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BABCOCK - The name "Bab" or "Babb" was suggested as a common medieval name, possibly a contraction of the more recognised first name "Bartholomew". The "Cock" suffix may have a similar root to the similar sounding "Cox" and was used to describe a young male descendant.

BADER - The German word for "Barber", which might be the foundation for our own later surname, having come to Britain with continental invaders. The most famous carrier of the name was Douglas Bader, the Second World War fighter pilot who fought against the Luftwaffe, despite having lost both legs in a flight training accident.

BAGWELL - The suffix "well" identifies a relationship with a water source such as a well or spring. The "Bag" prefix is thought to reflect a specific individuals name, being the man who owned the well.

BAILEY - Probably associated with the Bailey area of early Norman castles, it was the area which immediately surrounded the Motte or Mound, which itself was topped by a defensive tower. The Bailey area was generally protected on all sides by an earthen mound which fronted it and which was then topped by a palisade or wall constructed of either wood or stone. The office of Bailiff is thought to be directly connected with this early name, acting as agents of the monarch or of his courts.

BAILIE - A variation on the above noted surname, but also a term for a Bailiff or an Agent of the Crown or the local courts.

BAINES - This name is speculated to originate from a personal nickname, describing someone who is skinny and "all bones".

BAKER - Along with any number of other tradesmen in Britain, a mans employment attached itself to them as individuals and consequently became associated with them and their families. As a result, John the Baker, simply became known as John Baker.

BALDWIN - Family name associated with former British Prime Minister (Stanley Baldwin). A foreign Earl called Baldwin was reported to have controlled the continental region, including Bruges around 1037AD. In its earliest form, the name Baldwin is thought to be Germanic in origin, from the words "Bald" meaning "Bold" and "Wine" meaning "Friend" and was first brought to Britain with the military forces of William the Conqueror.

BALLARD - One source suggests that the name originates in the early description for a bald man.

BALISTER - An unusual family name, which is thought to originate from an early term for an Archer or Crossbow man. Probably relating to the Roman word Ballistae, a giant crossbow used as a siege weapon.

BANCROFT - Thought to be a "locative" surname which identified a particular place, in this case being derived from "Beans", an agricultural crop and "Croft" which meant an enclosed field or land.

BANKS - The name might have its roots in the naturally occurring feature of banked earth or sand and a place name which has attached itself to specific individuals who lived there.

BANNISTER - Alternatively spelled as "Banister", the name is thought to originate from the French occupational title for someone who was a "basket maker".

BARBER - Individuals were known to have existed as Barber Surgeons and possibly the name finds its origins in the first part of this occupational title. Variations include Barbur. See Bader above for further information.

BARKER - Thought to reflect the title of a formal office holder, the post undoubtedly attached itself to the individual employed in the position and his immediate family. Alternatively, the name is thought to denote a man employed within the leather tanning industries and is associated with the use of tree bark in the tanning process.

BARLOW - Possibly originates from the word "Barley" or cereal crop and the early English word "Lowe" which described a "Hill". In its simplest form the name may have attached itself to a worker or farmer who specialised in the production of Barley.

BARNARD - A variation of the forename Bernard, which is derived from the Germanic "Bernhard" and which is itself thought to originate from the descriptive names for "Bear" and "Brave".

BARNES - There are thought to be a number of possible origins for this family name, including it being a derivative of the forename "Barnabas". Equally though, it might simply derive from the title attached to a Barn worker or owner. The Norse word "Barn" meaning a young child and which is thought to be the root of the peculiarly Scottish term "Bairn" might be another foundation for the later family name Barnes.

BARNETT - Including the explanation shown above, there are a number of possible sources for the prefix "barn", which include "beorn" meaning "noble", "baernet" denoting a place which has been cleared by fire and "beorna" identifying a warrior. Any of these early words might be the source for the later family names, although "baernet" seems the most likely in this instance.

BARNWELL - As above, but with the "well" suffix thought to denote a nearby water source

BARON - Typically regarded as a noble title which was thought to have originated from the time of the Norman conquest of Britain. The common use of the name is unlikely to indicate any connection with nobility, but rather an identification with a place or feature which was owned or associated with a nobleman eg: Baron's Well

BARRETT - Thought to have originated from the German first name "Bernhard" meaning Hardy and Bear-like. It has been suggested that the modern name might equally derive from the French word "barette" which identified a hatmaker.

