English, Welsh, Scottish and Irish last names are typically grouped into one of four categories: occupations, localities, nicknames or first names. Many people acquired their last name due to their trade or occupation.

Some people were named after where they were from, localities, or after geological characteristics of the land. Marsh, Hill and Sydney are examples of surnames of this type. People were often named after nicknames; these are some of the most interesting last names. Kennedy, for example, is Gaelic for ugly head, Gotobed, stemmed from someone who was lazy. Last names based on first names were very common in the history of Britain and Ireland.

Does Your First Name Have Significance? Your first name is one of the most important gifts your parents gave you

As you can see, first names come from many different roots.