The 30 most popular surnames in Derbyshire and their meanings – does yours make the list?

Tom Hardwick
·10-min read
This list ranks the most common surnames across Derbyshire. (Photo: GEORGE EYRE/JASON CHADWICK/JP/BRIAN EYRE)
This list ranks the most common surnames across Derbyshire. (Photo: GEORGE EYRE/JASON CHADWICK/JP/BRIAN EYRE)

We have compiled a list of the 30 most popular surnames across Derbyshire, so you can see how many other people bearing your family name are spread across the county.

As well as this, we have provided details of the hidden meanings behind each surname – with some of these historical names descending from the Normans, Hebrews and Germanic tribes, among others.

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Smith is the most common surname in Derbyshire, with 15,357 people called Smith across the county - and it is also the most popular across England. According to Ancestry.com, Smith originates across England and Scotland as an occupational name, denoting a worker in metal - such as a blacksmith or farrier. Pictured here is one of the many Smiths to represent Chesterfield - Martin Smith.
Smith is the most common surname in Derbyshire, with 15,357 people called Smith across the county - and it is also the most popular across England. According to Ancestry.com, Smith originates across England and Scotland as an occupational name, denoting a worker in metal - such as a blacksmith or farrier. Pictured here is one of the many Smiths to represent Chesterfield - Martin Smith.

All data relating to the popularity of surnames across Derbyshire was taken from Forebears, and information on the meaning of each surname was taken from Ancestry.

Taylor is Derbyshire’s second most popular surname, held by 7,093 residents. Across England, Scotland and Ireland, Taylor is an occupational name for a tailor, deriving from from Anglo-Norman French Middle English word ‘taillour’. Pictured here at the Great British Food Festival at Hardwick Hall are Jayne Taylor and Victoria Shinwell.
Taylor is Derbyshire’s second most popular surname, held by 7,093 residents. Across England, Scotland and Ireland, Taylor is an occupational name for a tailor, deriving from from Anglo-Norman French Middle English word ‘taillour’. Pictured here at the Great British Food Festival at Hardwick Hall are Jayne Taylor and Victoria Shinwell.
Brown is Derbyshire’s third most popular name - 6,201 people with this name live in the county. Brown is generally a nickname referring to the colour of the hair or complexion, deriving from the Middle English br(o)un, Old English brūn or Old French brun. Pictured here is Dawn Brown, of Dog Land Ltd - Rose Cottage Doggy Day Care.
Brown is Derbyshire’s third most popular name - 6,201 people with this name live in the county. Brown is generally a nickname referring to the colour of the hair or complexion, deriving from the Middle English br(o)un, Old English brūn or Old French brun. Pictured here is Dawn Brown, of Dog Land Ltd - Rose Cottage Doggy Day Care.
There are 6,067 people called Jones in Derbyshire - making it the fourth most common surname across the county. Jones is derived from the Middle English personal name Jon(e), which comes from the Hebrew personal name Yoḥanan ‘Jehovah has favored (me with a son)’ or ‘may Jehovah favor (this child)’. This personal name was adopted into Latin (via Greek) as Johannes. Pictured here at the Rail Ale Beer Festival are Michael Jones and Nigel Mack.
There are 6,067 people called Jones in Derbyshire - making it the fourth most common surname across the county. Jones is derived from the Middle English personal name Jon(e), which comes from the Hebrew personal name Yoḥanan ‘Jehovah has favored (me with a son)’ or ‘may Jehovah favor (this child)’. This personal name was adopted into Latin (via Greek) as Johannes. Pictured here at the Rail Ale Beer Festival are Michael Jones and Nigel Mack.
Walker is Derbyshire’s fifth most common surnamed, held by 4,875 people across the county. Walker is an occupational name for a fuller from the Middle English ‘walker’ and Old English ‘wealcere’ - ‘one who trampled cloth in a bath of lye or kneaded it in order to strengthen it’. This was the regular term for the occupation during the Middle Ages in western and northern England. Pictured here are Richard Stephen and Julie Walker, East Midlands in Bloom judges.
