I am interested in finding out about my dads side of the family and what is the background of the name Howell. What Are Some Female British Names? What were the most popular last names in the 1700s? This last name belongs to the Old English pre 7th century period. 21. To the history fanatic, the curious mind, or anyone with an affinity for learning their roots, discovering the meaning behind surnames can quickly shapeshift from pastime to serious pursuit. Allard. First originated in Scotland, Dixon refers to Son of Dick. Lawrence has its origins in English, Italian, and French. Bythesea, (English Origin) Pronounced as Bithersee, given to the people living near a seashore. Brown, joe What. Robinson, Ross, Rowdon, Salford, Sawford, Scott, Sedlow, Shaw, christopher anderson obituary illinois; bammel middle school football schedule; triquetra protection symbol; national police and troopers association; It means 'son of Adam'. It is a patronymic name that refers to Son of Hugh. 1. Numbers are rounded. 99. Elton, (Old English Origin) The Old English word meaning "Ella's town". Gallagher 15. Simpson is a patronymic Anglo-Scottish surname and is derived from the words Symson, Simme or Simon that refer to Son of Simon. You have the obvious names like Smith, Mason, Gardener, Potter, and so forth. Compton, (Old English Origin) Meaning a "valley town". Watson is a patronymic last name that originated from England and Scotland. Watts is a short form of Walter meaning Ruler or Warrior and is an Anglo-Scottish surname. The name Wilkin is derived from the words will or desire. Read on to find 130 British Last names or Surnames. Of course, the most common boy name during colonial times was John, closely followed by other very classic boy names such as William and Henry. In the Old Testament, Adam is also referred to as 'the earth' from where God created the man. Pereira Origin: Sephardi Meaning: Pear tree. Variant of Alting. An article about the unsolved theft at the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum in Boston on, Gena Philibert-Ortega explains what the Genealogical Proof Standard is, and how it helps genealogists ensure, You can unsubscribe at any time. It was also referred to someone who served in a Royal household. This is a surname of English and Scottish origins. Dixon is a variation of Dickson, which is a patronymic surname. Denver, (English Origin) Victorian-era last name taken from a town in Iowa. 4. Specialty: Love, Marriage and Relationships, Shikha is a writer-turned-associate editor at MomJunction, with over seven years of experience in the field of content. Doyle 13. Fletcher is the last name of Scottish, English and Irish origin. Singer Liam Payne is a popular bearer of this surname. Morrison is an Anglo Scottish last name which is also very popular in Ireland. Why do people say that forever is not altogether real in love and relationship. 28. ngel - Messenger Of God. These 18th century names range from classic names still used widely today, such as George and Elizabeth, and unique names as antiquated as the Colonial flag. Astley, (English Origin) Name of a village in Chorley, Lancashire. 44. The root, amal, is a Germanic word meaning "work," and in the context of female given names suggests themes of fertility as well as productivity. Keep on researching! By joining Kidadl you agree to Kidadls Terms of Use and Privacy Policy and consent to receiving marketing communications from Kidadl. Clifford, (English Origin) Family last name for people residing in a place in Herefordshire. Holton, Howard, Howland, Hubbard, Hughes, Hunt, Hunter, Jackson, So take a bow, Jude Law: You--in collaboration with the Lennon-McCartney song "Hey Jude"--have erased Jude's old connections to the traitorous Judas Iscariot and Thomas Hardy's tragic, Nathaniel was derived from the Hebrew name Netanel, meaning gift of God, composed of the elements. Search newspaper archives to uncover the story of your ancestors the people they were and the lives they lived. Fernsby, (Old English Origin) Derived from the old English words meaning "fern farmstead". This surname originated from English and German regions. See a medical professional for personalized consultation. 1. How many nieces and nephew luther vandross have? The patronymic surname means Son of Matthew. It originated during 700 AD in England. Berkeley, (English Origin) City in the Alameda County, United States. What is are the functions of diverse organisms? It refers to a Supplanter or One who follows. Morris means Dark or Swarthy. 58. One of the most commonly overlooked sources of information (for names and their meanings) exists within the narrative itself: stories about our ancestors. 13. They have been superseded by more up-to-date and comprehensive information, which you can find on the Most Common Surnames in Birth, Marriage and Death registers pages. Adams, O'Doherty 16. It refers to Someone who transports goods by a cart or wagon. Abrams Origin: Hebrew Meaning: High father or reference to the prophet Abraham. lilacbunches 2 June 2014 at 13:46. 