120 Common Australian Last Names Or Surnames

Australia’s diverse population has created a fascinating blend of surnames that reflect the nation’s rich multicultural heritage. Many common Australian surnames have roots in English, Irish, and Scottish ancestry due to historical immigration patterns, while others highlight the influence of more recent waves of migration from various parts of the world. Each of these surnames brings a bit of history with it, showcasing occupations, family origins, and traits that have been passed down through generations.

Below is a list of 100 common Australian last names, along with their meanings and origins. Let’s dive into the unique stories behind each one!

Trending Last Names

120 Common Australian Last Names or Surnames with Meaning

Australia’s blend of British heritage and multicultural influence is reflected in its popular surnames.. Below is a list of Australian surnames with detailed descriptions that highlight their origins and meanings.

120 Common Australian Last Names Or Surnames

1. Smith

An English name meaning “blacksmith” or “metal worker.” Smith is one of the most common surnames in Australia and speaks to a time when blacksmithing was a crucial trade.

2. Jones

Of Welsh origin, Jones means “son of John.” It’s widely popular in Australia, reflecting the common British practice of forming surnames by adding “son” to a first name.

3. Williams

This English surname means “son of William.” Common among families of English and Welsh descent, it honors the given name William, which was historically popular across the British Isles.

4. Brown

An English and Scottish surname that originally described someone with brown hair or a dark complexion. It’s a name rooted in a personal characteristic, which was a common naming practice.

5. Wilson

A name of English or Scottish origin meaning “son of William.” The name reflects the longstanding popularity of the given name William, which was often passed down in families.

6. Taylor

Of English origin, this surname refers to the occupation of a tailor—someone who made or repaired clothing. Occupation-based surnames like Taylor were common in medieval England.

7. Miller

This English surname referred to someone who owned or worked in a grain mill. Mills were central to village life in medieval times, making Miller a widely respected name.

8. Davis

An English and Welsh name meaning “son of David.” It’s common in Australia, often found in families with Welsh or English ancestry, and reflects the popularity of the name David in Welsh culture.

9. Anderson

A Scottish and Northern English surname meaning “son of Andrew.” The name Andrew was widely used in Scotland, in honor of Saint Andrew, the country’s patron saint.

10. Thomas

Of Welsh origin, Thomas means “son of Thomas.” The name became popular in Britain after the spread of Christianity, as Thomas was one of the apostles in the Bible.

11. Thompson

An English surname meaning “son of Thomas.” Like many names ending in “-son,” it has a patronymic origin, connecting children to their fathers’ names.

12. White

An English surname describing someone with fair hair or a pale complexion. It’s a descriptive surname, one of the oldest types in England, originally highlighting a physical feature.

13. Martin

Of Latin origin, meaning “of Mars” or “warrior.” Martin is both an English and French name, reflecting respect for Mars, the Roman god of war.

14. Walker

An English surname originally for someone who worked as a cloth-walker, who thickened or cleaned cloth by walking on it. It’s a name from the textile industry, once vital to English society.

15. Young

A Scottish surname meaning “young one” or “junior.” It was often used to distinguish a younger family member from an elder with the same first name.

16. Edwards

Of English origin, meaning “son of Edward.” Edward was a popular name in medieval England, and many surnames developed by attaching “-s” to indicate “son of.”

17. Lee

An English surname meaning “meadow” or “clearing.” It was often given to people who lived near open, grassy areas.

18. Harris

An English name meaning “son of Harry.” Harry was a common medieval form of Henry, a name favored by English royalty.

19. King

Originally a nickname for someone who carried themselves with authority, this English surname has also been used to signify a position of power or respect.

20. Wright

An English occupational surname for a craftsman or builder, especially one who worked with wood. The term “wright” was widely used to describe various types of skilled laborers.

21. Clark

An English and Scottish surname meaning “clerk” or “scholar.” It originally described someone who could read and write, which was a valued skill in medieval society.

22. Allen

An English and Scottish name meaning “handsome” or “cheerful,” derived from a popular medieval given name that symbolized positive traits.

23. Scott

A surname that referred to someone from Scotland. It became a popular name in England and spread to English-speaking countries like Australia.

24. Hill

An English surname for someone who lived on or near a hill, reflecting a topographical feature of the landscape where people resided.

25. Hall

An English and Scottish surname for someone who lived near or worked in a large hall or manor house. It often described people connected to important estates.

26. Green

Originally an English surname for someone who lived near a green or grassy area, it also came to signify people connected with lush, open spaces.

27. Adams

An English surname meaning “son of Adam.” The name Adam has biblical origins and was widely used in Christian communities.