Walker is Derbyshire’s fifth most common surnamed, held by 4,875 people across the county. Walker is an occupational name for a fuller from the Middle English ‘walker’ and Old English ‘wealcere’ - ‘one who trampled cloth in a bath of lye or kneaded it in order to strengthen it’. This was the regular term for the occupation during the Middle Ages in western and northern England. Pictured here are Richard Stephen and Julie Walker, East Midlands in Bloom judges.
There are 4,587 Wright’s across Derbyshire, making it the county’s sixth most popular surname. Wright is an occupational name for a craftsman or maker of machinery, mostly in wood of any kind. Pictured here are Nikki Perrins, Selena Richardson, Simon Davidson and Alicia Wright, from R.P.Davidson Cheese Factor, Chesterfield.
There are 4,587 Wright’s across Derbyshire, making it the county’s sixth most popular surname. Wright is an occupational name for a craftsman or maker of machinery, mostly in wood of any kind. Pictured here are Nikki Perrins, Selena Richardson, Simon Davidson and Alicia Wright, from R.P.Davidson Cheese Factor, Chesterfield.
Johnson is the seventh most common surname across the county, held by 4,583 Derbyshire residents. The history of this surname is similar to that of Jones - and it is also the second most frequent surname in the US. Pictured here at Bolsover Beer Festival Fun Day are Pete Johnson, Josh Ludlam, Keith Sayer, Andy Poulton and Jeff Machin.
Johnson is the seventh most common surname across the county, held by 4,583 Derbyshire residents. The history of this surname is similar to that of Jones - and it is also the second most frequent surname in the US. Pictured here at Bolsover Beer Festival Fun Day are Pete Johnson, Josh Ludlam, Keith Sayer, Andy Poulton and Jeff Machin.
Wilson is eighth on this list, the surname of 4,216 people across Derbyshire. This is derived from the Middle English personal name Will and the patronymic ‘son of Will’. Will is a topographic name for someone who lived by a spring or stream in Middle English. Pictured here is Paul Wilson, funeral director at Spire Funeral Services in Staveley.
Wilson is eighth on this list, the surname of 4,216 people across Derbyshire. This is derived from the Middle English personal name Will and the patronymic ‘son of Will’. Will is a topographic name for someone who lived by a spring or stream in Middle English. Pictured here is Paul Wilson, funeral director at Spire Funeral Services in Staveley.
Hall is Derbyshire’s ninth most popular surname, held by 4,205 people across the county. It derives from the Middle English hall, Old English heall, Middle High German halle and Old Norse hǫll - all meaning ‘hall’ (a spacious residence). It is a topographic name for someone who lived in or near a hall, or an occupational name for a servant employed at a hall. Pictured here from the Brown Suga salon in Inkersall are Leanne Reidy, Joanne Bennett and Chloe Hall.
Hall is Derbyshire’s ninth most popular surname, held by 4,205 people across the county. It derives from the Middle English hall, Old English heall, Middle High German halle and Old Norse hǫll - all meaning ‘hall’ (a spacious residence). It is a topographic name for someone who lived in or near a hall, or an occupational name for a servant employed at a hall. Pictured here from the Brown Suga salon in Inkersall are Leanne Reidy, Joanne Bennett and Chloe Hall.
There are 3,981 Clarke’s across Derbyshire, with the surname coming in at 10th on this list. It derives from Middle English ‘clerk’ and ‘clark’. The original sense was ‘man in a religious order cleric clergyman’. As all writing and secretarial work in medieval Christian Europe was normally done by members of the clergy, the term clerk came to mean ‘scholar secretary recorder or penman’ as well as ‘cleric’. As a surname it was particularly common for one who had taken only minor holy orders. Pictured here at the John Smedley Factory are Brian Clarke and Mike Geary.
There are 3,981 Clarke’s across Derbyshire, with the surname coming in at 10th on this list. It derives from Middle English ‘clerk’ and ‘clark’. The original sense was ‘man in a religious order cleric clergyman’. As all writing and secretarial work in medieval Christian Europe was normally done by members of the clergy, the term clerk came to mean ‘scholar secretary recorder or penman’ as well as ‘cleric’. As a surname it was particularly common for one who had taken only minor holy orders. Pictured here at the John Smedley Factory are Brian Clarke and Mike Geary.
