Browse Submitted Surnames

Adamthwaite English
Habitational name for a person from a place in Ravenstonedale, derived from Middle English personal name Adam and Old Norse þveit "clearing, pasture"... [more]

Adelstein German, Jewish
Variant of Edelstein. Paul Adelstein (1969-) is an American actor known for his role as Paul Kellerman in the 2005-2017 television series Prison Break.

Agbaje Nigerian, Yoruba
Meaning unknown. A bearer is Adewale Akinnuoye-Agbaje (1967-), an English actor and model of Yoruba Nigerian descent.

Aghdashloo Persian
Denoted a person who came from various places named Ağdaş and Agdash in Azerbaijan, or Aqdash and Aghdash in Iran. A famous bearer is Shohreh Aghdashloo (1952-), an Iranian-American actress.

Akinnuoye Western African, Yoruba
Means "chief warrior" in Yoruba. A famous bearer is English actor Adewale Akinnuoye-Agbaje (1967-).

Akiya Japanese (Rare)
A bearer of this surname is Tomoko Akiya (秋谷 智子, born May 14, 1976) is a Japanese voice actress. Her best-known role is voicing Hazuki Fujiwara in the Ojamajo Doremi series, and Suzume Mizuno in Zatch Bell.

Amachi Japanese
This surname is used as 天知, 天地, 天池, 天内, 雨知 or 雨地 with 天 (ten, ama-, amatsu, ame) meaning "heavens, imperial, sky", 雨 (u, ama-, ame, -same) meaning "rain", 知 (chi, shi.raseru, shi.ru) meaning "know, wisdom", 地 (ji, chi) meaning "earth, ground", 池 (chi, ike) meaning "cistern, pond, pool, reservoir" and 内 (dai, nai, uchi, chi) meaning "among, between, home, house, inside, within."... [more]

Amaki Japanese
Ama can mean "heaven" and ki means "wood, tree."... [more]

Amamiya Japanese
From Japanese 雨 (ama) meaning "rain" and 宮 (miya) meaning "temple, shrine, palace". A notable bearer of this surname is voice actress and singer Sora Amamiya (雨宮 天 Amamiya Sora, 1993–).

Ambudkar Indian, Hindi, Marathi
Variant of Ambedkar. A famous bearer of this name is American actor and rapper Utkarsh Ambudkar (1983-).

Ameche Italian (Anglicized)
Americanised form of Amici. A famous bearer was American actor, comedian and vaudevillian Don Ameche (1908-1993). After portraying the title character in the movie The Story of Alexander Graham Bell (1939), his surname led Americans to use the word ameche as a juvenile slang for a telephone.

Anastassakis Greek
Crete born John Anthony Aniston, (birth name Yiannis Anitios Anastassakis) is an American actor and the father of actress Jennifer Aniston.

Anbar Arabic
Means "amber" in Arabic (see English name Amber). Notable actress Nihal Anbar was born in 1960.

Arashi Japanese
This surname is used as 嵐 (ran, arashi) meaning "storm, tempest."... [more]

Argenziano Italian
Derived from a diminutive of the given name Argenzio, ultimately from Latin argenteus meaning "silver". A famous bearer was American actor Carmen Argenziano (1943-2019).

Arimori Japanese
Ari means "exist" and mori means "forest".... [more]

Arterton English
Variant of Atherton. A famous bearer is the English actress Gemma Arterton (1986-).

Atsugi Japanese (Rare)
Atsugi (厚木) means "thick tree", notable bearer of this surname is Nanami Atsugi (厚木 那奈美), a Japanese Voice actress. It is also a city name in Kanagawa perfecture.

Attenborough English
Habitational name for a person from the village of Attenborough in Nottinghamshire, England, derived from the Old English given name Adda and burh meaning "fortified place". A famous bearer of this name was the English actor and filmmaker Richard Attenborough (1923-2014)... [more]

Auberjonois French
A French last name meaning "armourer". Actor René Murat Auberjonois is a notable bearer.

Austerlitz German (Austrian), Jewish
Derived from Slavkov u Brna (historically known as Austerlitz in German), a town located in Vyškov District, in the South Moravian Region of the Czech Republic. This was real surname of the American actor and dancer Fred Astaire (1899-1987), as well as his sister Adele Astaire (1896-1981), an actress, singer and dancer.

Aykroyd English
Variant of Ackroyd. A famous bearer is Canadian actor and comedian Dan Aykroyd (1952-).

Bacall Romanian, Jewish
Variant spelling of Bacal. A famous bearer was the American actress Lauren Bacall (1924-2014).

Bakkedahl Norwegian
From Norwegian bakke "slope, hillside" and dal "valley". Dan Bakkedahl (1969-) is an American actor and improvisational comedian.

Balmaceda Spanish, Basque
From Balmaseda, the name of a town and municipality in the province of Biscay, in the Basque Country of Spain. It is derived from Spanish val meaning "valley" and Basque mahatseta meaning "vineyard"... [more]

Banksy English, Popular Culture
This is pseudonyms Banksy is a pseudonymous England-based graffiti artist, political activist, film director, and painter. Banksy's real name might be Robin Gunningham. How Banksy got his pseudonym is unknown... [more]

Bareilles French, Occitan
Derived from the place name Bareilles, a village in the Hautes-Pyrénées department in the Occitania region of France. A famous bearer is the American musician and actress Sara Bareilles (1979-).

Barrymore Irish (Anglicized), English
Habitational name for a person from a barony in County Cork, Ireland, derived from an Anglicized form of Irish Barraigh Mhóra meaning "Big Crops". This is the surname of an British-American acting dynasty, named the Barrymore Family with an example of which is American actress Drew Barrymore (1975-).

Barsi Hungarian
Name for someone living in a village named Bars. This was the surname of American child actress Judith Barsi (June 6, 1978 - July 25, 1988).

Belmondo Italian
Name of Italian origin meaning "beautiful world". Famous bearers of the name are the French actor Jean-Paul Belmondo (1933-) and the Italian cross-country skier, twice Olympic champion and four times World champion Stefania Belmondo (1969-).

Benício Portuguese (Brazilian)
Spanish form of Benedict, from the Late Latin name Benedictus, which meant "blessed". A notable bearer is Puerto Rican actor Benicio del Toro (born 1967).

Benigni Italian
Patronymic form of Benigno. A notable bearer is the Italian actor and comedian Roberto Benigni (1952-).

Bergen German, Dutch, Flemish, Jewish
Originally denoted a person from any of the various places named Bergen in Germany and the Netherlands. It is also a variant of Berg. Famous bearers include the Americans Candice Bergen (1946-), an actress, and Polly Bergen (1930-2014), an actress, singer and television host.

Berginc Slovak
Original spelling of Slovene surname "Boreanaz".... [more]

Bernthal Jewish
Ornamental name derived from the Yiddish given name Ber meaning "bear" and German thal meaning "valley". A famous bearer is American actor Jon Bernthal (1976-).