15. Wilkinson refers to the Son of Wilkin. The -ing is an Old English patronymic (like -son). Agnes Agneta Agnetia Agna Angnes : Tag Taggett : Alan Allen : Waller, Walsh, Ward, Webb, Weller, West, Whitaker, Whitton, 7. If you liked our suggestions for Victorian Last Names then why not take a look at Names From The 1800s, or for something different take a look at Thief Names. Read on to know more about such unique British last names, their origin, history, meaning, and many other interesting facts. 57. It belongs to the early Medieval English era. Originated in Wales, this last name is a patronymic name. Miranda Richardson is a famous bearer of this surname. This does not influence our choices. Smith-Bannister, Scott, Names and Naming Patterns in England 1538-1700, Oxford 1997. the Declaration of Independence. It is an occupational last name originated during Olde English pre 7th Century period, and refers to Hunta or Huntian, meaning Hunter. Greene, Griffin, Groston, Haddon, Hale, Hall, Hallett, Harris, Wayne, Wright, or Wainwright: these are very common Old English last names. This surname is of Irish origin and belongs to the Isle of Wight, near Hampshire, England. Booth is the last name most popular in Northern England and Scandinavia. Altham, (English Origin) Surname of residents of a village in Lancashire, England. Graham, (Scottish Origin) Last names of people belonging to a clan. 43. It has French, Irish, and English origins. Gray is also a habitational name and referred to someone who belonged to Graye, Calvados. Altink Dutch. Kidadl has lots of great names articles to inspire you. W. WALLER Family. 27. These include descriptive nicknames (Calvo, "bald", el Rojo, "the red"), occupational names (Scribano, "scribe"), and titles (Caballero, "knight"). Media personality Katie Price is a famous bearer of this last name. Easton, (English Origin) A place in West Berkshire district, Berkshire. Hughes originated in the regions of Wales, Scotland, Ireland, and France. It can help you guess a persons ethnicity just by knowing their names. It refers to someone having a crooked mouth. Last names give us insights into where our ancestors lived, their profession, and more. common last names in the 1800smr patel neurosurgeon cardiff 27 februari, 2023 . My family name on my fathers side is Williams; from imformation I found so far, Im a direct descendant of Roger Williams, founder of Rhode Island, U.S. His father was a tailor, James Williams from Smithfield, England. Some people you might recognize with these surnames from the list above include the female husband James Allen, the thief boy Jones, the sailor John Paul Jones, the anti-mason William Morgan, the Buttermere beauty Mary Robinson, the murderess Madeleine Smith, and the astrologist and fortune-teller Mrs. Williams. Percent of U.S. population sample. This name originated in Scotland and England. Moore 21. Originated in England, Smith is derived from the word Smitan, which means To smite. Bread, (Old English Origin) Occupational last name for bakers derived from "bregdan". This is patronymic last name of English origin, and refers to Son of Robin. One of the major reasons for the transfer of these surnames is the migration of families from one place to another. 2. 86. Though similar to Thomas or Thompson, Thomson is a surname that originated from the Welsh and Scottish regions. be grouped together. Marat, dfenseur de la Patrie. The habitational surname referred to people who lived near a ford. 5. Derived from the flower Rose this last name originated from various regions of the world such as France, Ireland, England, Scotland, and Germany. The toponymic surname refers to Someone residing near a stream. Barlow, (English Origin) Derived from the names of many villages in north-eastern England. This occupational surname refers to Wryhta or Wyrhta which means A worker or Shaper of wood. Allen Goldmann Origin: Ashkenazi Meaning: Gold. Here is our full collection of Colonial Names from the 1700s. Anderson is known to be one of the most common surnames in Sweden. I need a name that is plausible for the 1700s, but that also works in present day [name]England [/name]/USA (or has an English variant/nickname). 87. King has origins in the regions of England, Scotland, and Ireland. 46. Nameberry is a registered trademark of Nameberry, LLC. Kidadl has a number of affiliate partners that we work with including Amazon. 82. 