stories behind their names.

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In Scotland, many surnames are connected to larger clans as what are called septs. A sept is a family or group of families who may not share the same surname as the clan chief but historically owed allegiance to the clan.

Septs were often smaller branches of a clan, families living in the same area, or households brought under the protection of a chief. This system allowed clans to grow, form alliances, and strengthen ties across regions.

For example, the MacLaren clan historically included septs such as McFarlane and McLachlan. These families were connected to the clan through loyalty, shared ancestry, or protection agreements, even if their surnames differed.

Why Septs Matter in Heraldry

Septs do not automatically have the legal right to the clan chief’s coat of arms. The Lord Lyon King of Arms grants arms to individuals, not surnames or clans. However, members of septs often use a crest badge or elements from the chief’s heraldic symbols to show their connection.

These badges may include:

• Crests from the chief’s arms
• Plants or heraldic symbols indicating allegiance or shared heritage
• Strap-and-buckle designs encircling the crest to show it belongs to the clan chief

This distinction is important: sept members can display a badge symbolically, but it does not give legal entitlement to the arms themselves.

Clan and Surname History Prints

Our Scottish Clan History Print is ideal for exploring the history of a clan, including its symbols, crest, and associated families. If your surname is actually the clan name, this print gives a full picture of your clan’s heritage and heraldic symbolism.

However, if your surname is a sept of a larger clan, the Clan History Print will show the history of the main clan rather than your surname specifically. In that case, the Coat of Arms and Surname History Print is the better choice. It focuses on the earliest recorded arms linked to your own surname, giving detailed history, symbolism, and context specific to your name.

Both prints are also available as digital downloads, so you can view, print, and share your surname heritage instantly—perfect for overseas customers or families wanting multiple copies.

Customer Experiences

Our prints are valued for both their historical detail and visual appeal. Jane said of the Coat of Arms and Surname History Print, “Such prompt service.” Malcolm added, “The quality and the history about the name is fantastic. Would recommend your company to anyone who is looking to find the history of their name.”

Sharing and Learning About Septs

Many customers enjoy sharing their surname and clan prints online with relatives. Our Facebook page is a great place to post images, share stories, or see how others display their clan and surname heritage.

For further reading on heraldry, symbolism, and Scottish history, explore our Heraldry Blog Posts.

Explore Your Scottish Surname Heritage

Whether your surname is a sept of a larger clan or a clan name itself, our range of prints gives you a detailed look at the earliest recorded coats of arms, crest symbolism, and clan connections. Browse our Digital Gifts Collection for convenient downloads or traditional prints to display at home.

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What could you discover at the Cardiff Castle Surname History Hub?

At Cardiff Castle Surname History outlet, visitors can discover a wide range of unique gifts inspired by the Hall of Names. These gifts, which are available in our online shop right here offer something for everyone. Whether you’re looking for a personalised item to commemorate your visit or a thoughtful gift for a loved one, our collection includes everything from custom-made family crest products to beautifully designed prints. Each item is crafted with care and makes a special keepsake that captures the essence of the Hall of Names experience.

The full range of gifts is available online, allowing you to browse and order at your convenience. From framed name histories to clothing and crystal, our online shop offers a selection that highlights the rich tradition of surnames and heraldry. These gifts are perfect for history enthusiasts, genealogists, or anyone who wants to connect with their heritage in a meaningful way. But at Cardiff Castle you can explore the collection in person and bring a piece of the Hall of Names home with you!

The Hall of Names at Cardiff Castle gives visitors the opportunity to dive into the world of their own surnames’ history. Whether you’re curious about the origins of your surname or simply want to learn more about the global impact of names, the experience is both informative and engaging. You can search for your own family name, explore its roots, and discover how it has evolved over time.

An engaging display where you can view your name’s earliest coat of arms on-screen.