Bialik Polish, Czech, Jewish
Derived from Polish biały meaning "white", originally a nickname for a person with blond hair or a pale complexion. A famous bearer of this name is American actress Mayim Bialik (1975-).

Blessed English
From a medieval nickname for a fortunate person. This surname is borne by British actor Brian Blessed (1936-).

Bobber English
From the ancient Anglo-Saxon name Baber, a town in the county of Suffolk. A famous bearer of the last name is actor, director, animator, voice actor, and musician Troy Bobber.

Bogart Dutch (Anglicized), Flemish (Anglicized)
Archaic variant or an Americanized form of Dutch Bogaart, itself a variant of Bogaard. It could also be an Americanized form of Dutch/Flemish Bogaert... [more]

Boniadi Persian (Rare)
Probably indicated a person from the Iranian village of Boniad, possibly derived from Persian بنیاد (bonyad) meaning "foundation, base". A notable bearer is Iranian-English actress Nazanin Boniadi (1980-).

Booke American
American variant of the German name Buche meaning "beech" in reference to the beech tree. Notable bearer is the actor Sorrell Booke (1930-1994).

Borgnine Italian (Anglicized)
Anglicized form of Borgnino. A notable bearer was the American actor Ernest Borgnine (1917-2012).

Boutella Arabic (Maghrebi, Rare)
Means "father of the mountain" or "father of the hill", from Arabic أَبُو (ʾabū) meaning "father (of)" and تَلّ (tall) meaning "hill, foothill". Two notable bearers include father and daughter Safy (1950-) and Sofia (1982-) Boutella, an Algerian singer and an Algerian-French actress, respectively.

Bracco Italian
Either a nickname derived from Calabrian braccu meaning "small, chubby", or probably for someone thought to resemble a hunting dog, from Italian bracco literally meaning "hunting dog, bloodhound"... [more]

Branagh Irish
Anglicisation of Irish Ó Branduibh meaning "descendant of Breathnach", a given name meaning "Welshman". A famous bearer is British actor and filmmaker Sir Kenneth Branagh (1960-).

Brochtrup German
Possibly indicated someone who was from a farm called Brochtrup in the town of Lüdinghausen, in North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany. A famous bearer is American actor Bill Brochtrup (1963-).

Brosnan Irish
Anglicized form of Irish Gaelic Ó Brosnacháin meaning "descendant of Brosnachán", a given name derived from Brosna, a small village and parish in County Kerry, Ireland. A well-known bearer is the Irish actor Pierce Brosnan (1953-).

Burr English, Scottish, German
Nickname for a person who is difficult to shake off, derived from Middle English burr meaning "bur" (a seedhead that sticks to clothing). It could also be a derivation from Old English bur meaning "small dwelling, building", or a German topographic name derived from burre meaning "mound, hill"... [more]

Buttgereit German (East Prussian)
Variant of Butgereit. This name is borne by German film director and screenwriter Jörg Buttgereit (1963-).

Buttram English (American, Rare), English (British, Rare)
Possibly derived from the German cognate Bertram, from the Germanic elements beraht (meaning "bright"), and hrabn (meaning "raven")... [more]

Byam English
Probably means "person from Bytham", Lincolnshire ("homestead in a valley bottom"). Glen Byam Shaw (1904-1986) was a British theatre director.

Bynes Irish
This is the surname of American actress Amanda Bynes (born April 3, 1986).

Caan Scottish, German, Jewish
Altered spelling of Jewish Cohen, or probably denoted a person from the city of Aberdeen in Scotland. Famous bearers of this surname include American actor James Caan (1940-2022), as well as his son Scott Caan (1976-), also a noted actor.

Cagney Irish
Anglicized form of Irish Gaelic Ó Caingnigh meaning "descendant of Caingneach", a given name meaning "pleader, advocate". A famous bearer was American actor and dancer James Cagney (1899-1986).

Cardellini Italian
From a diminutive of Cardelli. A famous bearer of this surname is the American actress Linda Cardellini (1975-).

Cardinale Italian, Italian (Tuscan), French, English
Italian cognate of Cardinal, as well as an English and French variant. A known bearer is the Italian actress Claudia Cardinale (1938-).

Carradine English, German (Anglicized)
Variant spelling of Caradine. This name is borne by members of the Carradine family of actors, notably the American actor John Carradine (1906-1988).

Carrey Irish
Variant of Carey. A famous bearer is Canadian-American actor and comedian Jim Carrey (1962-).

Cavill English
Derived from Cavil, a place located in the East Riding of Yorkshire in northern England, named from Old English ca meaning "jackdaw" and feld meaning "open country". It is borne by the British actor Henry Cavill (1983-).

Cera Spanish, Italian, Catalan, Sicilian
Metonymic occupational name for a wax seller, derived from Latin cera meaning "wax". A famous bearer of this surname is Canadian actor and musician Michael Cera (1988-).

Chakiris Greek
Alternate transcription of Greek Τσακίρης (see Tsakiris). The American actor and dancer George Chakiris (1932-), who is best known for portraying the character Bernardo Vasquez in the movie West Side Story (1961), is a famous bearer of this name.

Chalamet French
Nickname for someone who played the reed or an occupational name for seller of torches, from a regional form of Old French chalemel meaning "reed" or "blowtorch". A notable bearer is American actor Timothée Chalamet (1995-).

Charisse French
Of unknown meaning. It was used as a given name in honour of American actress and dancer Cyd Charisse (1921-2008).

Chibana Japanese
千 (Chi) means "one thousand" and 花 (bana) is a variation of hana, meaning "blossom, flower".... [more]

Chigurh Literature, Popular Culture
Meaning unknown. It is intended to be "ethnically ambiguous", but one theory suggests that it may be derived from the Spanish verb seguir meaning "to follow, to continue". This name was invented by the American author Cormac McCarthy for the villain in his novel No Country for Old Men (2005)... [more]

Chihara Japanese
From Japanese 茅 (chi) meaning "thatch" or 千 (chi) meaning "thousand" combined with 原 (hara) meaning "field, plain". A notable bearer of this surname is Minori Chihara (茅原 実里), a Japanese voice-actress who is best known for voicing Yuki Nagato from the Haruhi Suzumiya series and Aya Natsume from Tenjō Tenge.

Chokalingam Indian, Tamil
Variant of Chockalingam. A famous bearer is American actress and comedienne Vera Mindy Chokalingam (1979-), who uses the stage name Mindy Kaling.

Cleese Scottish, Irish, English
Variant spelling of McCleese. A famous bearer is English actor and comedian John Cleese (1939-).

Clift English
Topographic name for someone who lived by a crevice in rock, derived from Middle English clift meaning "cleft". The American actor Montgomery Clift (1920-1966) was a famous bearer of this name.

