Chances are your surname appears on this list, or you know someone whose does. These are the most common family names from Ireland, Scotland, and England — and each one carries a coat of arms with a story behind it.
The Most Common Irish Surnames
Ireland’s surnames are almost entirely Gaelic in origin, with a smaller Norman-Irish layer on top. The O’ and Mac/Mc prefixes tell you immediately that a name is Irish.
- Murphy (O’Murchadha): Ireland’s most common surname. Meaning “sea warrior.” Arms typically feature a lion on a quartered shield.
- Kelly (O’Ceallaigh): Meaning “bright-headed.” Arms often feature a tower or castle.
- O’Brien: Descendants of Brian Boru. Arms: three golden lions on blue — a royal lineage.
- Ryan (O’Riain): Meaning “little king.” Arms often feature a griffin.
- Walsh: A Norman-Irish name meaning “Welsh.” Arms typically feature a swan.
- O’Sullivan: Meaning “dark-eyed.” Arms often feature a stag.
- Byrne (O’Beirne): Meaning “raven.” Arms often feature a raven or eagle.
- O’Connor: Descended from the last High Kings of Connacht. Arms often feature an oak tree.
The Most Common Scottish Surnames
Scottish surnames are a mix of Gaelic, Norse, Norman-French, and English. Many are clan names that carry the weight of centuries of Highland history.
- Smith: Scotland’s most common non-Gaelic name. Multiple branches with varied arms.
- MacDonald: Once the most powerful clan in Scotland, Lords of the Isles. Arms: a golden eagle on blue with a red galley.
- Robertson: Clan Donnachaidh, one of the oldest clans. Arms feature a hand holding a crown.
- Campbell: The great Argyll clan. Arms: a boar’s head on gold.
- Stewart/Stuart: The royal dynasty that ruled Scotland and Britain. Arms: a unicorn.
- Anderson: “Son of Andrew,” Scotland’s patron saint. Arms often feature the St. Andrew’s cross.
- Thomson/Thompson: “Son of Thomas.” Multiple branches across Scotland.
- MacKenzie: The Highland clan from the northwest. Arms: a stag’s head.
The Most Common English Surnames
English surnames reflect the country’s layered history: Anglo-Saxon, Viking, Norman, and later influences all appear.
- Smith: The most common English surname — a metalworker. Arms often feature hammers or a chevron.
- Jones: “Son of John,” originally Welsh but now the second most common English name.
- Williams: “Son of William” — a Norman name that became ubiquitous after 1066. Arms often feature lions.
- Taylor: A tailor. Arms often feature scissors or cutting implements.
- Brown: Describing a dark complexion or hair. Multiple branches with varied arms.
- Davies/Davis: “Son of David.” Common in Wales and England. Arms often feature a lion.
- Evans: “Son of Evan (John).” Primarily Welsh-English. Arms often feature a chevron.
- Wilson: “Son of Will.” Multiple arms recorded across England and Scotland.
Does Your Surname Appear Here?
Every surname on this list has at least one — and often several — coats of arms recorded in heraldic archives. At FamilyCrests Studio, we research your specific surname to find the coat of arms that best represents your family’s heritage.
Want to trace your surname’s journey through history? Our Heritage Origins search gives you the full story.