This experience offers much more than just a digital database. With interactive displays and engaging visuals, the Cardiff Castle Surname History hub Hall of Names brings your name to life. You’ll be able to see the earliest coat of arms connected to the name and order gifts that replicate it in full colour. The exhibit connects visitors to a wider historical context, allowing them to see the connections between surnames and heritage across continents. It’s an exciting way to learn how people, families, and cultures are linked through names.

As a result, visitors not only leave with a deeper understanding of their own name’s story but also gain insight into the rich diversity of surname traditions worldwide. The Hall of Names is a perfect stop for both history enthusiasts and casual visitors looking for something new to explore at Cardiff Castle.

We invite you to visit Cardiff Castle and experience the Hall of Names first-hand. Whether you’re researching your own family history or exploring the history of surnames globally, this exhibit offers a unique and enriching experience. Plan your visit today, and take a journey through Cardiff Castle surname history!

Visit the Cardiff Castle website here.

Order a Surname History Scroll here.

Write a review of your visit on Trip Advisor

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The Beginning of the migration journey: The UK

Our journey starts in the United Kingdom, a country rich with history, culture, and an array of family names with unique origin stories. Family names in Britain often indicate geographical locations, occupations, or personal characteristics. However, some families bear names that have been passed down through generations, carrying with them tales of ancestral prowess, honour, and legacy. (More on surnames here).

The family we’re focusing on today is one such family. Their name, steeped in history, has been a source of pride and identity, passed down from parents to children for centuries. Let’s dive deeper into its origins and what it reveals about the family’s early life in the UK and as they start their migration to America.

Crossing the Pond: Migration to America

The great migration from Europe to America in the 19th and early 20th centuries is a well-documented historical event. Millions of European immigrants, including our family in question, took the brave step of leaving their homeland in search of a better life in the New World. It was during this time that our family’s name made its first appearance on American soil.

This migration wasn’t easy. Traveling across the Atlantic in cramped, often unsanitary conditions was a perilous journey. But the promise of opportunity and freedom in America was a powerful draw. It’s inspiring to think of our family, carrying their cherished name and dreams of a better life, making this difficult voyage.

Building Roots in America after migration form the UK

Upon arriving in America, our family, like many other immigrants, faced the challenges of establishing themselves in a new land. They had to adapt to a different culture and start from scratch to build a life for themselves and their descendants.

Despite the hardships, they held on to their family name and heritage, passing them down through generations. Today, their descendants proudly bear the family name, a tangible link to their ancestral roots in the UK.

Preserving UK Heritage and Identity after migration to America.

In today’s global world, it’s more important than ever to understand and appreciate our roots. Our family’s migration from the UK to America is a story of resilience, bravery, and the pursuit of a better life. Their name carries a legacy that reaches back centuries to their ancestors in the UK, offering a sense of identity and belonging.

As we trace the migration of our family name, we’re reminded of the strength and courage of our ancestors. Their journey is a testament to the human spirit’s unyielding resilience in the face of adversity. Their legacy continues to inspire us today, reminding us of where we come from and the journey that brought us to where we are today.

Don’t forget you can order a surname history scroll here, which will tell you all about the fascinating details of your own name.

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National Tartan Day is a holiday that is observed on April 6th each year in the United States, Canada, and other parts of the world. The day is dedicated to celebrating the Scottish heritage and contributions made by Scottish-Americans to the United States.

The idea for National Tartan Day originated in Canada in the late 1980s and was officially recognized by the Canadian government in 1991. In the United States, the holiday was first recognized in 1998 by a proclamation issued by the U.S. Senate.

Why April 6th?

The date of April 6th was chosen because it marks the anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Arbroath in 1320. This is a Scottish document that declared Scotland’s independence from England. On National Tartan Day, people often wear kilts or other Scottish attire, attend Scottish festivals or parades, and participate in other cultural activities.

The tartan, a pattern consisting of crisscrossed horizontal and vertical bands in different colors, is an important symbol of Scottish heritage and is often associated with Scottish clans. Each clan has its own tartan, which is used to identify members of that clan.