Harrison is the 11th name on this list, held by 3,958 Derbyshire residents. Harrison is derived from the medieval personal name Harry, a common form of Henry - composed of the ancient Germanic elements ‘haim‘ or ‘heim’ (home) and rīc (power ruler). Pictured here at the MD Hair Salon in Chesterfield are Michelle Dalman, Amy Carty and Sarah Harrison.
Harrison is the 11th name on this list, held by 3,958 Derbyshire residents. Harrison is derived from the medieval personal name Harry, a common form of Henry - composed of the ancient Germanic elements ‘haim‘ or ‘heim’ (home) and rīc (power ruler). Pictured here at the MD Hair Salon in Chesterfield are Michelle Dalman, Amy Carty and Sarah Harrison.
Wood is the 12th surname on this list, held by 3,812 Derbyshire residents. It is mainly a topographic name for someone who lived in or by a wood, coming from the Middle English wode. Pictured here are Rachel Stevenson, Vanessa Males, Dennis Jackson and Natalie Wood.
Wood is the 12th surname on this list, held by 3,812 Derbyshire residents. It is mainly a topographic name for someone who lived in or by a wood, coming from the Middle English wode. Pictured here are Rachel Stevenson, Vanessa Males, Dennis Jackson and Natalie Wood.
There are 3,706 Robinson’s across Derbyshire - making it the 13th most common surname. This surname is patronymic, from the Middle English personal name Robin, a pet form of Robert’s son. Pictured here is Nicole Robinson, who runs the cafe at Stretton Hall Farm.
There are 3,706 Robinson’s across Derbyshire - making it the 13th most common surname. This surname is patronymic, from the Middle English personal name Robin, a pet form of Robert’s son. Pictured here is Nicole Robinson, who runs the cafe at Stretton Hall Farm.
Hill is the 14th most popular name across Derbyshire, held by 3,512 people. It is a topographic name for someone who lived on or by a hill. Pictured here at an RSPCA Dog Show is Elisha Hill.
Hill is the 14th most popular name across Derbyshire, held by 3,512 people. It is a topographic name for someone who lived on or by a hill. Pictured here at an RSPCA Dog Show is Elisha Hill.
Williams comes in at 15th on this list, with 3,465 people across Derbyshire holding this surname. It is a version of the Middle English personal name William, a Norman French form of the ancient Germanic Willihelm. This is composed of the elements wil- (will desire) and helm- (helmet protection). This Norman personal name became widely used in England, Scotland and Wales after the Conquest, mainly in honour of the Conqueror himself. By the 13th century it had already become the most popular personal name in England. Pictured here are Phillip Williams and Richard Groom.
Williams comes in at 15th on this list, with 3,465 people across Derbyshire holding this surname. It is a version of the Middle English personal name William, a Norman French form of the ancient Germanic Willihelm. This is composed of the elements wil- (will desire) and helm- (helmet protection). This Norman personal name became widely used in England, Scotland and Wales after the Conquest, mainly in honour of the Conqueror himself. By the 13th century it had already become the most popular personal name in England. Pictured here are Phillip Williams and Richard Groom.
Cooper is 16th on this list, with the surname held by 3,456 residents across Derbyshire. It is an occupational name for a maker and repairer of wooden vessels, such as barrels tubs buckets casks and vats. Pictured here is Boxer Henry Cooper at Britannia Park in 1992.
Cooper is 16th on this list, with the surname held by 3,456 residents across Derbyshire. It is an occupational name for a maker and repairer of wooden vessels, such as barrels tubs buckets casks and vats. Pictured here is Boxer Henry Cooper at Britannia Park in 1992.
There are 3,436 Shaw’s across Derbyshire, making it the county’s 17th most common surname. The surname may be topographic for someone who lived in or by a small wood. Pictured here is Dave Shaw, headteacher at Spire Junior School, being presented with headteacher of the year award by Richard Mapley from Hayes.
There are 3,436 Shaw’s across Derbyshire, making it the county’s 17th most common surname. The surname may be topographic for someone who lived in or by a small wood. Pictured here is Dave Shaw, headteacher at Spire Junior School, being presented with headteacher of the year award by Richard Mapley from Hayes.
Ward is 18th on this list, with the surname held by 3,409 Derbyshire residents. This is an occupational name for a watchman or guard from the Middle English ‘ward’, meaning watchman guard. Pictured here are Guide Dogs charity volunteers Bron Rawlins, Toni Harrington, Alan and Sue Ward and Vicky Ibbotson.