Comer English
Occupational name for a maker or seller of combs, or to someone who used them to prepare wool or flax for spinning, derived from Middle English combere, an agent derivative of Old English camb meaning "comb"... [more]

Commander English
From Middle English comander "commander, leader, director", derived from Old French comandeor "military commander". This may have been either an occupational name or a nickname.

Considine Irish
Anglicisation of Irish Mac Consaidín meaning "son of Consaidín". The given name Consaidín is the Irish form of Constantine... [more]

Corbett English, Scottish, Welsh
Nickname from Norman French corbet meaning 'little crow, raven'. This surname is thought to have originated in Shropshire. The surname was taken by bearers to Scotland in the 12th Century, and to Northern Ireland in the 17th Century.... [more]

Courcel French
Variant of Courcelles.... [more]

Creangă Romanian, Moldovan
A Surname commonly used in Romania and Moldova.... [more]

Crudup German (Anglicized)
Probably an Americanised form of North German Gratop, a nickname for an old man, derived from Middle Low German gra meaning "gray" and top meaning "braid". Famous bearers of this name include the Americans Billy Crudup (1968-), an actor, and Arthur Crudup (1905-1974), a Delta blues singer, songwriter and guitarist.

Cruikshank Scottish
From a medieval Scottish nickname for someone with a crooked leg (from Scots cruik "bent" + shank "leg"). This was the surname of British caricaturist George Cruikshank (1792-1872) and British actor Andrew Cruikshank (1907-1988).

Culver English
Means "person who keeps or looks after doves", or from a medieval nickname for someone thought to resemble a dove (e.g. in mild disposition) (in either case from Middle English culver "dove")... [more]

Cushing English, French (Anglicized)
Altered form of Cousin, or an Americanized spelling of Cauchon. The English actor Peter Cushing (1913-1994) was a famous bearer of this name.

D'Abruzzo Italian
Variant of Abruzzo. It is the real surname of the American actor Alan Alda (1936-), who was born Alphonso Joseph D'Abruzzo.

Dan Romanian, English, Danish
Ethnic name in various European languages (including Danish and English) meaning ‘Dane’. ... [more]

Danza Italian
The shortened stage-surname, from Iadanza, of American actor Tony Danza.... [more]

Dapper Dutch
Nickname from dapper meaning ‘brave, gallant’ in Dutch. Famous bearers of this surname include the American actor and model Marco Dapper (1983-), and Dutch physician and writer Olfert Dapper (1636-1689).

Darabont Hungarian, Romanian
Occupational name meaning "guardsman" in Hungarian, ultimately derived from French brabançon. The American movie director Frank Darabont (1959-) is a famous bearer of this name.

Dearden English
Meant "person from Dearden", Lancashire ("valley frequented by wild animals"). It was borne by British film director Basil Dearden (original name Basil Dear; 1911-1971).

De Curtis Italian
Originally denoting someone who was short, or came from a family of short people. A famous bearer of this surname is Italian actor Antonio "Totò" De Curtis (1898–1967).

De La Reguera Spanish
Means "of the ditch" in Spanish, from Spanish reguera "ditch, irrigation ditch". Ana de la Reguera (1977-) is a Mexican actress known for her role as Sister Encarnación in the 2006 comedy film Nacho Libre.

Delevingne French, English
Means "of the vine" in French. It is the surname of Poppy Delevingne and Cara Delevingne, both English actresses and models; it is also the surname of French-born photojournalist Lionel Delevingne

De Martino Italian
Means "Son of Martino". A famous bearer is actor Stefano De Martino.

Denham English
From the name of various places in England, most of which meant "farm in the valley" (from Old English denu "valley" + ham "homestead"). Notable bearers of the surname included John Denham (1615-1669), an English poet; British Labour politician John Denham (1953-); and British actor Maurice Denham (1909-2002).

Dennehy Irish
Anglicized form of Irish Gaelic Ó Duineachdha meaning "descendant of Duineachaidh", a given name meaning "humane". A famous bearer was American actor Brian Dennehy (1938-2020).

Dennings English, Irish, German
Variant spelling of Denning. A famous bearer is American actress Kat Dennings (1986-).

Depardieu French
Means "of by God", derived from French pardieu meaning "by God", originally a nickname for someone who blasphemously uttered the name of God. It could also indicate a person who came from various places in France called Part-Dieu or Pardieu, for example the Lyon-Part-Dieu Business District in the city of Lyon... [more]

Depp German
Derived from Germanic depp which is a nickname for a joker (person who plays jokes on others). A notable bearer is Johnny Depp, an American actor.

Deschanel French
Derived from French eschamel meaning "stepladder" or des chanels meaning "from the channels, from the little jugs". An occupational nickname for a trader, it supposedly originated in the Ain department in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region of France... [more]

Dinklage German
Occupational name for a grain farmer or grain merchant, derived from an agent derivative of Middle High German dinkel meaning "spelt" (a variety of wheat). It could also be derived from Dinkelsbühl, a historic town in the state of Bavaria (formerly in central Franconia), or Dinklage, a town in the Vechta district, in Lower Saxony, Germany... [more]

Director English

Duchovny Russian, Ukrainian, Jewish
Russian and Ukrainian cognate of Duchowny. It is borne by the American actor David Duchovny (1960-).

Dukakis Greek
Alternate transcription of Greek Δουκάκης (see Doukakis). This name is borne by the American lawyer and politician Michael Dukakis (1933-), who served as Governor of Massachusetts twice... [more]

Dullea Irish
Variant of Dunleavy. A well-known bearer is American actor Keir Dullea (1936-).

Dulquer Arabic
The name is derived from the Arabic word "Dhul-Qarnayn". Actor Dulquer Salmaan says it means Warrior. but another meaning is "Expressive, Diplomatic"

Dunaway English
Originally indicated someone who came from the village and civil parish of Dunwich in Suffolk, England, derived from Old English dun meaning "hill" (or possibly dune meaning "valley") and weg meaning "way"... [more]

Eastwood English
Either a habitational name from any of various places called Eastwood such as in Keighley, Rotherham or Todmorden (all Yorkshire) or Eastwood in Nottinghamshire... [more]

Ejiofor Western African, Igbo
Means "one who acts in good faith" in Igbo. A famous bearer is British actor Chiwetel Ejiofor (1977-).

Ekland Swedish (Rare)
Combination of Swedish ek "oak" and land "land". A famous bearer is Swedish actress Britt Ekland (b. 1942), but in her case, the name is a variant of Eklund.

Emoto Japanese
From 柄 (e) meaning "pattern, hilt, stalk", 恵 (e) meaning "blessing", or 江 (e) meaning "inlet bay" combined with 本 (moto) meaning "origin, root".... [more]

Farkash Hebrew
Hebrew transcription of Farkas, famous bearer is Israeli singer and actress Amit Farkash (or Farkas)

Fassbinder German
Derived from German Fass "barrel, keg, cask" and binder "girder, tie", denoting a barrel maker. Rainer Werner Fassbinder (1945-1982) was a German filmmaker, dramatist and actor, considered as one of the major figures and catalysts of the New German Cinema movement.