The history of tartan

The history of tartan is deeply intertwined with the history of Scotland. The word “tartan” originally referred to a type of cloth that was woven from wool. It is characterized by its distinctive criss-crossing horizontal and vertical stripes of different colors. The earliest known examples of tartan date back to the 3rd or 4th century AD. But it wasn’t until the 16th century that tartan began to be associated with specific Scottish clans.

During this time, tartan was used primarily as a practical garment for the people of the Scottish Highlands, who relied on the thick woolen fabric to protect them from the harsh weather conditions. Different regions and clans began to develop their own unique tartan patterns. These were often made using natural dyes from plants and lichens found in the local area. Tartan also became an important symbol of clan identity and solidarity, with each clan having its own distinctive tartan pattern.

The banning of tartan

However, the wearing of tartan was banned in Scotland following the Jacobite Rebellion of 1745, when the British government sought to suppress Scottish culture and customs. The ban on tartan was eventually lifted in 1782. Tartan began to experience a resurgence in popularity during the 19th century, particularly after Queen Victoria developed a fondness for all things Scottish.

Today, tartan remains an important symbol of Scottish identity and heritage, and it is commonly worn as part of traditional Scottish dress, including kilts and other forms of Highland dress. There are now over 7,000 registered tartan designs, and the wearing of tartan has become a popular way for people all over the world to celebrate their Scottish heritage.

Why not celebrate your own Scottish Heritage with a Clan History Scroll, or a wee dram in one of our lovely whisky tumblers?

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Tracing Irish ancestry can be a challenging and rewarding process. And here at Hall of Names people often tell us stories about how they are tracing their Irish roots! We love to help with our Irish surname history scrolls. If you are hoping to start your journey of discovery into your Irish roots, then read on because here are some tips to get started! Plus, we’ve listed some of the most popular names, and you can see if your is on the list. In addition, there are links to other sites which you might find helpful.

Top five tips

1. Firstly, gather information from your family. Talk to your family members and gather as much information as you can about your Irish ancestors. Also, ask for names, dates, and locations of birth, marriage, and death. Plus, ask about any stories or traditions that have been passed down through the generations.
2. Secondly, research Irish records. Many Irish records are available online, including census records, birth, marriage and death records, and church records. The National Archives of Ireland and the Irish Family History Foundation are good places to start.
3. Then, explore immigration records. If your ancestors immigrated to another country, look for immigration records that may provide information about their place of origin in Ireland. For example, in America The Ellis Island website has a searchable database of immigrants who passed through Ellis Island.
4. Plus, Visit Ireland! If possible, visit Ireland and explore the places your ancestors lived. There are many genealogical societies and archives that can provide assistance and guidance for researching your Irish ancestry.
5. Alos, use DNA testing. DNA testing can provide clues about your Irish ancestry and help you connect with other relatives who may be researching the same family lines. Companies such as AncestryDNA, MyHeritage, and 23andMe offer DNA testing services.

Tracing your Irish ancestry is a fascinating and rewarding journey that connects you with your roots and helps you understand your family’s history and traditions. Some of Ireland’s prominent surnames have a fascinating history and it’s great to find out all about their roots. Of course, Irish surnames have a rich history and often reflect the country’s ancient Celtic and Gaelic cultures. Many Irish surnames are derived from clan or family names, patronymics, and toponyms (names that refer to a place or location). Here are a few examples of Irish surnames and their histories.

Popular Irish names

Here are just five of the most popular Irish names.

1. O’Connor – This surname means “descendant of Conchobhar” and is one of the most common surnames in Ireland. It originated from the Connacht region and was actually the name of a powerful Irish dynasty.
2. Murphy – This surname means “sea warrior” and is the most common surname in County Cork. It is thought to have originated from the Irish word “Murchadh” which means “sea warrior” or “sea battler.”
3. Kelly – This surname means “descendant of Ceallach” and is one of the most common surnames in Ireland. It is believed to have originated from a personal name meaning “strife” or “contention.”
4. Gallagher – This surname means “descendant of Gallchobhair” and is most common in the Ulster region. It is believed to have originated from a personal name meaning “foreign help” or “foreign support.”
5. O’Donnell – This surname means “descendant of Domhnall” and was the name of a powerful Irish clan. It is believed to have originated from a personal name meaning “world ruler” or “ruler of the world.”