BARROW - Although commonly associated with burial mounds, another source suggests that the name might have originated with the Viking Norse word for a "wood".

BART - Thought to be derived from the Biblical name Bartholomew which has been substantially contracted.

BARTON - In common with the above name, the family surname Barton might originate from a place name, identifying a protected enclosure or "ton" which was owned by a man called "Bart" or more fully "Bartholomew".

BASS - An Anglo Saxon priest called "Bass" was thought to have been recorded from 669AD. The name or word itself is said to have originated with the Anglo Saxon term for a small, thin or slight individual. However, it is also suggested that the name derives from an occupational name, given to someone who was involved with dressing fibres or matting.

BAU - This 3 letter German word relates to "Tree" and might occasionally be used as a family name prefix.

BAUER - From the German meaning "Farmer" which probably first came to Britain with European settlers or invaders. The wholly anglicized version might be Bower (see below).

BAXTER - A uniquely Scottish job title which has been adopted by or associated with the post holder and his immediate family members. Thought to be another form of the English occupational title of BAKER.

BEADLE - An English civic title, a minor public official, which attached itself to the holder of the title. Typically, a Beadle was said to have been employed by a Parish to keep order and possibly as a Town or Parish Crier.

BEARD - In its most obvious form the name is thought to have identified a man who wore a beard.

BEATTIE - Said to be a variation of the Biblical forename Bartholomew which has been adopted as a family name.

BEAU - This prefix is from the French for "Good". The personal designation for Henry I of England was Beauclerc meaning "Good Scholar".

BECKER - Derived from the German word for "Baker" and possibly the origin for our modern surname and job title, through a natural corruption of the continental word or name.

BECKETT - The prefix "Beck" is thought to have its roots in the Viking word for "Stream".

BECKHAM - The Viking prefix "Beck" is associated with a brook or stream and the suffix "Ham" originates from Anglo Saxon word "Hamm" which identified a settlement.

BEDDOWS - The origin for the modern day family name is thought to have its origins in the Welsh name "Meredydd" which was said to mean Splendid Lord. Variants include Beddowes, Beddoes.

BEDFORD - A town called Bedford was recorded in the 6th Century and the "ford" suffix relates to a shallow water crossing.

BELL - Although the name might simply originate from the medieval word for "Belle" and describe an individual's association with bells or bell-ringing, the surname might equally derive from other names such as Ellis or more likely Bellis being contracted and/or corrupted to its present form.

BENBOW - There is a suggestion that the name derives from the early English word "Bendbow" which was an alternative name for an Archer and which has been contracted over time

BENEDICT - Commonly a first name, but occasionally used as a family surname. A Saint Benedict was reported to have died around 509AD.

BENNET - The name is said to have medieval origins and thought to mean "blessed"

BENSON - A town called Benson was recorded in the 6th Century, but the family name might simply reflect the relationship between father and son Benjamin's son = Ben's son

BENTLEY - The suffix "ley" is said to originate from the Old English word "Leah" or "Lea" which identified a clearing

BERESFORD - The "ford" suffix is indicative of and associated with a water crossing place

BERGER - The "Berg" prefix is thought to be Germanic in origin and identified a man who lived on or by a hill or mountain. The name has an association with sheep herding.

BERRY - The family name may be a variation of the Anglo Saxon word "Bury" which is itself derived from the word "buhr" or defended settlement. Alternatively, it might simply reflect a mans association with or close proximity to a natural feature

BERT - Commonly regarded as an Anglo Saxon name suffix. eg: Cuthbert, Egbert, etc

BEST - It has been suggested that this later family name has its roots in the word "Beast" and refers to someone who cared for livestock.

BEVAN - Thought to have originated as a result of the Welsh practice of identifying individuals with their fathers. Commonly the word "AP" which means "son of" has been altered to "AB" and over time both have been further contracted to simply become either a "P" or "B". Therefore as a result, a man who was the "son of" Evan(s) would have become known as Bevan(s). Variations include Beven, Bevin.