Ward is 18th on this list, with the surname held by 3,409 Derbyshire residents. This is an occupational name for a watchman or guard from the Middle English ‘ward’, meaning watchman guard. Pictured here are Guide Dogs charity volunteers Bron Rawlins, Toni Harrington, Alan and Sue Ward and Vicky Ibbotson.
There are 3,346 Jackson’s across Derbyshire, ranking this surname as the 19th most common. The name is derived from ancestors called Jack, a common English and Scottish pet form of John. Pictured here is Stuart Jackson at the Bloomin Bootiful market stall.
There are 3,346 Jackson’s across Derbyshire, ranking this surname as the 19th most common. The name is derived from ancestors called Jack, a common English and Scottish pet form of John. Pictured here is Stuart Jackson at the Bloomin Bootiful market stall.
Thompson is 20th on this list, held by 3,273 people across the county. Thompson means ‘son of Tom’, a pet name for Thomas. Thomas comes from the personal name Thomas of Biblical (New Testament) origin from the Aramaic ‘t’ōm’’a’ - a byname meaning ‘twin’. Pictured here are Stephen and Karen Thompson from Moss Valley Fine Meats, presented with a business award by Dan Isterling.
Thompson is 20th on this list, held by 3,273 people across the county. Thompson means ‘son of Tom’, a pet name for Thomas. Thomas comes from the personal name Thomas of Biblical (New Testament) origin from the Aramaic ‘t’ōm’’a’ - a byname meaning ‘twin’. Pictured here are Stephen and Karen Thompson from Moss Valley Fine Meats, presented with a business award by Dan Isterling.
Turner comes in at 21st on this list, with the surname held by 3,263 people across Derbyshire. This is an occupational name from the Middle English word ‘t(o)urnour’, mainly denoting someone who fashioned small objects of wood, metal or bone on a lathe. It also has connections to a variety of other occupations, including turnspit, translator or interpreter. Pictured here are Jill and Simon Turner of Hasland Pet Supplies.
Turner comes in at 21st on this list, with the surname held by 3,263 people across Derbyshire. This is an occupational name from the Middle English word ‘t(o)urnour’, mainly denoting someone who fashioned small objects of wood, metal or bone on a lathe. It also has connections to a variety of other occupations, including turnspit, translator or interpreter. Pictured here are Jill and Simon Turner of Hasland Pet Supplies.
There are 3,168 Holmes’ across Derbyshire, ranking the surname as the 22nd most common in the county. This is derived from Holm, a topographic name for someone who lived on an island in particular a piece of slightly raised land lying in a fen or partly surrounded by streams. Pictured here is Pet shop owner Bill Holmes, who used to take the leopard for walks on the Codnor Ormonde golf course in 1983.
There are 3,168 Holmes’ across Derbyshire, ranking the surname as the 22nd most common in the county. This is derived from Holm, a topographic name for someone who lived on an island in particular a piece of slightly raised land lying in a fen or partly surrounded by streams. Pictured here is Pet shop owner Bill Holmes, who used to take the leopard for walks on the Codnor Ormonde golf course in 1983.
Green is the 23rd surname on this list, held by 3,114 people across Derbyshire. Green has a number of potential meanings - it was used as a nickname for someone who was fond of dressing in this color (Old English grēne), someone who was was young or immature, or someone who had played the part of the ‘Green Man’ in the May Day celebrations. It was also a topographic name for someone who lived near a village green. Pictured here are Kelly Green and Ashley Walker of United Cast Bar.
Green is the 23rd surname on this list, held by 3,114 people across Derbyshire. Green has a number of potential meanings - it was used as a nickname for someone who was fond of dressing in this color (Old English grēne), someone who was was young or immature, or someone who had played the part of the ‘Green Man’ in the May Day celebrations. It was also a topographic name for someone who lived near a village green. Pictured here are Kelly Green and Ashley Walker of United Cast Bar.
There are 3,078 people with the surname White across Derbyshire, making it the 24th most popular in the county. Historically, it was a nickname for someone with white hair or a pale complexion, but could also be topographic, referring to someone who lived by a bend or curve in a river or road. Pictured here is performance historian John S. White at Bolsover Castle.
