Surname profile
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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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 49–57 of 57 profiles
- Surname profile
Robinson
Robinson is an English patronymic surname meaning 'son of Robin,' with Robin a diminutive of Robert. The cited name overview describes it as originating in England and lists…
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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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Thompson
Thompson is a patronymic surname meaning 'son of Thom', with Thom a short form of the personal name Thomas. It is recorded as a surname of English, Irish…
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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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Wilson
Wilson is a patronymic surname meaning “son of Will,” with the element *wil* meaning “will” or “desire.” The name first appears in England in 1324 as Willeson and…
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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.