BIRKENSHAW - This surname may well have come to England with the Normans and is possibly a corruption of the name Birchenshaw. A late 15th, early 16th Century Abbot at Chester's historic Norman Abbey was known to have been called John Birchenshaw.

BISHOP - This is one of a number of 'religious' names that possibly owe their very foundation to an association with the church, rather than reflecting a family history as members of the clergy. It is just as likely that the name became attached through the early ancestor living in or close to an area that was associated with or owned by the liturgical figure.

BLACK - Originating from either a place or a person, there are 2 possible sources for the modern day colour name, upon which the family name is intrinsically based. The Old English "bloec" is said to describe something or someone that was "pale". However, another Old English word "blac" is thought to have described something or someone that was "dark", either source might be appropriate.

BLACKMAN - The surname is said to have originated from a personal description of an individual who was dark or swarthy, possibly with black hair.

BLAIN - This family name is thought to have its origins with the Scottish Saint, St Blane

BLAKE - A Roman road was reported to have carried the name "Blake Street" and was said to have ran from the military fortress at Deva (Chester) to the northerly port of Meols, which was located on the Wirral peninsula. It is suggested that the word Blake was a variation of the colour Black and indicated a dark coloured place or feature. Another possible source for the name is the Norse word "Bleikr" which was said to mean something or someone with a "yellow or tanned complexion"

BLAIR - Thought to derive from the Old English word meaning "Place", or the Gaelic word "blar" meaning plain.

BLAYLOCK - Alternatively spelled as BLALOCK or BLACKLOCK, the name might have originated as a descriptive term for someone who had dark or swarthy features, including possibly black hair.

BLOOD - Possibly derived from and associated with an individual who had red hair or wore blood red attire. Alternatively, the name might be related to someone who was a noted warrior and who was renowned for spilling his enemies blood. Eg: "Bloodaxe". The modern word has its origins in the early English word "Blod".

BLUNDELL - See below

BLUNT - One possible origin for this uncommon family name is as a descriptive term for someone who is fair or blonde and may include variants including Blundell.

BLYTHE - The family name might have its origins in the early English word which attached itself to a happy or carefree person and is a descriptive term. It can be alternatively spelled as "Blithe" and has common variations such as Blythin.

BOLTER - The unusual family name may originate from an occupational title for a person who was employed to sift meal which had been produced by milling.

BOND - Possibly originating from the occupational title of a agricultural or military servant who was bound to a specific lord or knight as a "bondsman", a title which was subsequently contracted to its present form.

BONHAM - Although commonly thought to have its root with the prefix "Bon", from the French word for "good", the suffix "ham" may have its origins in one of 2 possible sources. Firstly, it may derive from the French word "Homme" meaning "man", giving a literal meaning of "Good Man". Alternately, the "ham" suffix may originate from the Anglo Saxon word "Hamm" meaning "settlement" and give a literal meaning of "Good Village or Settlement", a location rather than a personal description.

BONNER - The family name is thought to have originated as a descriptive term "Bon" meaning Good, with the surname describing someone who is and was good and courteous.

BOON - Given that a "boon" is generally regarded as being an alternative for a "bonus", it seems likely that the family name "Boone" or "Boone" is derived from the French word "Bon" meaning good.

BOOTH - The name is thought to have its roots in the Anglo Saxon word "Bothy" which described a temporary shelter, which was often used by transient people like animal herders, tradesmen or artisans who travelled from one market or fair to another. The modern day use of the word Booth, in order to describe a temporary structure or covering at fairs and markets reinforces these early roots.

BORDER - This family name might simply identify an individual who originated from the region which lay alongside the borders of adjacent kingdoms, etc and have its roots in the the term "borderer" which was later contracted. Alternatively, it might originate with the Anglo Saxon word "Bord" which identified lengths of cut wood, so would have attached itself to users of or workers involved with the same.

BOROUGH - Generally used as a family name suffix, the word "borough" is thought to be a variation of the Saxon word "buhr" (a fortified settlement) which has developed into the modern day "borough" and "bury".

BOWEN - Thought to reflect a Welsh foundation, being derived from B "son of" Owen (Owain)

BOWER - Possibly a derivation of the German title Bauer, which means "Farmer" and which might have first come to Britain with continental settlers or invaders. Alternatively, the later surname might simply be a variation of either Bowen or Bowyer and occasionally associated with a bow maker.

