Surname profile
O’Connor
The surname O’Connor is of Irish origin, derived from the Gaelic patronymic Ó Conchobhair meaning “descendant of Conchobhar” (lover of hounds). It traces back to the 10th century…
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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 37–48 of 49 profiles
- Surname profile
O’Neill
The surname O’Neill is an Irish patronymic meaning "descendant of Niall," derived from the Gaelic Ó Néill. It is among the most common Irish surnames.
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O’Reilly
The surname O’Reilly is an Irish patronymic meaning ‘descendant of Raghallach’. It originated from the Gaelic Ó Raghallaigh and was borne by the ancient kings of East Bréifne…
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Parry
Parry is a Welsh patronymic surname meaning "son of Harry" (the medieval form of Henry). The name first appears in records in the late 13th century and became…
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Powell
The surname Powell is a Welsh patronymic meaning "son of Hywel". It originated from the medieval Welsh naming practice of combining the personal name Hywel with the prefix…
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Pritchard
The surname Pritchard is a Welsh patronymic name meaning "son of Richard". It is derived from the Welsh prefix ap and the personal name Rhisiart. The name is…
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Robertson
The surname Robertson is a patronymic name meaning "son of Robert," derived from the Germanic elements for fame and bright. It originated in Scotland and northern England and…
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Rodríguez
Rodríguez is a Spanish patronymic surname meaning ‘son of Rodrigo’. The name Rodrigo is of Germanic origin, combining ‘hrod’ (fame) and ‘riks’ (king). The surname spread throughout Castile…
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Ryan
The surname Ryan is of Irish origin, generally derived from the Gaelic Ó Riain meaning ‘descendant of Rian’. While the personal name Rian’s precise meaning remains uncertain, the surname…
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Sullivan
The surname Sullivan is an anglicised form of the Irish name Ó Súilleabháin, meaning "descendant of Súilleabhán". Its exact personal‑name meaning is uncertain, but it is generally considered a…
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Thomas
The surname Thomas is patronymic, derived from the medieval given name Thomas, which comes from the Hebrew word t'om'a meaning “twin.” It is widespread in English‑speaking countries and…
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Williams
The surname Williams is a patronymic name meaning 'son of William', originating in English usage from the personal name William plus the genitive '-s'. In Wales it also…
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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.