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While given names can be of any language or region, surnames offer us a peek into our origins and history. They help us understand where we come from and our ancestors. Our collection of last names that start with B includes a myriad of family names and last names belonging to different cultures and languages. Each surname has a significant meaning and has a story to tell. So, let’s explore the variety of surnames across the world that start with B, from common and popular ones to ones specific to particular regions and occupations.
250+ Last Names That Start With B
This article encompasses a wide range of surnames originating from various places across the globe. From famous ones to especially long last names, our list covers all!
Common Last Names That Start With B
Check out the list below to learn about some of the common last names from different parts of the world that start with B.
1. Bairamov
Bairamov is one of the most common surnames in Georgia, however, its meaning is uncertain. Azerbaijani wrestler Rovshan Bayramov, who is a two-time Olympic silver medalist, bears this surname.
2. Bakshi
Bakshi is an Indian surname of Persian origin, common in Punjabi and Bengali culture. It is mainly a historical occupational title used in India, from the Persian word for ‘paymaster.’ Bakshi is the surname of a renowned fictional Indian-Bengali detective, Byomkesh Bakshi, created by the author Sharadindu Bandyopadhyay.
3. Bandara
Bandara is a common Sinhalese last name, derived from a Sinhalese title used for political and military leaders. It possibly originates from the name of a group of deities in Sinhalese Buddhist beliefs.
4. Banerjee
Banerjee is one of the most common Indian surnames, especially among Bengalis. It is a variant of the Bengali surname Bandyopadhyay, meaning ‘instructor or priest from the Bandoghat village.’
5. Bantawa
Bantawa is a Nepali surname belonging to the settlers and natives of Himalayan indigenous tribes and nations. The surname belongs to the Kirati Bantawa ethnic group, speaking the Bantawa language.
6. Bayer
Bayer comes from the German name Bayern and was originally used to indicate someone from Bavaria. The surname can be traced back to the Late Latin Baiovarii, a name of a Germanic tribe originating from an earlier Gaulish tribe, the Boii.
7. Bennet
Originating from the medieval English given name Bennett, meaning ‘blessed’ via the Late Latin name Benedictus, it is one of the most popular last names in the world. An English physicist, Abraham Bennet, who invented the gold-leaf electroscope and developed an improved magnetometer, bore this surname.
8. Beridze
Beridze is perhaps the most familiar Georgian surname, which means ‘son of a monk,’ derived from the Georgian word ‘beri’, meaning ‘monk.’
9. Bhardwaj
Bhardwaj is a Hindu Brahmin surname of Sanskrit origin, meaning ‘descendant of bharadvāja.’ Here, bharadvāja refers to someone with great strength and bravery. A notable bearer of this surname is Indian film director, screenwriter, producer, music composer, and playback singer, Vishal Bhardwaj.
10. Bolat
Bolat is a common surname in Kazakhstan. It is both a given name and a surname derived from the Turkic word meaning ‘steel.’ The roots of the name lie in Persian.
11. Bolkvadze
Ranking as the 10th most common Georgian surname, Bolkvadze means ‘tuber or bulb,’ making it a crop-inspired and perhaps, an occupational surname.
12. Bondarenko
Bondarenko is a common Kazakhstan surname of Ukrainian origin, derived from the Ukrainian word ‘bondar’, meaning ‘cooper or barrel maker.’
13. Bos
Bos is a Dutch surname and is a toponymic last name meaning ‘woods or forests.’ The Dutch theater and silent film actress, Annie Bos was a notable bearer of this surname.
14. Biton
Biton is a common Israeli surname meaning ‘life.’ It is a Maghrebi Jewish surname, borne by Erez Biton, an Algerian-born Israeli poet who received the Israel Prize for Hebrew Literature and Poetry in 2015.
15. Brooks
Both a given name and surname, Brooks is an English surname that comes from the Old English ‘broc,’ meaning ‘residing near a stream or brook.’ Byron Alden Brooks, the author of the 1893 utopian novel Earth Revisited, bore this surname.
16. Brouwer
Brower is a Dutch and Flemish occupational surname meaning ‘brewer of beer.’ A significant bearer of this surname is Adriaen Brouwer, a Flemish painter of the first half of the 17th century.
Famous Last Names That Start With B
Explore this assortment of famous last names starting with B borne by popular personalities and celebrities.
17. Bailey
A given name and surname, Bailey is derived from the Middle English word ‘baili,’ meaning ‘bailiff (to deliver)’, which comes via Old French from the Latin word ‘baiulus,’ meaning ‘porter.’ Bill Bailey was a British surfer who was considered the ‘father of British surfing.’.
18. Bajaj
An Indian occupational surname, Bajaj means ‘cloth merchant’ in Punjabi via the Arabic term ‘bazzaz.’ Indian industrialist Jamnalal Kaniram Bajaj, was the most significant name associated with this surname. He was the founder of the Bajaj Group of companies in the 1920s.