Have you got a story?

These are just a few examples of the wide and varied history of Irish surnames. Many Irish surnames have interesting stories and legends associated with them. Therefore, tracing your family history can be a fascinating way to learn more about your Irish heritage. Have you traced the Irish roots of your name and ancestry? We’d love to hear all about it!

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Welsh surnames and their history are fascinating topics. Do you have a Welsh surname? If so, then read on to discover more.

Where Welsh surnames originate.

 

Wales has a rich history, and its names reflect this. The use of surnames in Wales became widespread in the 16th century, but it wasn’t until the 19th century that the practice became universal. Each name can provide clues about a person’s family history, as well as their geographic origins in Wales. Many are derived from personal names, occupations, and locations. For example:

Personal Names:

Many Welsh surnames are derived from personal names, such as “Jones” (from “John”), “Evans” (from “Ifan”), “Davies” (from “Dafydd”), and “Morgan” (from “Morcant”).

Occupations:

These often reflect occupations. For example, “Smith” (from “Gofynnwr” meaning “asker” or “inquirer”), “Cooper” (from “cwpwrdd” meaning “cupboard maker”), and “Weaver” (from “gwehydd” meaning “weaver”).

Locations:

Many Welsh surnames are also derived from locations. For example, “Powell” (from “ap Howell” meaning “son of Howell”), “Rhys” (from “ap Rhys” meaning “son of Rhys”), and “Lloyd” (from “llwyd” meaning “grey,” indicating a person who lived near a grey stone or hill).

Prefixes:

Interestingly, many Welsh surnames include the prefix “ap” or “ab,” meaning “son of.” For example, “Price” (from “ap Rhys”), “Pryce” (from “ap Rice”), and “Pritchard” (from “ap Richard”).

Welsh surnames are frequently derived from patronymic or matronymic systems, which is when the suffix ‘-s’ is added to the father’s or mother’s first name. For example, if a man named Evan has a son the son’s surname would be Evans. Names often include the prefix “ap” or “ab”, which means “son of”. For example, the surname “ap Rhys” means “son of Rhys”.

 

 

Is your Welsh surname one of the most popular?

 

The most common  are Jones, Williams, Davies, Evans, and Thomas. Do you have one one of these surnames? Have you ever researched your own family history? We’d love to know! Many Welsh surnames have been anglicized over time, often due to the influence of English speakers or the need to conform to English naming conventions. For example, the Welsh surname “Llywelyn” became “Lewis” in English.

 

A few other interesting points

 

Welsh surnames often have meanings that reflect the language and culture of Wales, such as “Morgan” (sea-born) or “Gwyn” (white or fair).

Welsh surnames are often used as first names in Wales, such as “Gareth”, “Rhys”, and “Dylan”.

In some parts of Wales, it is still common for people to use their patronymic surnames rather than a fixed family name.

Wales has also been influenced by the Norman Conquest and English occupation, which is reflected in some Welsh surnames. For example, “Bridges” (from “Pritchard”) and “Lewis” (from “Ludovicus,” the Latin form of “Llywelyn”).

If you are considering visiting Wales, there are some fascinating sites to see. Have a look here for some inspiration!

 

 

 

 

I hope you found this brief introduction to Welsh surnames and their history interesting! Please tell us your Welsh name! We will likely have its history on our database, and you’ll be able to order a copy here.

 

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The luck of the Irish really does shine on the month of March, with Irish American Heritage Month and St Patrick’s Day to celebrate! Of course, St Patrick’s Day, on March 17th each year, is the most well-known celebration of all things ‘Emerald Isle’. (Boston and New York City reportedly both claim the first St Patrick’s Day Parade!) But did you know that there is also a special celebration of all things Irish, with Irish-American Heritage Month?

What is Irish American Heritage Month?