28. Baker

An English occupational surname for a baker, reflecting a profession that was essential in every town and village.

29. Nelson

An English name meaning “son of Neil.” The name became prominent in English-speaking countries, especially due to Admiral Lord Nelson.

30. Roberts

An English surname meaning “son of Robert.” Robert was a common name introduced to England by the Normans, and many surnames developed from it.

31. Mitchell

An English name meaning “little Michael,” often used as a given name. It reflects the medieval fondness for affectionate diminutives.

32. Carter

An English occupational surname for a cart driver, or one who transported goods. It was a key role in trade and travel during medieval times.

33. Phillips

A Welsh surname meaning “son of Philip.” The name Philip became popular in medieval England due to religious influence and historical figures.

34. Evans

A Welsh surname meaning “son of Evan,” with Evan being the Welsh form of John. It’s a name deeply rooted in Welsh heritage.

35. Collins

An English and Irish surname meaning “son of Colin.” Colin was originally a diminutive of the name Nicholas, common among medieval Europeans.

36. Campbell

A Scottish surname meaning “crooked mouth,” derived from the Gaelic “Caimbeul.” It was associated with a prominent Scottish clan.

37. Bell

An English surname that might refer to a bell ringer or someone who lived near a bell tower, originating in villages where bells were often central.

38. Kelly

An Irish surname meaning “warrior” or “descendant of Ceallach.” It is among the most common surnames of Irish origin.

39. Parker

An English occupational name for a park keeper or gamekeeper, a role that was important in managing private and royal estates.

40. Murphy

An Irish surname meaning “sea warrior,” associated with a prominent family of warriors and chieftains in ancient Ireland.

41. Morgan

A Welsh and Irish surname meaning “sea-born” or “bright.” The name is deeply rooted in Celtic mythology and tradition.

42. Cooper

An English occupational name for a barrel maker. The trade of coopering was central to storage and transport in medieval society.

43. Reed

An English surname originally describing someone with red hair or a ruddy complexion, or someone who lived near reeds.

44. Cox

An English surname possibly derived from “cock,” symbolizing someone lively or assertive, or one who cared for gamecocks.

45. Richardson

An English surname meaning “son of Richard.” Richard was a popular name in medieval England, and many surnames stemmed from it.

46. Stewart

A Scottish surname meaning “steward” or “manager,” originally used by a noble family that served as stewards for Scottish royalty.

47. Foster

An English surname meaning “forest guardian” or “keeper of the forest.” It was common in areas near large forests.

48. Hughes

An English and Welsh surname meaning “son of Hugh.” Hugh was a popular name introduced to Britain by the Normans.

49. Price

A Welsh surname meaning “son of Rhys,” with Rhys being a name that signified enthusiasm or ardor in Welsh culture.

50. Wood

An English surname referring to someone who lived near a forest or woodland, common in rural and wooded areas of England.

51. Bennett

An English and Irish surname meaning “blessed” or “little blessed one.” It derives from the medieval given name Benedict, which was associated with the patron saint of Europe.

52. Morris

An English surname meaning “dark-skinned” or “Moorish.” It may refer to someone who had a darker complexion or possibly someone who performed in Morris dances.

53. Rogers

An English surname meaning “son of Roger.” Roger was a popular medieval name brought to England by the Normans and widely used among English families.

54. Peterson

A Scandinavian and English surname meaning “son of Peter.” The name Peter was popular in Christian Europe, often associated with the apostle Peter.

55. Turner

An English occupational name for a wood or metal worker who shaped materials on a lathe. Turners were vital to medieval craftsmanship.

56. Ward

An English surname meaning “guardian” or “watchman.” It referred to someone in a protective role, possibly in a village or estate.

57. Russell

An English surname describing someone with red hair or a ruddy complexion. It derives from the Old French word “rous,” meaning “red.”

58. Jenkins

A Welsh surname meaning “son of Jenkin,” a diminutive of John. Jenkins is common in areas with Welsh heritage and spread to England and Australia.

59. Hamilton

A Scottish surname originating from the village of Hamilton in Scotland. It became associated with a noble family that played a prominent role in Scottish history.

60. Harvey

An English and Irish surname meaning “battle-worthy” or “eager for battle.” It was popular among Norman settlers who came to England.

61. Gibson

An English surname meaning “son of Gilbert.” Gilbert was a common medieval name, and the name spread as families migrated from England.

62. Kennedy

An Irish surname meaning “helmeted chief” or “armored head.” It’s linked to ancient Irish chieftains and remains popular among those of Irish descent.

63. Simpson

An English name meaning “son of Simon.” Simon was a common given name in the medieval period, and “-son” was often added to form a surname.