Fegley English
A notable bearer is Oakes Fegley, an actor.

Feldstein German, Jewish
Ornamental name meaning "field stone" in German. A famous bearer is American actor and filmmaker Jonah Hill (1983-), born Jonah Hill Feldstein. Another famous bearer is Hill's sister, actress Beanie Feldstein (1993-).

Ferrigno Italian
Derived from the Italian adjective ferrigno meaning "made of or resembling iron" (a derivative of Latin ferrum meaning "iron"), applied as a nickname to someone who was very strong or thought to resemble the metal in some other way... [more]

Fightmaster German (Americanized)
Americanized form of Fechtmeister. Emmett Rogers Fightmaster (1992-), known professionally as E. R. Fightmaster, is an American non-binary actor, producer and writer.

Finklea English
Variant form of Finkley. A famous bearer was the American actress and dancer Cyd Charisse (1922-2008), whose birth name was Tula Ellice Finklea.

Fishburne English
Derived from the villages of Fishbourne in West Sussex and the Isle of Wight, or the village and civil parish of Fishburn in County Durham, England, all named from Old English fisc meaning "fish" and burna meaning "stream"... [more]

Fleck English
Meaning unknown. It is used in the 2019 movie Joker as the real name of the titular character played by actor Joaquin Phoenix.

Galifianakis Greek
Patronymic derived from Galifa, a small village near the former municipality of Episkopi in the regional unit of Heraklion, in Crete, Greece. The place name itself is possibly derived from Greek γαλίφης (galífis) meaning "flatterer", a cognate of Italian gaglioffo... [more]

Gambon English, Irish
Derived from Anglo-Norman French gambon meaning "ham", itself derived from a Norman-Picard form of Old French jambe meaning "leg". A famous bearer is the Irish-English actor Sir Michael Gambon (1940-).

Gandolfini Italian
Means "son of Gandolfo", which is derived from the Germanic name Gandolf... [more]

Garson Scottish, French, English, German (Anglicized), Spanish, Jewish
Variant of Scottish Carson and Corston, French Garçon, Spanish-Jewish Garzon and English Garston, or an Americanised form of German Gerson... [more]

Gayheart German (Anglicized), French (Anglicized)
Americanised form of German Gerhardt or possibly French Jolicoeur. A famous bearer is American actress Rebecca Gayheart (1971-).

Gere English
Variant of Geer, Gehr or Geary, all related to the Old High German element gēr (Old English gār, Old Norse geirr) meaning "spear, arrow". A famous bearer is American actor Richard Gere (b... [more]

Gerwig German, French
Derived from the Germanic given name Gerwig, ultimately from the elements gēr meaning "spear" and wīg meaning "battle, fight". This surname is also found in France (mainly in the region of Alsace)... [more]

Gesshel Jewish
Possibly derived from Heshel, a Yiddish diminutive of the given name Yehoshua... [more]

Gingold Jewish
An invented Jewish name, from Yiddish, literally "fine gold". Hermione Gingold (1897-1987) was a British actress.

Gish German
From a shortened form of the Germanic personal name Gisulf, literally "hostage wolf". It was borne by American actress Lillian Gish (?1893-1993), original name Lillian de Guiche.

Gottfried German, Jewish
Derived from the given name Gottfried. A famous bearer was the American comedian and actor Gilbert Gottfried (1955-2022).

Grable German
Means "digger of ditches or graves" (from a derivative of Middle High German graben "ditch"). A famous bearer was US actress, dancer and singer Betty Grable (1916-1973).

Grammer German, English
Variant of Krämer or a habitational name for someone possibly from German places called Gram or Grammen. It can also be an English occupational name for a scholar or an astrologer, derived from Old French gramaire meaning "grammarian, scholar, astrologer"... [more]

Greengrass English
Notable bearers include film director Paul Greengrass and baseball player Jim Greengrass.

Greyeyes Indigenous American
A notable bearer is the Canadian actor Michael Greyeyes.

Grobglas Jewish
Perhaps an ornamental name derived from Yiddish גראָב (grob) meaning "crude, coarse, rough" and גלאז (glaz) meaning "glass". Israeli actress Yael Grobglas (1984-) bears this surname.

Guajardo Spanish
Spanish: unexplained. Perhaps a habitational name from a place so named in Estremadura. This name is common in Argentina, Chile, and Mexico. ... [more]

Guitry French
Derived from the given name Witeric. A famous bearer of this name was Sacha Guitry (1885-1957), a French actor, playwright, screenwriter and director.

Gurira Southern African, Shona
From the Ndau word gurira meaning "to break or cut for someone, cut short, take shortcut". The American-Zimbabwean actress and playwright Danai Gurira (1978-) is a famous bearer of this name.

Hampshire English
Originally indicated a person from the county of Hampshire in England (recorded in the Domesday Book as Hantescire), derived from Old English ham meaning "water meadow, enclosure" and scir meaning "shire, district"... [more]

Han Japanese
Notable bearers are Megumi and Keiko Han, actresses.

Han Japanese
From Japanese 潘 (ban), of uncertain meaning. Notable bearers of this surname are Megumi and Keiko Han, actresses.

Harareet Hebrew
Topographic name derived from Hebrew הֲרָרִית (hararit) meaning "mountainous". A famous bearer was Israeli actress Haya Harareet (1931-2021; birth name Haya Neuberg), who had a prominent role in the movie Ben-Hur (1959).

Hargitay Hungarian
Denoted one from Hargita, a historical region of Hungary now known as Harghita County in eastern Transylvania, Romania. A famous bearer was Hungarian-American actor and bodybuilder Mickey Hargitay (1926-2006), as well as his daughter, actress Mariska Hargitay (1964-)... [more]

Harington English
Variant spelling of Harrington. A famous bearer is English actor Kit Harington (1986-).

Hershlag Jewish, Yiddish
This is the original surname of Israeli-born American actress Natalie Portman (1981-), birth name Neta-Lee Hershlag.

Heston English, Irish
Derived from Heston, a suburban area in West London (historically in Middlesex), or Histon, a village and civil parish in Cambridgeshire, England. It is either named with Old English hǣs meaning "brushwood" and tūn meaning "farmstead, settlement, estate", or from hyse "shoot, tendril, son, youth" and tūn... [more]

Hofstadter Jewish
Derived from the German towns of Hofstetten, Franconia and Hofstaedt, Pomerania. In German, the suffix -er means "from".... [more]

Horvitz English (American)
Surname of Richard Steven Horvitz, a voice actor in Angry Beavers, The Grim Adventures of Billy & Mandy, and Invader Zim.