Since before the American Revolution, Irish Americans have played a prominent role in the USA. The President issues a proclamation commemorating the occasion each year. This special month of Irish-American celebrations aims to give everyone a chance to discover more about Irish culture. Plus, it shines a light on the myriad ways in which Irish immigrants have contributed to the United States. Irish-American Heritage Month is a special proclamation issued every year by the United States President or Congress. It was first celebrated back in 1991. The aim is to honour the achievements and contributions of Irish immigrants and their descendants living in the United States.

Why does it Matter?

When you look at the statistics, it’s amazing to discover that there are more than 34 million Americans that are of Irish descent. Incredibly, that number is four times larger than the population of Ireland itself! During the years of the potato famine, more than a million Irish nationals arrived on US soil.  For example, many Irish immigrants worked to build roads, railroads, streets, and sewers. In fact, they lay the foundations of the country we know today. The contribution to American life of those with Irish roots is massive, and well-worth celebrating!

What Happens at the White House?

Every year in March, the Irish Taoiseach visits the United States for Saint Patrick’s Day. On the morning itself, a Shamrock Ceremony takes place at the White House.  A crystal bowl containing shamrock, a traditional symbol of Ireland, is presented to the President in the Oval Office. Here are some ideas for celebrating Irish-American Month…

Delve into your own Irish history

Don’t put it off any longer! For tips on tracing your Irish heritage, click here. Who knows what you could discover about your Irish ancestry? If you would like to proudly display your Irish Heritage, you could consider a surname history or Irish Name scroll. All you need to do is search for your Irish name on our database of last names, and you will find out straight away if we have it. Plus, what’s more, you will see if there was ever a coat of arms associated with your Irish name.

Wear Green and Celebrate!

If you are planning a party or celebration, then you’ll surely want to wear the colour green! Hats, sashes, sunglasses – anything goes! Look out for special Irish celebrations near you. The fun is likely to include food, music, dancing and much more

Head to the Pub!

The Irish are known internationally as a fun-loving nation. What better way to celebrate all things Irish then to head to the pub? Enjoy a glass of authentic Guinness – a pint of the ‘black stuff’! Or why not consider some green beer? It’s made with blue food colouring to balance the natural hue of the pale yellowish colour of the beer.

What’s your Irish descent, and how will you be celebrating St Patrick’s Day, or Irish-American Heritage Month? We’d love to know, so please post your ideas and stories below! And don’t forget to check out your own Irish history!

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The History of Welsh surnames is complex and fascinating. This article, kindly provided by Historic UK, will give you a greater understanding of Welsh surnames and their origins.

Have you ever wondered why there are so many Jones’ in a Welsh phone book?There is a plethora of surnames which appear in the History of England. Compare that with the genealogy of Wales, which can prove extremely complex. Especially when trying to untangle completely unrelated individuals from a very small pool of names.

Patrynomic Naming System for Welsh Surnames

The limited range of Welsh surnames is due in large part to the ancient Welsh patronymic naming system. This is whereby a child took on the father’s given name as a surname. The family connection was illustrated by the prefix of ‘ap’ or ‘ab’ .(A shortened version of the Welsh word for son, ‘mab’). Or in the woman’s case ‘ferch’ (the Welsh for ‘daughter of’). Proving an added complication for historians, this also meant that a family’s name would differ throughout the generations. However, it wasn’t uncommon for an individual’s name to refer back to several generations of their family. For example, names such as Llewellyn ap, Thomas ab, Dafydd ap, Evan ap, Owen ap John being commonplace.

In the 1300s, nearly 50 per cent of Welsh names were based on the patronymic naming system. And in some areas 70 per cent of the population were named in accordance with this practice. Although in North Wales it was also typical for place names to be incorporated. Plus, in mid Wales nicknames were used as surnames. The patronymic naming system was reputedly introduced as a direct result of Welsh Law. This is alleged to have been formally introduced to the country by Hywel Dda (“Hywel the Good”). He was the King of Wales from Prestatyn to Pembroke between 915AD and 950AD. He was often referred to as Cyfraith Hywel (the Law of Hywel). The law dictated that it was crucial for a person’s genealogical history to be widely known and recorded.