3. Old English names were widely inspired by a multitude of cultural influences. The Encyclopaedia of Wales surmises that the system may have been Welsh law, in which it was essential for people to know how people were descended from an ancestor. O'Brien 7. The influence of this small number of immigrants can still be seen in the frequency and variation of last names in Quebec to this day. Adelaide is now heading straight uphill on the coattails of such newly popular sisters as Ava, Ada, and Audrey, and in the company of Adeline and Amelia. Alphabetical Lists Four lists are available. Another reference is from a name called Balle which means a Slope or a Hill in Old Norse. Aemilia, the name from which Emily is derived, is unrelated to Amelia. 97. Names from the 1700s that were Pilgrim virtue names include Reason, Prosperity, Increase, and Experience. This last name belongs to the 12th Century and is derived from Benedict or Benedictus in Latin, which means Blessed. It is a common English patronymic last name, which refers to the Son of William. 18th century names popular again thanks to Bridgerton include Daphne, Eloise, Penelope, Benedict, Henry, and Colin. Moore is a topographical last name that derived from Moor. Powell refers to Son of Hywel. 80. However, the family names are passed on from generations, making them relevant in today's age. Spinster, (Old English Origin) Derived from spinnan meaning "to spin thread". 73. It means Son of the Home-ruler. The English comedian Graham Arthur Chapman is a famous bearer of this last name. The Victorian middle names have an unusual history. This last name originated in Cornwall, England and is also popular in Wales. Choose one of the last names from the Victorian age depending on the place they originated from. 74. Colgate, (English Origin) A family name for people from a village in Horsham district. 25. Originated from the British Isles of French and Latin origin, Taylor is an occupational last name that refers to a tailor or means To cut. Thus, it is a topographical last name. August is THE celebrity baby name of the moment, chosen by both Princess Eugenie and Mandy Moore for their baby boys in early 2021. 18. The name is taken from the animal Fox and was first used in England and Ireland. Haddad Origin: Mizrahi Meaning: Blacksmith. Francis Gastrell. This post is also available in: FranaisIn a previous article, we learned that the ethnic French Canadian population is descended from a surprisingly small amount of immigrants. Genealogy 101: Who Is My First Cousin Once Removed? Quinn 20. Gibson is derived from Gilbert and refers to the Son of Gilbert or Son of Gib. Many Colonial boy names from the 1700s have been out of use for long enough that theyre beginning to sound fresh and cool again. It belongs to both Old Welsh and Medieval English origins and is derived from the pre 7th Century term Llwyd meaning Grey. Carlton, (English Origin) Village located in Bedford borough, Bedfordshire. The patronymic surname derived from Morris and refers to Son of Morris. We also link to other websites, but are not responsible for their content. Bytheseashore, (English Origin) Another last name similar to Bythesea. Enfield, (Old English Origin) Last names of people who lived near a "lamb field". Harvey is derived from the Celtic words that refer to battle, ardent, worthy, or strong. 6. Joan was the most common form of what later became almost exclusively Jane; one might have found Jean,Jehanne, Joanne, Johanna, Jennet etc. The evolution of British surnames started with their first names being used as family names. Abba, Abato, Abbati, and Dell'Abbate are all variations. Most of the Victorian-era surnames in the family tree were taken from the places where their ancestors lived. Ajax, (English Origin) Probably the last name was brought by Huguenot refugees who came from France. Grant originated in English and Scottish regions and is derived from the Anglo-Norman words Graund or Graunt, which mean Tall or Large. Copyright 2011 - 2023 MomJunction Private Limited. Daly 25. Robertson is the last name having a patronymic origin that refers to Son or Robert. Colonial names from the 1700s are the names that were used in Early America and Georgian England. One of the challenges of Quaker genealogy is that sometimes common Quaker names are common names, period. Adams or Adamson is a popular British name of Hebrew origin. Relish, (Old French Origin) Derived from relaisse meaning "flavor or taste". It means Winner or Victor. It was chosen by actress Katherine Heigl for the name of her second daughter. Wyley, Young. Alan - Harmony. Dalton, (English Origin) A city in Georgia, United States. This generator focuses more on the later parts of colonial America, and on English names. Cotton, (Old English Origin) Meaning a "cotton farmstead". David, in Hebrew, means beloved. British surnames reflect their rich cultural heritage and adhere to familial lineage. These stories often found in newspaper archives weave life and depth into the roots of our very lineage. Well send you tons of inspiration to help you find a hidden gem in your local area or plan a big day out. 30 Lydia via:IG Lydia is a simple name with a cool origin story. Fernsby, (Old English Origin) Derived from the old English words meaning "fern farmstead". 