Names are important. They can represent your family tree, your heritage, and your identity. But sometimes, people are born with names that are just a little bit strange. In this blog post, we will take a look at 13 of the weirdest last names you’ve ever heard.
Whether they were inherited from a distant relative or simply made up by their parents, these names will make you double-take. So without further ado, let’s get started.
1. Onions
Here we are not talking about vegetables but the surname onion. This surname is taken from an ancestor’s name, ‘the son of Enion.’ It first got its popularity in France and Ireland before coming to the UK. These surnames identified the person’s job. Those who share the surname of Onions are either sellers or growers of the vegetable. So, Onion is an occupational name in the industry.
2. Villalobos
When it comes to weird surnames, Villalobos is one of the categories. Villalobos is a Spanish surname that means “town of wolves.” It is the name of a city in the province of Zamora in Spain. The word ‘villa’ was used for someone who lives in the countryside, and later, it gets famous for a group of houses that form a settlement. People mostly used these surnames to represent their places and not forget their ancestors’ folks.
3. Gotobed
After hearing this name, you would probably be thinking about having a good nap. Gotobed is one of the exciting and weird names at the same time. This last name is not that popular until now, but it does exist. It was first recorded in the 13th century.
The meaning of this surname is uncertain. But according to Professor Reaney, an authority on English surnames, the surname originated from people who own a bed which was rare in that century. So, they use this last name and proudly boast that they can afford a bed. It may sound strange, but this is correct.
4. Butterworth
Before it melts away, let us talk about this last name, Butterworth. It may sound ridiculous when you tell a stranger that your name is Butterworth, but it could make them smile. So, you unknowingly did a good deed. Butterworth originated from places named Butterworth in West Yorkshire and Lancashire. It has been a habitual name since pre 7th century.
5. Nutter
Nutter means the mad or eccentric person in colloquial English. No one would probably call themselves ‘Nutter,’ but what to do when fate is not on your side. It’s a popular surname now that originated from the Anglo-Saxon culture of Britain. It’s a combination of the old English surnames “Notre,” which means clerk, and “Nothard,” which refers to someone who raises an Ox bull. Overall, it’s an occupational surname and has nothing to do with nuts or crazy people.
6. Greedy
Hereby Greedy, we don’t mean people who have an insatiable appetite, but it’s a real surname. The history of Greedy, like another unusual surname, is complicated and tangled. This name originated in ‘Ireland’ and was initially spelled “Grady” or “Gready.” The name ‘Greedy’ is most likely metonymic for a horseman, derived from the old Gaelic “riadh”; however, this is uncertain. We also have Mr. Greedy in the Mr. Men series of books but don’t confuse this last name origin with that.
7. Smellie
After you hear this name, you may think of ‘smelly,’ but this surname has nothing to do with physical odor. Rather you can associate it with personality attributes. The name ‘Smellie’ was introduced in Scotland from ‘smile,’ which means ‘grin.’ The last name is given to someone cheerful and has a distinct smile. This last name is also getting extinct with time, so if you ever met a ‘Smellie,’ greet them with a big smile.
8. Jelly
What if you call someone Mr. Jelly? The foodies will probably think first of jelly, which we eat. But this is a genuine surname and has nothing to do with food or sea animal. The name Jelly originated by Viking settlers in ancient Scotland. In Scottish dialect, Jelly means ‘honorable and upright.’ Over time, this name has appeared in many variations like Jelly Jelly, Jellie, Jelley, and others.
9. Hard Meat
This last name is also one that people found embarrassing to call out. It has nothing to do with the family of butchers or represent them. Rather, the name might be derived from a misspelling of the village’s name, which was ‘Hardmead’ in England. I wish there was a spellchecker available back then.
10. Balls
It’s not a swear word or playing object. The name ‘Balls’ dated back to ancient Anglo-Saxon times in Britain. Balls were the name of a Bald person, derived from the Old English word Bealla, which signified “bald.” The surname could also apply to someone with a chubby or stocky build. But nowadays, with evolution, this name got a lot of meanings. So, people feel embarrassed to be called out with this surname which is why it is declining.