Houseman English
Referred to a man who lived or worked in a house, as opposed to a smaller hut (see House). Famous bearers of this name include Romanian-British-American actor John Houseman (1902-1988; real name Jacques Haussmann), Argentine soccer player René Houseman (1953-2018) and Canadian actor Tyson Houseman (1990-).

Hunnam English
Variant form of Hannam. A famous bearer is the English actor and screenwriter Charlie Hunnam (1980-).

Iadanza Italian
Of Italian origin, and a (currently) unknown meaning.... [more]

Ichihara Japanese
This surname combines 一 (ichi, itsu, hito-, hito.tsu) meaning "one" or 市 (shi, ichi) meaning "city, market, town" with 原 (gen, hara) meaning "field, meadow, original, plain, prairie, primitive, tundra, wilderness".... [more]

Ieiri Japanese (Rare)
家 (Ie) means "building, residency, family, dwelling, home, habitation", and 入 (iri) means "enter, input". ... [more]

Ifans Welsh
Derived from Welsh ap Ifan meaning "son of Ifan". A famous bearer is Welsh actor and musician Rhys Ifans (1967-), born Rhys Owain Evans.

Imanara Japanese
Ima means "now, present" and nara beans "oak".... [more]

Imperioli Italian
Variant spelling of Imperiale. A famous bearer is American actor Michael Imperioli (1966-).

Inaudi Italian
Francesca Inaudi is an Italian actress.... [more]

Ingoglia Italian
Means "belonging to the family of Goglia" in Italian, derived from the prefix in- meaning "belonging to the family of" combined with the name Goglia... [more]

Ives English
Means "son of Ive", a medieval male personal name, brought into England by the Normans but ultimately of Germanic origin, a shortened form of any of a range of compound names beginning with īv "yew" (cf... [more]

Janney English
Derived from a diminutive of the Medieval English given name Jan 3. A famous bearer is American actress Allison Janney (1959-).

Jingūji Japanese
formed with 神 (Shin, Jin, Kami, Kan, Kou) meaning "God" and 宮 (Kyuu, Guu, Ku, Kuu, Miya) meaning "Palace". and 司 (Shi, Ji) meaning "Director". Which means the surname could possible come out as “God’s Palace of the Director”

Kaji Japanese
Japanese surname meaning "wind". This is the last name of famous Japanese voice actor from Tokyo Japan, Yūki Kaji.

Kakihara Japanese
From Japanese 柿 (kaki) meaning "persimmon" and 原 (hara) meaning "field, plain". A notable bearer of this surname is voice actor Tetsuya Kakihara (柿原 徹也, 1982–).

Katzin Jewish
Jewish: nickname from Hebrew katsin ‘rich man’. ... [more]

Kayano Japanese (Rare), Brazilian
Kaya means "yew tree",and No means "field,meadow,wilderness".People with this last name are Kayano Gonbei (a samurai),Ai Kayano(a voice actress of MANY characters /more than 30),and Shigeru Kayano(an Ainu politician who lived well up to 2006)... [more]

Khamlichi Moroccan
Meaning unknown. A famous bearer is actress Asmaa Khamlichi.

Khrzhanovskiy Russian, Jewish
Russian form of Chrzanowski. Khrzhanovskiy was the last name of Andrey and Ilya Khrzhanovskiy, both Soviet film directors. Ilya has made most of his career in the Russian Federation.

Kiyoko Japanese
Surname of American-Japanese singer, songwriter, actress, dancer, and director Hayley Kiyoko.

Königsberg Jewish
Associated with the Polish/Prussian/German/Russian town Königsberg, now called Kaliningrad. This surname was borne by the parents of American actor, writer, teacher, and director Walter Koenig (1936-) before they emigrated to the United States.

Kore-eda Japanese (Rare)
Derived from the medieval given name Kore-Eda(是枝) means 'correct branch'. Hirokazu Kore-Eda is a famous movie director.

Kosugi Japanese
Ko means "small" and sugi means "cedar". ... [more]

Kotobuki Japanese
This surname is used as 寿 (shuu, ju, su, kotobuki, kotobu.ku) meaning "congratulations, longevity, one's natural life."... [more]

Kubrick Jewish, Polish
Derived from Polish kubryk "ship's forecastle". Stanley Kubrick (1928-1999) was an American film director, screenwriter, producer, and photographer, widely considered as the greatest filmmaker of all time.

Kugimiya Japanese
This surname is used as 釘宮 with 釘 (chou, tei, kugi) meaning "nail, peg, tack" and 宮 (kyuu, ku, kuu, guu, miya) meaning "constellations, palace, princess, Shinto shrine."... [more]

Kunis Jewish
Metronymic form of Kune. This surname is most famous for its association with the American actress named Mila Kunis.

Kurizuka Japanese
A variant of Kuritsuka.... [more]

Kurylenko Ukrainian
Possibly an alternate transcription of Ukrainian Кириле́нко (see Kyrylenko). A famous bearer is Ukrainian-French actress and model Olga Kurylenko (1979-).

Kusanagi Japanese
From Japanese 草 (kusa) meaning "grass" and 彅 (nagi) meaning "cutter". A notable bearer of this surname is actor Tsuyoshi Kusanagi (草彅 剛, Kusanagi Tsuyoshi, 1974–).

Kutcher Czech (Anglicized)
Anglicized form of Kučer or Kučera. Notable actor Ashton Kutcher is of Czech origin.

Kuwatani Japanese
From Japanese 桑 (kuwa) meaning "mulberry" combined with 谷 (tani) meaning "valley". A notable bearer of this surname is Natsuko Kuwatani (桑谷 夏子), a Japanese voice-actress who is best known for voicing Ryōko Asakura from the Haruhi Suzumiya series and Alph from Magical Girl Lyrical Nanoha.

Labeouf French (Cajun)
Meaning unknown. A famous bearer is American actor Shia LaBeouf (1986-present).

Lemmon English, Irish, Scottish
Variant spelling of Lemon. A famous bearer was the American actor Jack Lemmon (1925-2001).

Linzmeyer German, Portuguese (Brazilian)
Means "bailiff of Linz, Austria" in German, derived from Proto-Celtic *lentos (“bend”) and Middle High German meier meaning "bailiff, administrator", derived from Latin maior meaning "greater".... [more]

Liotta Italian
Variant form of Leotta. A famous bearer was American actor Ray Liotta (1954-2022).

Liserani Italian
A famous bearer is Italian-born American actor Gino Corrado Liserani (1893 - 1982), who went by Gino Corrado on film

Lishoy Malayalam, Indian (Christian)
Uncommon Malayalam surname, used mostly by St Thomas Christians. The surname of a certain Malayalam actress.

Liška Czech
Liška means "fox" in Czech. A famous bearer is actor Pavel Liška.

Lombard French, English, South African
French and English cognate of Lombardi, or derived from the given name Lambert. A famous bearer of this name was the American actress Carole Lombard (1908-1942), born Jane Alice Peters.