69. Though they have been there for centuries, you can hardly find anyone with these names now. 47. Having its roots in the Anglo-Saxon tribes as well as English, Irish and Welsh regions, Pearce derived from Piers a form of Peter. The word of Thomas is derived from the Aramaic word that means Twins. Sophie Turner is a popular bearer of this surname. 35. 2. 84. Including lots of classic names such as William, John and Robert for boys and Dorothy, Eleanor and Jemima for girls, this list of Old English names and popular names in the 1700s might include the perfect name for your new baby. The name originated from the Scottish, German, English, Irish, and Scandinavian regions. Cox is derived from an Anglo-Saxon word Cooc or Cock, which means a Rooster. At Kidadl we pride ourselves on offering families original ideas to make the most of time spent together at home or out and about, wherever you are in the world. We recognise that not all activities and ideas are appropriate and suitable for all children and families or in all circumstances. Moor refers to an Area of uncultivated land. This last name has various references, and the most common usage was seen during medieval times. Alvaro - Guardian. Minerve. Adam means 'man' or 'son of Adam' in Hebrew'. In fact, data from a Census Bureau study reveals that the number of Hispanic surnames in the top 25 doubled between 1990 and 2000. Kidadl is supported by you, the reader. Aiello Pronounced ay- ehloh. Read for more information. Beckwith, (Old English Origin) A fancy surname from the Victorian era. Many traditional last names have roots in our ancestors occupations. James parents were Mark & Agnus Audley Williams. Acker, (English Origin) Derived from the Old English word cer meaning "field". 67. 68. Altimari Italian. Anderson refers to Son of Andrew. Kennedy means Someone with an ugly head or is derived from the Anglicized form of the term Ceanneidigh referring to the Descendant of Ceanneidigh. Popular Jewish Last Names 1. The people at that time also used some of these last names as the first name of their child. This English surname is derived from the name of a place meaning Broad wood or Broad meadow. When you buy through the links on our site we may earn a commission. English: habitational name from Howell in Lincolnshire, so named from an Old English hugol mound, hillock or hune hoarhound. [Ancestry, Howell Family History at https://www.ancestry.com/name-origin?surname=howell (accessed 28 May 2019). Along with John and William, other 18th century names for boys in the US Top 200 today include Abraham, Alexander, Christopher, Elias, Isaac, Jacob, Levi, and Nathaniel. It is common in Ireland but is said to be originated in England. Collins, Cook, Cooper, Cox, Croom, Davis, Dawkins, Dawson, Dixon, Adams/Adamson. Whether it's a common character in your play or a high ranking official, we've brought a well-curated list of Victorian family names that fit a wide range of personalities. Here, you can find information on similar surnames, most common surnames, surname distribution maps as well as surname meanings and etymologies. The Worth- segment indicates that the man was worthy, a good man. Phillips is derived from Philein, which refers to A lover for horses. If youre trying to understand more about your lineage, bloodline, how you came to be, or even if youre simply trying to name an ancestor and connect the dots, stories in old newspapers may hold the keys. 4. The United States has the most Marshalls. The occupational surname refers to Arrowsmith or Seller of Arrows. Enjoy these names and their curious meanings! Birdwhistle, (Old English Origin) Taken from the name of one of the villages lost during the medieval times. This habitational last name originated in Scotland. So take a bow, Jude Law: You--in collaboration with the Lennon-McCartney song "Hey Jude"--have erased Jude's old connections to the traitorous Judas Iscariot and Thomas Hardy's tragic, While some think Eleanor is a variation of Helen via Ellen, it actually derives from the Provencal name Alinor, of highly-debated meaning. Tumbler, (Old English Origin) An acrobat or acrobatic dancer recruited to a noblemans court. This last name originated from the British Isles, and is actually taken from the Greek name Alexandros, which refers to Defender of men. We strive to recommend the very best things that are suggested by our community and are things we would do ourselves - our aim is to be the trusted friend to parents. Hamon is a common name in Jersey, Channel Islands. The following two tabs change content below. 