19. Baker
The English surname Baker is an occupational name derived from Middle English ‘bakere.’ The famous bearer of this surname is Ada Winifred Weekes Baker, an Australian soprano, vaudeville star, and singing teacher.
20. Banner
Banner is an occupational surname of Germanic origin for a flag carrier, derived from the Old French ‘baniere.’ The fictional superhero character from the Marvel Comic Universe, Bruce Banner a.k.a Hulk is the most popular bearer of this surname.
21. Barnes
A toponymic surname, Barnes originally indicated a person who worked or lived in a barn, derived from Old English ‘bere,’ meaning ‘barley,’ and ‘ærn,’ meaning ‘dwelling.’ The 19th-century American journalist, editor, and author Annie Maria Barnes, popularly known as ‘Cousin Annie,’ bore this surname.
22. Bell
Sounding cute and merry, Bell is a short English surname derived from the Middle English ‘belle,’ meaning ‘bell’. It was originally a nickname for a person living near the town bell, or who worked as a bell-ringer. The famous bearer of this surname was Alexander Graham Bell, who is credited with patenting the first telephone.
23. Bennett
Taken from the medieval English given name Bennett, this surname originates from the Latin name Benedictus, and denotes ‘blessed.’ A renowned bearer of this surname is Bruce Bennett, a talented American film and television actor who also won the silver medal for the shot put at the 1928 Olympic Games.
24. Berry
Berry is an English surname derived from a place name. It originates from the Old English word ‘burh,’ meaning ‘fortification.’ The surname may also refer to the fruit.
25. Bieber
Originating from the Middle High German element ‘biber,’ which means ‘beaver,’ Bieber was used as a nickname for a hard worker, indicating the skill of a beaver. The famous Canadian singer and pop star Justin Bieber bears this surname.
26. Blair
Originating from the Scottish language, Blair means ‘field’ or ‘battlefield.’ Tony Blair, former prime minister of the United Kingdom is a well-known bearer of this surname.
27. Blake
Both a given name and surname, Blake is a variant of Black, which either means black color from the Old English ‘blæc,’ or ‘pale’ from the Old English ‘blac’. A famous bearer of this surname was the English poet and artist William Blake, who is considered a seminal figure in the poetry and visual art traditions of the Romantic Age.
28. Bose
A significant Bengali Kayastha surname, Bose is a variant of the surname Basu, from the Sanskrit word Vasu, which means ‘excellent’ or ‘bright.’ Indian nationalist leader Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose was among the most significant figures with this surname.
Quick fact29. Bryan
Derived from the given name Brian, the surname Bryan possibly has old Celtic roots, derived from the element ‘brixs,’ meaning ‘hill’ or ‘high.’ The surname may also have its origin in the Old Irish ‘brií,’ meaning ‘hill,’ or ‘brigā,’ meaning ‘might.’
30. Brooke
With an English origin, Brooke is a variant of the name Brook, meaning one who lived near a brook or river. A noteworthy person with this last name was Arthur Brooke, the founder of the British tea company Brooke, Bond & Co.
31. Brown
Brown has always been among the most popular surnames around the world (1). It is an English surname referring to a person with brown hair or skin tone. The most famous mention of this surname is Charlie Brown, the principal character of the comic strip Peanuts by Charles Schulz.
32. Bush
Originating from English, the surname Bush means ‘one who lived near a thicket.’ The surname was borne by George H. W. Bush, the 41st President of the United States.
33. Butler
Butler is an occupational surname from the Norman French word ‘butiller,’ meaning ‘wine steward’, via the Late Latin word ‘butticula,’ meaning ‘bottle.’ It is the surname of the English musician, songwriter, and record producer, Bernard Joseph Butler, who is considered ‘one of Britain’s most original and influential guitarists.’
Long Last Names That Start With B
Consisting of three or even four syllables, there are several long last names that start with B. Check out some of these unique last names of different origins and cultures in the list below.
34. Babineaux
Derived from the given name Babin, Babineaux is a French surname taken from the Late Greek and French name Babylas, which originates from the ancient Mesopotamian city of Babylon.
35. Baldinotti
Taken from the given name Baldinotto, Baldinotti is an Italian surname derived from the Latin name Baldinoctus, which is a short form of Baldo, meaning ‘bold or brave’ from Old Germanic roots.
36. Baldovini
Hailing from Italy, the surname Baldovini comes from the given name Baldovino. It originates from the name Baldwin, meaning ‘bold friend.’
37. Ballesteros
Ballesteros is a long Spanish habitational surname derived from the name of various places in Spain named Ballesteros.
38. Bartolomeo
Derived from the name Bartholomew, Bartolomeo is an Italian surname. It’s a significant Christian name of Aramaic origin meaning ‘son of Talmai.’
39. Bassanelli
A locational surname, Bassanelli is a diminutive of the Italian place name Bassano. It is the name of several villages in Italy.
40. Battaglia
Derived from a nickname meaning ‘battle’ in Italian, Battaglia is a strong Italian surname.