BOWKER - An occupational title which has attached itself to those employed in the task. A Bowker is thought to have been employed in the bleaching of yarn, but is also thought to have been a regional term for a Butcher.

BOWLER - Possibly derived from an early occupational term for a man who was employed in producing the "bowl" section of spoons and ladles prior to casting.

BOWYER - The name is generally associated with the manufacturing of weapons and armour during the early and late medieval periods. A Bowyer is thought to have been a "Bow-maker" who worked alongside the "Fletchers" who produced and fitted the feather flights to the arrows.

BOYCE - The modern name is thought to have its origins in the French word "Bois" meaning "wood" and associated with someone who lived in or close to a stand of trees or a forest.

BOYLE - When originating from an Irish source, the family name is said to stem from the Gaelic name "Baoil" which meant a "vain pledge".

BRACKENRIDGE - The modern name is thought to derive from the Viking Norse words "Braekn" which identifies "bracken" and "Hryggr" which means "ridge". The name almost certainly originated as a place name which then became associated with those that lived there.

BRACKETT - The family name is thought to originate from the continental words "Bracke" and "Brachet" which identified a man who worked with hunting dogs and hounds

BRADDOCK - Literally thought to mean "Broad Oak", the modern prefix "Bradd" is thought to derive from the Anglo Saxon word for something which was broad or wide. The "ock" is simply a corruption of the tree name.

BRADFORD - A town or settlement called Bradford was recorded in 652AD. The prefix "Brad" is thought to originate from the Anglo Saxon word describing something which is "Broad", so the name would suggest a broad or wide river crossing.

BRADLEY - As with the previous family name, the prefix "Brad" is said to indicate something which is broad or wide, in this case a clearing or area of cultivated land.

BRADSHAW - The prefix "Brad" is thought to originate from the Anglo Saxon word describing something which is "Broad" or "Wide". However, there is an alternative source for the prefix, which comes from the Scandinavian word "Brod" describing a spiked tool or nail.

BRADY - A common Irish family name, it is thought to originate from the Gaelic name "Bradaigh" meaning someone who was "high spirited".

BRASHER - This is possibly an occupational name which attached itself to someone employed within the Brass-making industry. The Scandinavian word "Brasa" which meant fire, is thought to be the root for individual names. See also BRAZIER

BRAY - The name might have originated from the French word "bray" meaning marsh, or from the Cornish word "bre" which identified a hill or mountain. In either case the name might well have attached itself to an individual who came from such a place.

BRAZIER - Although not a common surname, its origins are thought to derive from those employed within a foundry, where metals such as Brass were brazed. The English word "Braze" might have its own roots in the Scandinavian word "Brasa" which meant "fire" and was thought to describe a pan which held hot coals.

BRENNAN - A typically Irish family name which is thought to originate from "Braonain" a Gaelic name meaning "sorrow" or "unhappiness".

BRENNER - From the German word for "Distiller", the name/title probably first came to Britain with the continental settlers or invaders who arrived here.

BRERETON - Both a place name and family name in Cheshire, which is thought to originate from the French words "Breton" or "Bretune" which relate to an area of France and which was brought to Britain with the forces of William the Conqueror.

BRETT - The early Anglo Saxon title of "Bretwalda" meant "Supreme King" and might be one possible origin for the later family name. Alternatively, it might have its roots with the "Breton" people from Northern France who came to Britain with the military forces of William the Conqueror.

BREWER - The brewing of alcoholic drinks almost certainly finds its first foundations in the early and regular cultivation of cereal crops in Britain. One would suppose that initially each person within a native community would brew their own alcohol and it was only later that it became a specific task for a particular individual. As with other staple food and drink providers within a society , it was only as that person became known for his own particular specialisation that his trade became synonymous with him and his family. The German name "Brauer" means "Brewer" and could easily be the origins for our own English version, but which has been corrupted and anglicized over time.

BRIANT - Variation of BRYANT and thought to originate from the forename Brian, a name which came to Britain with the forces of William the Conqueror.

BRIDGE - The word "bridge" possibly originates from the Norse word "Briggja" and described both a man-made construction spanning a body of water, as well as natural feature such as a headland or land bridge. The surname BRIDGEMAN is thought to originate from an early occupational title for a bridge-keeper who extracted fees or tolls from merchants and travellers who used the crossing.