Lovitz Jewish
From the Polish name of Łowicz, a town in central Poland. Its name is derived from Polish lowisko meaning "fishing, hunting". A well-known bearer is American comedian and actor Jon Lovitz (1957-).

Lumley English
A name held by the British actress, Joanna Lumley.

MacDowell Scottish, Irish
Variant of McDowell. A famous bearer is American actress Andie MacDowell (1958-). Another was the American composer and pianist Edward MacDowell (1860-1908).

MacFadyen Scottish, Irish
Variant of Mcfadden. Famous bearers include English actor Matthew Macfadyen (1974-) and Scottish actor Angus Macfadyen (1963-).

MacLaine Scottish
Variant form of McLean. A well-known bearer is American actress, singer and former dancer Shirley MacLaine (1934-).

Managniello Italian
The name likely comes from the Italian word mangano, meaning "mangle" or "machine for pressing," referring to tools used in fabric and textile production, which were common in medieval Italy. The suffix "-ello" is a diminutive, which could imply that the name originally referred to a person who worked with or operated one of these machines, such as a cloth presser or laundry worker... [more]

Manaka Japanese
This surname combines 真 (shin, ma, ma-, makoto) meaning "Buddhist sect, reality, true" or 間 (kan, ken, ai, aida, ma) meaning "interval, space" with 中 (chuu, ata.ru, uchi, naka) meaning "centre, in(side), mean, middle" or 仲 (chuu, naka) meaning "go-between, relationship."... [more]

Mankiewicz Polish, Jewish
From the given name Maniek, a diminutive of Marian 2 or sometimes Mariusz, or Mańka, a diminutive of Emanuel... [more]

Mastrantonio Italian
From the Italian title mastro meaning "master craftsman", combined with the given name Antonio. A famous bearer is American actress and singer Mary Elizabeth Mastrantonio (1958-).

Matsukaze Japanese
From Japanese 松 (matsu) meaning "pine" and 風 (kaze) meaning "wind". A notable bearer of this surname is Japanese actor Masaya Matsukaze (松風 雅也).

Matsuyuki Japanese
Matsu (松) means "pine" and yuki (雪) means "snow". ... [more]

Matthau German
Derived from the given name Matthias. This name was borne by the American actor Walter Matthau (1920-2000).

M'bala Central African
Derived from the given name Mbala. This surname is borne by French comedian, actor and political activist Dieudonné M'bala M'bala (1966-).

McCarey Irish
Variant of Carey. A famous bearer of this name was the American movie director Leo McCarey (1898-1969).

Mcconaughey Irish
From actor Matthew McConaughey (1969-)

McDormand Irish
Possibly a variant of McDermott. A famous bearer is American actress Frances McDormand (1957-), born Cynthia Ann Smith.

Meester Dutch, Flemish, German
Occupational name for a teacher, lecturer or a master craftsman, or a nickname for someone who had a bossy demeanor, derived from Dutch meester meaning "master". A famous bearer of this surname is the American actress, singer and model Leighton Meester (1986-).

Mercure French (Quebec), Mauritian Creole, Haitian Creole
From the given name Mercure, making it a cognate of Mercurio. A known bearer was Canadian actress Monique Mercure (1930-2020).

Messing German, Jewish
Derived from Middle High German messinc meaning "brass", referring to a person who makes or repairs brass objects. A famous bearer is American actress Debra Messing (1968-).

Mewborn English
Rare English name. The only place I have found it in the phone directory (other than several small towns in eastern North Carolina) is in Northumberland, UK. The word mew has to do with stables, and of course born is an English word.

Midler English
Nickname for a person who causes trouble or meddles in the affairs of others, derived from Middle English medeler meaning "meddler, troublemaker, one who interferes". This name is borne by the American singer, actress and comedienne Bette Midler (1945-).

Montalbán Spanish
Habitational name from Montalbán de Córdoba from Latin montem albanum "white mountain", derived from the elements mons "mountain" and albus "white"... [more]

Monteith Scottish
From the name of the district of Menteith in south Perthshire, Scotland, derived from Gaelic monadh meaning "hill pasture" combined with the Scottish river name Teith. A famous bearer was the Canadian actor and musician Cory Monteith (1982-2013), who played Finn Hudson on the American television series Glee (2009-2015).

Moodysson Swedish (Modern, Rare)
Means "son of Moody". A notable bearer is Swedish director Lukas Moodysson (b. 1969).

Mull Scottish
Scottish, Irish, or English: Probably comes from the Scots language, as the Scots word for "headland" or comes from the geographical term, which is an Anglicization of the Gaelic Maol, a term for a rounded hill, summit, or mountain bare of trees... [more]

Mutsumi Japanese (Rare)
Mutsumi means "order".... [more]

Nalis Croatian (Rare)
Meaning unknown. A famous bearer of this surname is Antun Nalis, aka Tonči Nalis, a post-World War 2 actor in Croatian and Yugoslav cinema in the 1950s and 1960s.

Nanjiani Pakistani
A notable bearer is comedian, actor, and screenwriter Kumail Nanjiani (b. 1978).

Naslen m Arabic
Naslen is an Arabic male name. It came from India. this means "good", "really", "heart". A notable bearer is the Indian actor Naslen born in (2000)

Neeson Irish (Anglicized)
Reduced Anglicized form of Gaelic Mac Naois "son of Naois", usually Anglicized as Mcneese. Surname made famous by the actor Liam Neeson.

Nicodemou Greek (Cypriot)
Variant transcription of Νικοδήμου (see Nikodimou), a patronymic from the genitive form of Nikodimos... [more]

Noe Medieval English, Korean
A patronymic form of the biblical male given name Noah from the Hebrew word "noach" meaning long-lived. Possible origins could be ... [more]

Nolte German
From a short form of various medieval given names derived from Germanic given names ending with -n and wald meaning "rule", for example Arnold and Reinwald... [more]

Novello Italian
From the nickname and personal name Novello, from Italian meaning 'new, young'. A famous bearer of this name is Welsh actor and musician Ivor Novello (1893-1951).

Obara Japanese
It's written like : 小 (O meaning small) and Bara meaning "Plain". Masakazu Obara's last name is pronounced like this. He is an anime director, he worked on Accel World.

Okhlobystin m Russian
It is the last name of Ivan Okhlobystin, a Russian actor.

Olin Swedish
Combination of the unexplained element o-/oh- and the common surname suffix -lin. A notable bearer is Swedish actress Lena Olin (b. 1955).

Olyphant English, Scottish
Variant of Oliphant. A famous bearer is American actor Timothy Olyphant (1968-).

Oyelowo English (African, Rare)
surname born by British actor David Oyelowo (1976-)

Ozu Japanese (Rare)
In this surname O can mean "small" and zu means "harbor". ... [more]

Pacino Italian
Diminutive form of Pace. The American actor Al Pacino (1940-) is a well-known bearer of this surname.