11. Daft
The evolution of the English language things complicated for people rather than simplifying. And this last name is one of them. Someone will be mad if we call them ‘Daft’ because it means as stupid or foolish. But what if their surname is Daft? Daft originated in Old English from a nickname for ‘meek’ or ‘gentle.’ If you meet someone with this surname, try to be understanding and look for their gentle attribute.
12. Hickinbottom
Most British surnames that include “bottom” historically signified that a person lived at the bottom of a valley. The name Hickinbottom is the misspelling of Oaken bottom, a place near Bolton-le-Moors, influenced by the dialect word hickin or Higgin, which also means “mountain ash.” So, we can say that this surname indicated the individual was from Hygg’s land in East Cheshire.
13. Spier
You might get baffled after hearing this family name ‘Spier.’ Should we watch ourselves or be careful in front of these people. It first originated in Scotland in the 7th century as ‘spere.’ But now, there are various modern surnames, including Spear, Speare, or Speir. This last name can describe someone’s occupation or a nickname for a tall, thin person. If you ever come across a person with this last name, don’t judge them; it’s mere their name.
There are several other family names, some of German origin, Arabic origin, Anglo Saxon origin, and others based on mystery characters or fantasy characters. Also, there may be Russian origin, Swedish origin, Norman origin, Italian surname, an Irish surname, middle name, or based on any movie character’s personality. So, you can choose a unique surname wisely.
Also Check: The 13 Weirdest Buildings In The World Will Blow Your Mind
Extra Weird Last Names! BONUS!
1. MacGuffin
A Scottish surname, “MacGuffin” has become synonymous with plot devices in films, thanks to Alfred Hitchcock. Imagine having a last name that’s literally a mystery!
2. Twelvetrees
This British last name is a genealogist’s dream. Rumored to be derived from someone who lived near twelve specific trees—or maybe they just really liked counting trees!
3. Doolittle
A name that suggests laziness, but the Doolittle clan has historical roots in England. Dr. Dolittle anyone?
4. Hogg
Despite its swine-related connotations, “Hogg” has Scottish origins and likely referred to someone who raised pigs. Talk about embracing your roots!
5. Fetherstonehaugh
An English mouthful that somehow is pronounced “Fanshaw.” The transformation is as weird as the name itself!
6. Sidebottom
This English surname likely originated from someone who lived at the bottom of a hillside. Quite the picturesque address!
7. Slytherin
Okay, not just Harry Potter! This name actually exists and is linked to snake charmers in ancient records.
8. Stiltskin
No, not just a fairy tale! “Stiltskin” has old Germanic roots, probably describing someone who walked on stilts.
9. Quackenduck
This Dutch surname means “quacking duck.” Perhaps they were really good at imitating ducks?
10. Cheeseman
Yes, it’s real. From England, “Cheeseman” referred to someone who made or sold cheese. Gouda luck carrying that name!
11. Bottomley
Another English classic, likely referring to a clearing at the bottom of a valley. Sounds a bit cheeky!
12. Tickle
Originating from the Middle Ages, “Tickle” may have referred to someone ticklish or tricky to deal with.
13. Boogeyman
No, not just for scaring kids. “Boogeyman” has roots in the German “Bögge,” meaning goblin or ghost.
14. Outhouse
This one needs no explaining, but it’s a legitimate surname found in historical records!
15. Pancake
Derived from Dutch and German origins, “Pancake” likely referred to someone who made or sold pancakes. Breakfast, anyone?
16. Blubber
A name that might make you giggle, but it’s linked to the Dutch “Blauwbaard,” meaning blue beard.
17. Applebottom
This American surname might make you think of jeans, but it likely refers to someone living at the bottom of an orchard.
18. Snodgrass
A Scottish name that has nothing to do with sneezing, but means smooth grass. Maybe they had a well-maintained lawn?
19. Hiccups
Imagine introducing yourself with this name! It comes from the Old English “Hickup,” a nickname for someone prone to the affliction.