Protestant Reformation in Europe

However, in the wake of the Protestant Reformation in Europe during the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries, this was all set to change. The English Reformation resulted in part because of the religious and political movement affecting the Christian faith across most of Europe. However, it was largely based on government policy. Namely Henry VIII’s desire for an annulment of his marriage to his first wife, Catherine of Aragon. Catherine had been unable to bear Henry a son and heir. And so, he feared a reprisal of the dynastic conflict suffered by England during the War of the Roses (1455-1485). This is the war in which his father, Henry VII eventually took the throne on 22 August 1485. He became the first monarch of the House of Tudor.

Henry VIII and Catherine of Aragon

Pope Clement VII’s refused to annul Henry and Catherine’s marriage and leave Henry free to marry again. Therefore, this led to a series of events in the sixteenth century which culminated in the Church of England breaking away from the authority of the Roman Catholic Church. As a result, Henry VII became Supreme Governor of the English Church. And the Church of England became the established church of the nation. In this way, doctrinal and legal disputes now rested with the monarch.

The last Welsh Prince of Wales, Llewellyn ap Gruffydd, had been killed during Edward I’s war of conquest in 1282. Plus, Wales had faced English rule, with the introduction of English-style counties and a Welsh gentry. This was was made up of Englishmen and native Welsh lords. These lords were given English titles in exchange for loyalty to the English throne. However, Welsh Law still remained in force for many legal matters up until the reign of Henry VIII. Henry VIII’s family the Tudors were of Welsh decent from the Welsh house of Tudur. He had not previously seen a need to reform the Welsh Government during his time on the throne. But in 1535 and 1542, Henry introduced the Laws in Wales Acts 1535-1542. This was as a result of a supposed threat from the independent Welsh Marcher lords

The Welsh Gentry and Fixed Welsh Surnames

These laws meant that the Welsh legal system was completely absorbed into the English system under English Common Law. The English Lords (who had been granted Welsh land by Edward I) and their native Welsh contemporaries, became part of the English Peerage. The creation of a modern sovereign state of England, meant that fixed surnames became hereditary amongst the Welsh gentry. This custom slowly spread amongst the rest of the Welsh people.  Although the patronymic naming system could still be found in areas of rural Wales until the beginning of the nineteenth century.

The change from patronymic to fixed surnames meant the Welsh people had a limited stock of names to choose from. This was not helped by the decline in the number of baptismal names following the Protestant Reformation. Many of the new fixed surnames still incorporated the “ap” or ab. This created new names such as Powell (taken from ap Hywel) and Bevan (taken from ab Evan).

However, the most common method for creating surnames came from adding an ‘s’ to the end of a name. This is where the most common modern Welsh surnames such as Jones, Williams, Davies and Evans originated. There was an effort to avoid confusion between unrelated individuals bearing the same name: The nineteenth century saw a rise in the number of double-barrelled surnames in Wales. These often using the mother’s maiden name as a prefix to the family name.

Welsh Surnames in Recent Times

Most Welsh surnames are now fixed family names, which have been passed down through the generations. However, there has been a resurgence of the patronymic naming system. Especially amongst those Welsh speakers who are keen to preserve a patriotic history of Wales. In more recent years, and in a return to a more independent Wales, the Government of Wales Act 2006 created the Welsh Assembly Government. There has been a delegation of power from Parliament to the Assembly. This gives the Assembly the authority to create “Measures”, or Welsh Laws, for the first time in over 700 years. Although for the sake of the Welsh telephone book, let’s hope the patronymic naming system doesn’t make a complete comeback!

You may also be interested in these other blog articles: Who Was St David?, and Tracing Your Welsh Ancestors.

Our thanks once again to Historic UK for providing this detailed insight into Welsh surname and their origins. Please tell us about your won Welsh name in the comments! If you would like to order a surname scroll for your own Welsh surname, click here.

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