Padukone Indian, Kannada (Rare), Konkani (Rare)
From the name of ಕುಂದಾಪುರ (Kundapur), a coastal town in the state of Karnataka in India. This is the surname of Deepika Padukone (1986–), an Indian actress.

Paltrow Polish (Anglicized), Jewish
Anglicized form of Paltrowicz. A famous bearer is American actress Gwyneth Paltrow (1972-).

Patrushev Russian
Patronymic derived from a Russian diminutive of Patricius. This is borne by Russian political and security figure Nikolai Patrushev (1951-), former director of the Russian Federal Security Service (FSB).

Paz Hebrew (Rare)
From the given name Paz 2, means "gold" in Hebrew. ... [more]

Peele English
This surname was given topographically to a person who resided near a physical feature such as a hill, stream, church, or type of tree. A famous bearer of this surname is actor, comedian, writer, producer, and director Jordan Peele.

Penhaligon Cornish
Originally meant "person from Penhaligon", Cornwall ("willow-tree hill"). It is borne by Susan Penhaligon (1950-), a British actress.

Penry Welsh, Cornish, English
Derived from Welsh ap Henry meaning "son of Henry". It is also a variant of Pendray, which is derived from a place name in Cornwall meaning "top of the village" in Middle Cornish... [more]

Perske Belarusian, Lithuanian, Jewish
Variant form of Persky. This was the real surname of American actress Lauren Bacall (1924-2014), who was born Betty Joan Perske.

Pettyfer English
Variant spelling of Pettifer. The British actor and model Alex Pettyfer (1990-) is a famous bearer of this surname.

Plemons English, Irish, German
Variant form of Plemmons. A famous bearer is American actor Jesse Plemons (1988-).

Poitier French
Evidently an altered spelling of Pothier. A famous bearer of this surname was the Bahamian-American actor Sidney Poitier (1927-2022).

Portman German (Americanized), Dutch
Americanized form of German Portmann, as well as a Dutch variant of Poortman (and in some cases an Americanized form)... [more]

Posey English, French
Derived from the Greek word "desposyni." The Desposyni is a term referring to a group of people that are allegedly direct blood relatives to Jesus. They are mentioned in Mark 3:21 and Mark 3:31. American actress Parker Posey is a famous bearer.

Prepon Jewish
This is the surname of American actress Laura Prepon (born March 7, 1980).

Prowse English
Nickname for a person who was proud, haughty, brave or valiant, derived from Old French prous, prou, preux, proz and prouz meaning "proud, brave, valiant". A famous bearer was David Prowse (1935-2020), an English bodybuilder, weightlifter and character actor who portrayed the villain Darth Vader in the Star Wars movies.

Quartermain English
From a medieval nickname for a very dextrous person, or for someone who habitually wore gloves (from Old French quatremains, literally "four hands"). A fictional bearer of the surname is Allan Quartermain, the hero of 'King Solomon's Mines' (1886) and other adventure novels by H. Rider Haggard... [more]

Quartermaine English
Variant of Quartermain. This surname was borne by British actor Leon Quartermaine (1876-1967).

Questel French, Medieval French (?)
The surname Questel was first found in Normandy. Currently, Questel is the most commonly occurring last name in Saint-Barthélemy, a French island in the Caribbean Sea.... [more]

Rampling English
Originally indicated a person who lived in a thickly wooded area, derived from Latin ramus meaning "branch" (see Ramos). Famous bearers include English actress Charlotte Rampling (1946-) and her father, athlete and British Army officer Godfrey Rampling (1909-2009).

Rapace Swedish (Modern, Rare)
From French and Italian rapace meaning "predatory, bird of prey, raptor". A notable bearer is Swedish actress Noomi Rapace.

Reaser German (Anglicized)
Americanized form of Rieser. A famous bearer is American actress Elizabeth Reaser (1975-).

Rector English
Status name for the director of an institution, in particular the head of a religious house or a college. Also an anglicized form of Richter.

Redden English
Location name meaning "clearing or cleared woodland." Communities called Redden include one in Roxburghshire, Scotland and another in Somerset, England. A notable bearer is actor Billy Redden who played the dueling banjoist Lonnie in the 1972 film 'Deliverance.'

Redford English
Variant of Radford. A famous bearer is American actor Robert Redford (1936-).

Redgrave English
From the name of a village and civil parish in Suffolk, England, derived from Old English hrēod meaning "reed" or rēad "red", and græf meaning "pit, ditch" or grāf "grove"... [more]

Redmayne English, Irish
Derived from Redmain, a small hamlet in Cumbria, England. It is named with Old English rēad meaning "red" and Welsh main meaning "rock, stone". The name could also be derived from the given name Réamonn, which is an Irish form of Raymond... [more]

Refaeli Hebrew
Variant of Rafaeli. The Israeli model and actress Bar Refaeli (1985-) is a famous bearer of this name.

Remini Italian
Famous bearer: Actress and Scientology critic Leah Remini.

Reubens Jewish, English
Derived from the given name Reuben. This surname was borne by American comedian and actor Paul Reubens (1952-2023; birth name Paul Rubenfeld), who created and played the comic fictional character Pee-wee Herman.

Rimes English
Originally denoted one who came from the city of Reims in the Grand Est region of France, or a topographic name for someone who lived in a thickly wooded area, derived from Old French ramel (a diminutive of raim) meaning "branch", ultimately from Latin ramus... [more]

Riseborough English
Denoted a person hailing from any of the various places called Risborough, Riseborough or Risbury in England, derived from Old English hrīs meaning "brushwood" and beorg meaning "hill, mound", or from hrīs and burh meaning "fortification"... [more]

Ritchard English
Variant spelling of Richard that was altered by the diminutive Ritchie. Or possibly from a surname derived from Richard... [more]

Robards English
Altered form of Roberts. A famous bearer was American actor Jason Robards (1922-2000), as well as his father Jason Robards Sr. (1892-1963) and son Sam Robards (1961-), also noted actors.

Routh English
From the village and civil parish of Routh in the East Riding of Yorkshire, England (recorded in the Domesday book as Rutha). The place name may derive from Old Norse hrúedhr meaning "rough shaly ground"... [more]

Roxburgh Scottish
From Roxburgh, a village near the market town of Kelso in the Scottish Borders area in Scotland, derived from the Old English byname Hroc meaning "rook" and burh meaning "fortified place"... [more]

Ruffalo Italian
Variant spelling of Ruffolo. A famous bearer is American actor Mark Ruffalo (1967-).

Ryūzaki Japanese
From Japanese 竜, 龍 (ryū) meaning "dragon" and 崎 (saki) meaning "cape, peninsula". One bearer of this surname was actor Katsu Ryūzaki (竜崎 勝, 1940–1984), born Fumiaki Takashima (高島 史旭).

