What are common Welsh surnames?

Today, the ten most common Welsh surnames, in order, are: Jones, Williams, Davies, Thomas, Evans, Roberts, Hughes, Lewis, Morgan, and Griffiths. Fifty-five percent of the Welsh population has one of these 10 surnames.

Why are Welsh surnames first names?

As most Welsh surnames are derived from patronymics and often based on a small set of first names, Welsh communities have families bearing the same surnames who are not related. It cannot be assumed that two people named Jones, even in the same village, must have inherited the surname from a common ancestor.

What does AB mean in Welsh names?

The terms ap (or “ab”) and ferch (or “verch”) are Welsh terms meaning “son of” or “daughter of,” respectively, as in Madog ap Rhys and Gwenllian ferch Rhys. In Ireland, the “son of” patronymic is Mc and Mac.

Why do Welsh surnames end in s?

“Many modern Welsh surnames end in ‘s’ which one sees in ‘Tom’s family’ for example, and this is the function it had originally, when new surnames were formed,” said Mr Davies, who lives in Treorchy. “The meaning of Davies is ‘the family of Dafydd or David’.”

What is the most popular surname in Wales?

The most popular surnames in Wales

• Jones – 170,633.
• Davies – 111,559.
• Williams – 110,404.
• Evans – 74,243.
• Thomas – 71,040.
• Roberts – 46,130. Don’t miss.
• Lewis – 40,037.
• Hughes – 37,076.

What is the most common surname in Wales?

The most popular surnames in Wales

• Jones – 170,633.
• Davies – 111,559.
• Williams – 110,404.
• Evans – 74,243.
• Thomas – 71,040.
• Roberts – 46,130.
• Lewis – 40,037.
• Hughes – 37,076.

Is George a Welsh surname?

George is a surname of Irish, English, Welsh, South Indian Christian, Middle Eastern Christian (usually Lebanese), French, or Native American origin. The German form is Georg. Notable people with the surname include: Alexander George (disambiguation), multiple people.