BRIGGS - The name is thought to be a variation of the word "bridge", which became attached to or associated with the individuals who maintained the structure or collected the tolls which were exacted from those travelling across it.

BRIGHT - An Anglo Saxon Alderman called "Bright" was recorded around 684AD.

BRISTOW - The "Bri" prefix may originate from the early English word "Brihs" meaning a "bright" place, with the "Stowe" suffix denoting a "homestead". Alternatively, the name might simply indicate a close association with the River Stowe or with the early settlement of Bristol.

BROGAN - Thought to be an Irish occupational name, a Brogan was said to be a shoemaker, being derived from the Gaelic word "Brog" meaning "shoe".

BROOK - This particular surname is just as likely to reflect a geographical feature which lay close to the home or community of the specific individual.

BROWN - Surnames which reflected specific natural colours were a common feature of both the Anglo Saxons and the Norman dynasties which replaced them. Sometimes such names might indicate a natural feature of their home estates, a personal characteristic such as Brown or Dark features or simply colours derived from the families heraldic symbols. The continental word "Brun" is thought to be the origins for the modern day name. There is thought to be a Gaelic source for the modern family name deriving from the Irish/Gaelic word "Brehon" or "Judge"

BRUCE - The typically Scottish family name is thought to originate from the settlement of "Brix" in Normandy, the ancestral home of the Bruce's forebears.

BRYANT - Variation of BRIANT and thought to originate from the forename Bryan which came to Britain with the Breton forces of William the Conqueror.

BUCHAN - The Gaelic word "Buth" is said to mean or identify a house. The Scottish family name BUCHANAN is thought to literally mean "house of the canon"

BUCKLEY - As well as a place name in modern day Flintshire, the family name might have its roots in the Irish/Gaelic name "Buachaill" which was thought to be a nickname for a "cow-herder".

BULLARD - This is thought to be an early occupational name for a "scribe", being derived from "bulle" which is an early English word for a letter.

BULMAN - An unusual family name which possibly has its origins with "bull walkers" of medieval England who travelled the country with their "baiting" animals, to provide sport and entertainment to the local communities. Derived from "Bull" and "Mann".

BURGESS - The name is possibly contracted from "Burgesses" which was an early term for areas of enclosed land, which was owned either by the Crown or other statutory bodies and rented out to private individuals for farming, grazing, etc. The 4 letter German word "Burg" is thought to denote a "fortified castle" or similar and might be the origins for the later commonly used English version of the word. A BURGESS was also thought to be the occupational title for someone employed to act on behalf of or represent a Borough.

BURKE - The modern day surname is thought to derive from the early word "burca" meaning fort and might itself be a variation of the Anglo Saxon word "buhr" which identified a fortified settlement. A variation of the surname is spelled Bourke. The origin of the fame is supposedly credited to one Richard de Burg?

BURNHAM - The suffix "ham" is said to denote the Anglo Saxon word for a small settlement. The prefix "Burn" is thought to denote the Old English word for "stream"

BURNS - As above, the name is said to originate from the Old English word for "stream".

BURRELL - The modern day name is thought to derive from the word "Borel", an early type of coarse cloth and no doubt became identified with the manufacturers or sellers of the material, it is therefore an occupational title.

BURTON - The Anglo Saxon suffix "ton" is said to denote a protected homestead or enclosure.

BURY - Generally used as a suffix for both place names and family names, this word originates from the Anglo Saxon word "buhr" which identified a defended settlement or fort.

BUTCHER - Thought to have its foundations following the Norman victory at Hastings, the "trade" of the individual has continued to associate itself with their family.

BUTLER - The modern surname may have its roots in the later employment of men as servants within wealthy households and their job title has attached itself to the post holder and his family.

BUTT - Thought to derive from an early English word describing someone who was short and stumpy, a personal description which became inextricably linked to them.

BYERS - The prefix "By" is thought to originate from the Viking word for "farm" or "village", although the word "byre" is commonly associated with cattle or a cowshed.

BYRNE - A peculiarly Irish/Gaelic family name which is thought to denote a "descendant of Broin", whose own name was thought to mean "Raven"

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