Sackhoff German
Occupational name for a farmer who cultivated land to grow plants, particularly crops, derived from Middle High German sack meaning "sack, end of a valley, area of cultivation" and hof meaning "farmstead, manor, farm"... [more]

Saeki Japanese
This surname is used as 佐伯, 三枝木 or 佐柄木 with 佐 (sa) meaning "assistant, help", 伯 (haku, eki) meaning "chief, count, earl, uncle, Brazil", 三 (san, zou, mi, mi'.tsu, mi.tsu) meaning "three", 枝 (shi, eda, e) meaning "bough, branch, twig, limb", 柄 (hei, gara, e, tsuka) meaning "design, pattern, build, nature, character, handle, crank, grip, knob, shaft" and 木 (boku, moku, ki, ko-) meaning "tree, wood."... [more]

Sahib Arabic
It means "Owner." A notable bearer is the actor Alejandro Sahib.

Sakon Japanese
A notable bearer is the actor Peter Sakon Lee.

Schilling German, Dutch, Jewish
Means "shilling (coin)", possibly a nickname for a serf who had paid his rent or fee to his lord for his freedom. It could also be a habitational name derived from Schillingen, a municipality in Rhineland-Palatinate, Germany... [more]

Scorsese Italian
From a nickname that indicated a person who came from Scotland, derived from Italian scozzese literally meaning "Scotsman, Scottish". This spelling arose from a transcription error of the surname Scozzese... [more]

Sebald Literature
In 'A Series Of Unfortunate Events', Gustav Sebald was a film director who hid secret codes in his movies, a member of V.F.D., and the likely creator of the Sebald Code.

Sedaris Greek
David Sedaris, author of Calypso and others, and Amy Sedaris, actress and comedienne, are two well-known siblings with the surname.

Sela Hebrew
Means "rock" in Hebrew. In the Old Testament this is the name of a city, the capital of Edom. Famous bearer is the Israeli model, actress and television presenter Rotem Sela (born 1983)

Seydoux French, French (Swiss), Occitan
Derived from the Germanic names Sedulius, Sedulfus or Segedolfus. Another theory suggests Occitan roots; it might be an occupational name for someone who worked with silk, derived from Occitan sedós meaning "silky, soft"... [more]

Seyfried German
Derived from the given name Siegfried. The American actress Amanda Seyfried (1985-) is a well-known bearer of this name.

Shatner German (Anglicized), Jewish (Anglicized)
Anglicized form of Schattner. A notable bearer was Canadian actor William Shatner (1931-), who is known for his roles as Captain James T. Kirk in 'Star Trek', T.J. Hooker in 'T.J. Hooker', Denny Crane in 'Boston Legal', and the Priceline Negotiator in Priceline.com commercials.

Sheen English
Meaning unknown, though possibly a variant of Sean. A famous bearer of the surname is actor Charlie Sheen.

Shoji Japanese
From the Japanese 庄 (sho) "level" and 司 (shi or ji) "director," "official."

Shue German (Anglicized), Jewish (Anglicized)
Americanized form of Schuh or Schue. A famous bearer of this name is the American actress Elisabeth Shue (1963-).

Shyamalan Indian (Rare), Malayalam (Rare)
Derived from the given name Shyamal or Shyama. This is the surname of Manoj "M... [more]

Sinise English
The meaning of this surname is unknown. A notable bearer is American actor, Gary Sinise.

Sjöman Swedish
Means "seaman, sailor" in Swedish, although this name is more likely to be an ornamental name composed of Swedish sjö "lake, sea" and man "man". A notable bearer is film director Vilgot Sjöman (1924-2006).

Skarsgård Swedish (Rare)
Allegedly a habitational name derived from Skärlöv, a village located on the island of Öland, Kalmar County, Sweden. The name of the village is said to mean "Skare's farm" (Skares gård in Swedish)... [more]

Smulders Dutch
Occupational name derived from Dutch des mulders meaning "son of the miller". A famous bearer is Canadian-American actress Cobie Smulders (1982-).

Snipes English
Variant spelling of or a patronymic from Snipe. A famous bearer is American actor Wesley Snipes (1962-).

Somai Japanese
A notable bearer is Shinji Somai (1948-2001). He was a film director.

Sonozaki Japanese
From Japanese 園 (sono) meaning "garden" combined with 崎 (zaki) meaning "cape, peninsula". A notable bearer of this surname is Mie Sonozaki, a Japanese voice-actress who is best known for being the Japanese dubbing voice of Hayley Atwell, Anne Hathaway, Kirsten Dunst, and Elisha Cuthbert.

Spacek Polish
This is the surname of American actress Sissy Spacek (born December 25, 1949).

Spader German
Occupational name for a spade maker or for someone who used a spade in his work, derived from Middle High or Middle Low German spade. A notable bearer is American actor James Spader (1960-).

Spelling English, Irish, Jewish
Occupational name for a scholar, speaker or a story teller, derived from Middle English spellan meaning "to tell or relate". It could also be a variant of Irish Spillane or Jewish Spellman... [more]

Spielberg Jewish, German
From Old High German spiegel "lookout point" or German Spiel "game, play" and berg "mountain". Locational surname after a town in Austria. A famous bearer is American director Steven Spielberg (1946-present).

Squibb English
Nickname for an irascible, unpredictable or petty person, derived from Middle English squibbe meaning "firework, firecracker". A famous bearer is the American actress June Squibb (1929-).

Stanwyck English
Variant spelling of Stanwick. This name was borne by the American actress, model and dancer Barbara Stanwyck (1907-1990).

Strathairn Scottish
From Strathearn, the name of a large valley of the River Earn in Scotland, derived from Gaelic srath meaning "river valley, grassland" combined with the river's name. A famous bearer is American actor David Strathairn (1949-).

Streisand German, Jewish
Possibly an ornamental name, literally meaning "scattersand" in German. This surname is borne by the American singer and actress Barbra Streisand (1942-).

Struycken Dutch
Variant of Struijk, notably borne by the Dutch actor Carel Struycken (1948-).

Suetsune Japanese
A notable bearer is the actress Sachiko Chijimatsu (1937-), who was born Sachiko Suetsune.

Suwabe Japanese
A notable bearer is Junichi Suwabe, a singer and voice actor.

Swank German (Anglicized)
Americanized form of Schwank or Schwenk. It is borne by the American actress Hilary Swank (1974-).

Swayze German (Anglicized)
Anglicized form of Schweitzer. A famous bearer was American actor and singer Patrick Swayze (1952-2009).

Takagiri Japanese
高 (Taka) means "high, tall, expensive" and giri is a variant of 桐 (Kiri) meaning "foxglove, paulownia tree".... [more]

Takahata Japanese
高 (Taka) means "expensive, tall, high" and 畑 (hata) means "field, farmland".... [more]