There are 3,078 people with the surname White across Derbyshire, making it the 24th most popular in the county. Historically, it was a nickname for someone with white hair or a pale complexion, but could also be topographic, referring to someone who lived by a bend or curve in a river or road. Pictured here is performance historian John S. White at Bolsover Castle.
Allen is the 25th most popular surname across Derbyshire, held by 3,077 residents. It is a Celtic personal name of great antiquity and obscurity. The present-day frequency of the surname Allen in England and Ireland is partly accounted for by the popularity of the personal name among Breton followers of William the Conqueror, by whom it was imported first to Britain and then to Ireland. Saint Alan(us) was a 5th-century bishop of Quimper who was a cult figure in medieval Brittany. Pictured here at Rebel Menswear in Chesterfield town centre are Emma Allen, Cal Wallace and Sue Dhil.
Allen is the 25th most popular surname across Derbyshire, held by 3,077 residents. It is a Celtic personal name of great antiquity and obscurity. The present-day frequency of the surname Allen in England and Ireland is partly accounted for by the popularity of the personal name among Breton followers of William the Conqueror, by whom it was imported first to Britain and then to Ireland. Saint Alan(us) was a 5th-century bishop of Quimper who was a cult figure in medieval Brittany. Pictured here at Rebel Menswear in Chesterfield town centre are Emma Allen, Cal Wallace and Sue Dhil.
Parker is the 26th surname on this list, held by 2,906 Derbyshire residents. It is an occupational name for an officer employed to look after deer and other game in a hunting park. Pictured here is Phil Bramley, Derbyshire Times Editor, presenting the award to Katy Vickers, Hannah Finney and Robyn Parker of Great2.
Parker is the 26th surname on this list, held by 2,906 Derbyshire residents. It is an occupational name for an officer employed to look after deer and other game in a hunting park. Pictured here is Phil Bramley, Derbyshire Times Editor, presenting the award to Katy Vickers, Hannah Finney and Robyn Parker of Great2.
Evans is 27th on this list, with the surname held by 2,809 people across Derbyshire. Evans is derived from Evan, which itself comes from ‘Ieuan’ - a Welsh derivative of the Latin Johannes (in English, John). Pictured here is Tina Evans from Tee's Cafe in Alfreton.
Evans is 27th on this list, with the surname held by 2,809 people across Derbyshire. Evans is derived from Evan, which itself comes from ‘Ieuan’ - a Welsh derivative of the Latin Johannes (in English, John). Pictured here is Tina Evans from Tee's Cafe in Alfreton.
There are 2,633 Fletcher’s across Derbyshire, making it the 28th most popular surname. It is an occupational name for an arrowsmith, coming from the Middle English ‘fleccher.’ Pictured is Carla Fletcher (von Frankenstein) from Saphire of the Stars, Alfreton.
There are 2,633 Fletcher’s across Derbyshire, making it the 28th most popular surname. It is an occupational name for an arrowsmith, coming from the Middle English ‘fleccher.’ Pictured is Carla Fletcher (von Frankenstein) from Saphire of the Stars, Alfreton.
Roberts is the 29th most common Derbyshire surname, held by 2,625 people. This is derived from the ancient Germanic personal name Ro(d)bert, composed of the elements ‘hrōd’ (fame renown) and berht (bright famous). Pictured here is Amy Roberts of A's Treat Box.
Roberts is the 29th most common Derbyshire surname, held by 2,625 people. This is derived from the ancient Germanic personal name Ro(d)bert, composed of the elements ‘hrōd’ (fame renown) and berht (bright famous). Pictured here is Amy Roberts of A's Treat Box.
Davies is the last surname on this list, held by 2,542 people across Derbyshire. Davies means David or Dafydd's son, with David a Hebrew personal name interpreted as ‘beloved’. Pictured here are Ian Birchmore, Yvonne Birchmore, Catherine Crofts and Paul Davies.
Davies is the last surname on this list, held by 2,542 people across Derbyshire. Davies means David or Dafydd's son, with David a Hebrew personal name interpreted as ‘beloved’. Pictured here are Ian Birchmore, Yvonne Birchmore, Catherine Crofts and Paul Davies.