How family names were formed
Names shaped by a description. Explore surnames derived from nicknames, characteristics, and personal attributes, and follow the evidence behind their meanings.
surname profiles to explore
The surname directory
Showing 13–16 of 16 profiles
Santos is a Spanish, Portuguese and Galician surname meaning ‘saints’, derived from the Latin *sanctus*. It originated as a religious nickname or place-based designation for those associated with…
The Vaughan surname comes from the Welsh word for “small” and is a descriptive nickname. While primarily Welsh, it is also used as a form of the Irish…
The Walsh surname is an Irish family name that originally signified a Welsh speaker; it is derived from the Middle English word "Welsh" and has a rich history…
The Wood surname originates from the Middle English word for wood, making it a topographic name. A less common derivation is from an Old English word meaning ‘frenzied’,…
This directory includes published profiles. Review status is shown on each card. A surname may belong to more than one origin or formation type.