20. Featherstone
Sounds delicate, but “Featherstone” is an old English surname from a place with stony ground and, you guessed it, feathers!
21. Pudding
Derived from the Middle English “poding,” this surname likely referred to a cook or someone who loved their desserts.
22. Chicken
“Chicken” as a surname hails from Old English, possibly used for someone timid or, ironically, brave as a chicken!
23. Waddle
A name that describes a certain walking style. “Waddle” comes from Old English and referred to someone with a unique gait.
24. Bungay
An old English surname, “Bungay” comes from a place name in Suffolk. No connection to buns, unfortunately.
25. McCracken
An Irish surname, “McCracken” means “son of Cracan,” with “Cracan” being an old term for hill or crag. Nothing cracked here!
26. Finklestein
German in origin, “Finklestein” translates to “sparkling stone.” Fancy for a name that could be a jewelry brand!
27. Clutterbuck
This English surname may sound messy, but it’s derived from “Clothier’s Brook,” referring to a cloth maker by the stream.
28. Stubbins
English in origin, “Stubbins” refers to someone living by the stubs or stumps of trees. A very stumpy lineage!
29. Bumpass
This name may sound funny, but it’s derived from “Bon Pas,” French for “good step.” Quite a twist!
30. Pickle
No, not just for cucumbers. “Pickle” is an old English name referring to a pickle maker or a mischievous person.
31. Tumbleweed
A rare surname, “Tumbleweed” probably described someone who wandered or moved frequently, much like the plant.
32. Scroggins
This name has Scottish roots and might derive from “scraggy,” describing a lean or thin person.
33. Dingleberry
Originally a location-based name from “Dingle,” a small wooded valley. The added “berry” just sweetens the deal!
34. Crumplehorn
Likely referring to someone with a crooked or bent horn, “Crumplehorn” is as peculiar as it sounds.
35. Jelly
Derived from the French “gelée,” meaning jelly or gelatin, it could have been a nickname for a jelly maker.
36. Flobberworm
While popularized by Harry Potter, “Flobberworm” could plausibly be an old English surname for someone slow-moving.
37. Wagtail
An English surname referencing the bird, “Wagtail” might have been a nickname for someone who was always on the move.
38. Poppers
A surname possibly referring to someone who sold or made popper fireworks. Bang-up job, indeed!
39. Snuffles
“Snuffles” could have been a nickname for someone with a perpetually runny nose. Quite the sneezy surname!
40. Goober
A Southern U.S. term for peanuts, “Goober” might have been a nickname for a peanut farmer or seller.
41. Wigglesworth
An English name, “Wigglesworth” comes from a place name meaning “enclosure of Wicel’s people.” Wiggle on, ancestors!
42. Fuzzybottom
Likely a nickname turned surname, “Fuzzybottom” would describe someone with a notably soft posterior—or a sense of humor.
43. Sapsford
An English surname referring to someone from a farm by a sapling ford. Quite a leafy heritage!
44. Skittles
Not just for candy! “Skittles” comes from the Old Norse “skytel,” meaning a game of pins, much like modern bowling.
45. Chubb
Despite the modern connotation, “Chubb” is an old English name possibly describing someone of a plump or rounded figure.
46. Boggis
Derived from the Middle English “boggish,” meaning someone who lived by a bog. A marshy history indeed!
47. Thumble
“Thumble” might derive from “thumb,” possibly indicating someone with distinctive thumbs. Handy ancestry, no doubt!
48. Squibb
An English surname referring to someone who worked with squibs, small explosive devices. A real spark in the family tree!
49. Womble
Yes, it’s a real name! Derived from a place name, “Womble” sounds like it belongs to a beloved fictional creature.
50. Weasel
Though it might make you think of slyness, “Weasel” is an old English surname, possibly describing someone quick and agile.
Conclusion
So, there you have it, thirteen of the unusual surnames. Do any of these sound familiar to you? Have you ever met someone with one of these surnames? If so, we want to know what it’s like! Please drop us a comment below and let us know. And don’t forget to share this post with your friends. They’re sure to get a good laugh out of it.
