Genealogy platform MyHeritage has put together a list of 35 surnames historically linked to royal and aristocratic families in Britain and Europe. Is yours on the list?
There are some classics on the list, like Windsor and Romanov. But a couple that might pass under the common people’s radar. Others have become favoured first names!
Take the surname Howard, for example. Those with this name may have ties to one of the UK’s most prominent aristocratic families, the Dukes of Norfolk.
Spencer is widely recognised thanks to the late Princess Diana. The name originates from the medieval title “dispensator” (Latin) or “despenser” (Norman French), meaning someone who manages or dispenses provisions within a royal or aristocratic household. The Spencer family expanded its influence through strategic marriages and close connections to the monarchy.
Darcy (d’Arcy) is Norman French in origin, meaning “from Arcy,” a place in Normandy. The Darcys became an influential aristocratic family in England and Ireland. Before becoming almost entirely associated with Jane Austen.
The surname Bruce is associated with Scottish royalty. The House of Bruce was a major royal dynasty, with Robert the Bruce ascending to the Scottish throne in 1306.
If your last name is Percy, you might be descended from a distinguished English aristocratic line. The Percys were followers of William the Conqueror and have held the title of Earls of Northumberland since 1377, later becoming Dukes of Northumberland in 1766.
Another Anglo-Norman in origin name is Russell from Roussel, meaning “red-haired.” The Russell family later became the Dukes of Bedford, a major English aristocratic line.
Grey is also an Anglo-Norman/English surname, possibly derived from Old English græg, meaning “grey.” The Grey family produced notable figures like Lady Jane Grey, the nine-day Queen of England.
Curious whether your surname has royal or noble roots? Here’s the complete list:
- Stuart (Stewart)
- Spencer
- Plantagenet
- Lancaster
- York
- Tudor
- Savoy (Savoia, Savoie)
- de Medici (Medici)
- Capet
- Valois (de Valois)
- Bourbon (de Bourbon)
- Orléans (d’Orléans, de Orléans)
- Howard
- Seymour
- Percy
- Habsburg
- Bruce
- Orange-Nassau
- Oldenburg
- Glücksburg
- Romanov
- Baskerville
- Darcy (d’Arcy)
- Neville
- Astley
- Capell (Capel)
- Grey
- FitzAlan
- Courtenay
- Manners
- Russell
- Cavendish
- Talbot
- Hanover
- Windsor (Mountbatten-Windsor)
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