Surname profile
Griffiths
The surname Griffiths is a Welsh patronymic derived from the personal name Gruffudd, meaning ‘strong’ or ‘fierce’. It is the anglicised form of the patronymic ap Gruffudd. The name…
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How family names were formed
Patronymic surnames
Names passed down from a father's given name. Explore how patronymic surnames took shape across languages and generations, with profiles and sources for further research.
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Showing 13–24 of 49 profiles
- Surname profile
Hansen
The surname Hansen is a Scandinavian patronymic meaning "son of Hans". It is most common in Denmark, Norway, and the Faroe Islands, and has spread to English‑speaking countries…
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Hernández
Hernández is a Spanish patronymic surname meaning ‘son of Hernán, Hernando, or Fernando’, a form of the Germanic name Ferdinand. It has been common in Spanish‑speaking countries since…
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Hughes
The surname Hughes is a patronymic name meaning "son of Hugh" that originates in both Welsh and Irish traditions. It also has a French‑Picard variant. Distribution is strongest…
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Jackson
The surname Jackson is a patronymic name meaning "son of John" or "son of James," first recorded in England in the late 13th century. It derives from the…
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Jansen
Jansen is a Dutch patronymic surname meaning "son of Jan". It is one of the most common surnames in the Netherlands and Belgium, with many spelling variants such…
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Johansson
Johansson is a Swedish patronymic surname meaning "son of Johan" and is the second most common surname in Sweden. It is formed by adding the genitive suffix –son…
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Johnson
Johnson is a patronymic surname meaning ‘son of John’, derived from the given name John, which comes from the Latin Iohannes. The name appears in English records as…
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Jones
Jones is a patronymic surname meaning "son of John", originating from the Welsh patronymic ap Siôn and the English form Jone. It is the most common surname in Wales…
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Kelly
The surname Kelly has several documented origins: an Irish patronymic from Ó Ceallaigh, a Scottish locational name from Kelly near Arbroath or Kellie in Fife, and an English…
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Kennedy
Kennedy is an Irish Gaelic patronymic meaning ‘grandson of Cinnédidh’ and also a distinct Scottish clan name from Carrick, Ayrshire. The Gaelic personal name combines elements meaning ‘chief’…
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Lynch
The surname Lynch has two independently documented origins: a topographic English form meaning "hill" and a patronymic Irish form meaning "descendant of Loingseach." The name appears in both…
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This directory includes published profiles. Review status is shown on each card. A surname may belong to more than one origin or formation type.