64. Craig

A Scottish surname meaning “rock” or “crag.” It was often used for people living near rocky landscapes, particularly in Scotland’s rugged terrain.

65. Dawson

An English surname meaning “son of David.” David was a popular biblical name, especially in Welsh and English-speaking communities.

66. Watkins

A Welsh surname meaning “son of Watkin,” with Watkin being a pet form of Walter. It reflects the Welsh tradition of creating diminutives for common names.

67. Grant

A Scottish surname meaning “large” or “great.” It was associated with people of notable size or stature and became widely recognized through Scottish clan heritage.

68. Ford

An English surname meaning someone who lived near a river crossing or “ford.” These crossings were crucial points in medieval travel and trade.

69. Marsh

An English surname for someone who lived near a marsh or wetland. It highlights the importance of geographical features in surname formation.

70. Owens

A Welsh surname meaning “son of Owen.” Owen was a popular Welsh name with historical and legendary connections, including Welsh princes.

71. Dixon

An English name meaning “son of Dick,” where Dick is a diminutive of Richard. It is a patronymic surname, common across English-speaking regions.

72. Fisher

An English occupational name for a fisherman. It’s a straightforward name that reflects an essential medieval occupation, especially in coastal communities.

73. Pearson

An English name meaning “son of Piers,” with Piers being a medieval form of Peter. It reflects the common practice of using patronymic surnames.

74. Chandler

An English occupational name for a candle maker or seller. Candle makers were crucial in the pre-electricity era, and Chandler became widely used as a surname.

75. Norman

A name for someone from Normandy, France, or a descendant of Norman settlers. It became popular after the Norman Conquest of England.

76. Little

An English surname describing someone of small stature. Originally, it could have been an affectionate nickname or description of a person’s appearance.

77. Francis

An English and Irish name meaning “Frenchman.” Originally a nickname, it gained popularity as a given name in honor of Saint Francis of Assisi.

78. Matthews

An English name meaning “son of Matthew.” Matthew was a name popularized by the Bible and became widely used in Christian communities.

79. Stone

An English surname for someone who lived near a notable stone or rock. Large stones often held significance, marking boundaries or gathering places.

80. Hart

An English surname derived from “hart,” meaning deer. It may have described someone who lived near deer or was known for traits associated with deer.

81. Wallace

A Scottish surname meaning “foreigner” or “Welshman.” It was a common term for people of Welsh ancestry who had settled in Scotland.

82. Walsh

An Irish surname meaning “Welshman,” originally given to families of Welsh descent who migrated to Ireland.

83. Long

An English surname for someone who was tall or had long limbs. It’s a descriptive surname that highlighted a physical characteristic.

84. Potter

An English occupational surname for a potter, someone who made pottery. Pottery-making was a skilled trade and highly valued in medieval society.

85. Cross

An English name for someone who lived near a cross or crossroads, often a meeting place in villages or towns.

86. Spencer

An English surname meaning “dispenser of provisions,” a title given to the steward of a household or estate.

87. West

An English surname referring to someone who came from the west or lived in the western part of a region.

88. Chambers

An English surname meaning “servant in a chamber” or someone who worked in the rooms of a noble household.

89. Porter

An English name for a gatekeeper or doorkeeper, often used for people who managed entries to estates or manors.

90. Knight

An English surname originally meaning “servant” or “noble soldier.” It was given to individuals who held a chivalrous title or behaved with honor.

91. Cook

An English surname for a cook or chef, reflecting a culinary occupation that was essential in every noble household.

92. Rose

An English surname possibly topographical, referring to someone who grew roses, or derived from a given name that symbolized beauty.

93. Page

An English name for a young servant or attendant in a noble household. The term “page” described someone in service to a knight or noble.

94. Graham

A Scottish surname meaning “gravelly homestead.” It has origins in the Scottish Lowlands and became associated with a powerful clan.

95. Lane

An English surname describing someone who lived near a narrow road or pathway, often in a rural village setting.

96. Wells

An English surname for someone who lived near a well or spring, which was a valuable resource for communities.

97. Daniels

An English surname meaning “son of Daniel.” Daniel was a name of biblical origin and became common in Christian societies.

98. Lane

An English surname that referred to someone who lived near a lane or narrow road, often used in rural areas.

99. Lyons

An English and Irish surname that may have originated from the French town of Lyons or as a symbolic reference to a lion.

100. Armstrong

An English and Scottish surname describing someone with strong arms or great physical strength. It is associated with resilience and might, a fitting end to this diverse list of Australian surnames.

You Can Check also

Sharing Is Caring:

Leave a Comment