26. The word Rhys means Enthusiasm in Welsh. Reynolds is derived from Reginald that means A powerful ruler. Before that, August had been heating up in Hollywood used by Mariska Hargitay and Peter Hermann, Lena Olin, Dave Matthews and Jeanne Tripplehorn for their sons, and is rapidly becoming the preferred month of the year for boys' names. You really can't judge most names as being Native American just 1. We tried to make sure they sound like a baby's name, but that they can be used in whatever version of LinkedIn will exist in the future. 3. Murphy, meaning Sea warrior, originated in Ireland. Having originated from Anglo-Saxon and Norman regions, Roger means Fame or Renowned. Genevieve is derived from the Germanic medieval name Genovefa, or Kenowefa, which consists of the elements, Penelope is a name from Greek mythology; she was the wife of Odysseus in Homers. It originated in England. How many 5 letter words can you make from Cat in the Hat? 13. One of the most famous last names in British history, Russell was brought into the country by Normans. Abbe Acord Acy Adrien Agard Agee Agen Agent Agent Ager Aguillard Aguillon Aide Aime Airoldi Alarie Alexandre Alexis Alice Alix 2. Smith, Darlington, (English Origin) Means "the settlement of the people of Deornoth". NOTE: Based on 1990 Census data. Kidadl cannot accept liability for the execution of these ideas, and parental supervision is advised at all times, as safety is paramount. 33. Adams Smith Brumbaugh Last names of people during the 1700s? On the flip side, some surnames actually began as nicknames. 49. Bell, Bennett, Bickford, Bishop, Blake, Bonner, Braden, Braddock, 40. Fundamental All languages English Terms by semantic function Names Surnames From Old English, English surnames of Old English origin. Colby, (English Origin) A place in Cumbria and Norfolk. The figures from Janell Lovelace are: John 29% Withycombe, E. G., The Oxford Dictionary of Christian Names, . Originated in Britain and Ireland, Collins refers to son of Colin and the Irish variation cuilein that means darling. Dryden, (Old English Origin) Taken from the words dre (dry) and denu (valley). I am Roger L. Williams; I married Leta Patricia Hearne. When you look at the family tree of a dozen individuals, the names listed below would be very commonly traced back to different places. Murphy 2. Still, if your character dates back to the 12th or 13th century, you can use the surnames listed below. It derived from Charlot, a French diminutive of Charles meaning "little Charles," and the name of Charlemagnes son in French literature and legend. March Addition: GenealogyBank Just Added New Content from 46 Titles! It is derived from the word Stephanos that means A crown or Wreath. It is derived from John, which refers to God has graced me with a son. Many names from this period didn't really survive well, but there are a few which are still in use in some form today. The list of the most common men's given names in England stayed pretty nearly constant from the 1530s through 1700, especially the top four or five names, though the exact order changed a bit. 6. Derived from the biblical name Jonah, it means "dove.". 14. John was the most common boy's name during colonial times, followed by William and Henry. Are You Related to Pocahontas & John Rolfe? Originated from English, Irish and Scottish parts of the UK, Harrison is another common British last name and means Son of Harry. 83. 38. Gideon is a no-longer neglected Old Testament name, but still makes an excellent choice for parents looking to move beyond such overused biblicals as Benjamin and Jacob. This topographic name or a metonymic occupational name belongs to the Middle English period and is referred to as Someone who lived by a Barn or Worked at a barn. Early Americans used a range of baby names from obscure biblical picks such as Micajah and Zophar, to evocative virtuous word names such as Increase and Prosperity (which honestly wouldnt sound so out of place today). A famous surname among English folks, the origin of Wood dates back to pre 7th Century Old English period. 98. It has English and Scottish origins. Harrison Ford is a famous bearer of this surname. Hackney, (English Origin) Victorian-era last names of people from a town in eastern London. It is derived from the word Grene and basically a reference to the color Green. Henry, which means Home-ruler, originated in English, Irish, and Scottish regions. The patronymic name means Son of Jack. Davies is a variation of Davis or Davie and refers to David. The name managed to maintain its popularity through the 1990 U.S. Census and placed 816th out of 1,220 names. This last name also has an Irish reference, which means Son of Thomas. Ross is a habitational last name and originated from Scotland and England. An 's' at the end of a personal name also meant 'son of', for example Richards, Stevens, Williams and so on. What I find interesting is many names from previous eras have made it to our day, while others have sort of disappeared. Actress Sienna Miller is a famous bearer of this surname. Smith 6. Will refers to desire. Of course, the most common boy name during colonial times was John, closely followed by other very classic boy names such as William and Henry. Amador - lover. Jones refers to Son of John and is a popular last name in Wales and South Central England. Hill is the 36th most common last name in England. 43. 250 Traditional And Classy French Last Names Or Surnames, 100 Popular Scottish Surnames Or Last Names With Meanings, 135 Most Popular English (British) Last Names Or Surnames, 100 Common Welsh Surnames Or Last Names With Meanings, 200 Top German Last Names Or Surnames With Meanings, 35 Wild And Rugged Western Or Cowboy Names For Boys, 250 Modern Indian Baby Boy Names For 2023, 120 Unique Tswana (Setswana) Baby Names For Boys And Girls, 107 Festive Themed Christmas Baby Names For Boys And Girls, 100 Amazing Short Baby Girl Names With Meanings, 100 Sweet AndShort Names For BoysWith Meanings, 150 Traditional And Popular Dutch Last names Or surnames, 55 Most Popular Chilean Baby Names for Girls and Boys, 148 Funny Last Names Or Surnames From Across The World, 37 Unique Military Baby Names Perfect For Girls And Boys, 800+ Cute Nicknames Or Pet Names For Baby Boys And Girls, 85 Interesting Redneck Baby Names For Girls And Boys, 150 Cute And Popular Hipster Baby Names For Boys And Girls, 71 Nerdy And Geeky Baby Names For Boys And Girls, Top 10 Ancient Indian Names For Baby Boys And Girls, 85 Illegal Or Banned Baby Names From Around The World. 7. This is a common Welsh last name and is derived from the Belgic term Guild-helm that refers to Harnessed with a gilded helmet or The shield or defense of many. Request a Quote. Having originated from the Welsh regions, this patronymic last name refers to Son of Evan. Definition from Wiktionary, the free dictionary, Appendix:English surnames from Old English, https://en.wiktionary.org/w/index.php?title=Category:English_surnames_from_Old_English&oldid=70168875, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License. Webster has an Anglo-Saxon origin and is a famous last name in Yorkshire, Lancashire, and the Midlands. Ainsley, (English Origin) People coming from Nottinghamshire, Annesley, or Ansley in England. This surname originated from the Scottish borders. Badger, (English Origin) Taken from the name of a village in Shropshire. 16. Henry was derived from the French Henri, which ultimately comes from the Germanic name Heimrich, made up of the components. Archie has now officially transcended Archie Bunker and Riverdale's Archie to take the, um, throne as the quintessential retro nickname name. This is a patronymic name which refers to Son of Richard. 90. 55. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Appleton, (English Origin) Surnames of people from a village currently in Oxfordshire. Surname Origin French Last Names French Last Names FamilyEducation Staff Updated: January 22, 2023 Find your French last name and learn about its meaning and origins. MacCaa, (Old English Origin) Means the "son of Aoh (ie a champion)". Camden, (English Origin) Named after Charles Pratt who sold lots from his manor. By the 15th century, it was hard to find someone without one. 53. Devitt Blakewell Canning Chambers Chattoway Chrysanthia Claudonia Cook Davies Davis Davonius Deboria Donophria Dosett Elmstone Godwin Griffiths Habsburg Hayward Hill Hogwood Kaylock Kenward Lidgett Lisanthium Longhurst Lygon Moore Morgan Norris Pankhurst Note: Correction 25 September 2014. Parents have the liberty of choosing the first and middle names of their children. Here are some websites you might want to check out for additional information on the surname Worthington: https://www.houseofnames.com/worthington-family-crest https://www.surnamedb.com/Surname/Worthington https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Worthington_family. You also might want to browse our lists of Colonial Names for Girls and Colonial Names for Boys. This is a common Irish last name that originated from the British and Welsh community of soldiers. Before that, August had been heating up in Hollywood used by Mariska Hargitay and Peter Hermann, Lena Olin, Dave Matthews and Jeanne Tripplehorn for their sons, and is rapidly becoming the preferred month of the year for boys' names. Actress Naomi Watts is a popular bearer of this last name. This old French surname has Germanic origin, and means 'noble'. This information is for educational purposes only and not a substitution for professional health services. Although some surnames have lost their glory, many of the common Victorian family names are still in use. common last names in the 1800s. Bedeau: It is derived from the French word bedeau, meaning 'beadle', a sergeant of justice. It lead to the defeat of British General Cornwallis and Pussett, (English Origin) Affectionately applies to a little minx of a girl. Bentham, (English Origin) Village in Badgeworth civil parish, Gloucestershire, England.