41. Baumgartner
An occupational surname, Baumgartner represents a person who worked or lived at an orchard. It comes from the German word ‘Baumgarten,’ meaning ‘orchard.’
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42. Baumhauer
Another occupational surname, Baumhauer refers to a woodcutter, derived from the German elements ‘Baum,’ meaning ‘tree,’ and ‘hauen,’ meaning ‘to chop.’
43. Beauchêne
Beauchêne is a locational surname, derived from the French elements ‘beau,’ meaning ‘beautiful,’ and ‘chêne,’ meaning ‘oak.’
44. Beckenbauer
Referring to a farmer living by a stream, Beckenbauer is a long German surname of four syllables.
45. Bellincioni
A patronymic surname, Bellincioni means ‘son of Bellincione’ in Italian. The last name originates from the medieval name Bellincione, probably derived from the Italian ‘bello,’ meaning ‘beautiful, fair.’
46. Benasayag
Benasayag is a surname of Sephardic origin. The exact etymology is unknown. It may be a variant of the Arabic surname Sayegh, which means ‘goldsmith.’
47. Benayoun
Also known as Benayun, the surname Benayoun is of Moroccan descent. It is originally a patronymic name, meaning ‘son of Ayoun,’ which means ‘life’ via the Hebrew name Chayyim.
48. Bencivenni
A patronymic Italian surname, meaning ‘son of Bencivenne,’ Bencivenni is derived from the name Benvenuto, which means ‘welcome’ in Italian.
49. Bensoussan
Originating as a patronymic surname of Jewish-Spanish descent, Bensoussan means ‘son of Shoshannah.’ It is a Maghrebi Jewish surname from the given name Shoshannah, meaning ‘lily’ in Hebrew.
50. Benveniste
A traditional Jewish-Spanish family name, Benveniste is a well-established family name that has existed since the 11th century. The meaning of this family is ‘welcome,’ from the Spanish ‘Bien venida,’ or ‘your arrival was good,’ from the Italian ‘Bien viniste.’
51. Bergamaschi
Originating from Italian, Bergamaschi is a locational surname that indicates someone hailing from the city of Bergamo in Lombardy, Italy.
52. Berlusconi
Berlusconi is an Italian surname from the Milanese word ‘berlusch,’ meaning ‘cross-eyed or crooked.’
53. Betancourt
Another locational surname among Italians, Betancourt is taken from the names of different places (Bettencourt and Bethencourt) in Northern France. It is interpreted as ‘courtyard of a farm’ in Old Low Franconian.
54. Beyersdorf
The German surname Beyersdorf means ‘farmers’ village’, stemming from the German name ‘Bauer,’ meaning ‘farmer,’ and ‘Dorf,’ meaning ‘village.’
55. Bonhomme
Bonhomme is a descriptive surname of French origin that comes from the Old French word ‘bon homme,’ meaning ‘good man.’
56. Boubacar
Boubacar is of Western African origin, derived from the given name Boubacar. The name Boubacar ultimately is a form of the Arabic name Abu Bakr.
57. Bouhouche
Here is a long surname of North African origin. It is derived from the Kabyle name, which probably comes from the Arabic word ‘abū ḥawš,’ meaning ‘father’s courtyard.’
58. Boujettif
With several variants like Boujeif and Boujettef, Boujettif is a North African surname with multiple meanings. It either means ‘the family of the son of the Clever Head’ or ‘someone who has a clever head.’
59. Breisacher
Breisacher is a beautiful German surname that originally indicated someone hailing from the Breisach town in Germany. Here, the name of the town probably has Celtic roots, which translate to ‘breakwater.’
60. Breitbarth
Another descriptive surname, the German surname Breitbarth was originally used as a nickname for someone with a full beard. It comes from the Old High German elements ‘breit,’ meaning ‘broad,’ and ‘bart,’ meaning ‘beard.’
61. Brinkerhoff
Originating as a toponymic surname of Germanic roots, the surname Brinkerhoff refers to a ‘farm near a slope.’
62. Buonarroti
Derived from the medieval Italian given name Buonarroto, this Italian surname means ‘good increase.’ It was borne by the famous Renaissance painter and sculptor, Michelangelo.
63. Burgstaller
Referring to a person dwelling at or near a palace or a castle, Burgstaller is a beautiful Germanic surname. It comes from the German elements ‘Burg,’ meaning ‘fortress or castle,’ and ‘Stelle,’ meaning ‘place or position’.
Cool Last Names That Start With B
Given below are some cool last names starting with B, carrying significant meanings and a trendy sound. Check them out!
64. Baggio
Baggio is an Italian surname referring to someone from the Italian town of Baggio in Milan. The surname means ‘watch place,’ probably from the Latin name Badalocum.
65. Banks
While the word Banks reminds one of money, it is actually a nature-inspired surname of English origin. It was used to indicate someone who lived near a hillside or a bank of land.
66. Ballerini
Sounding like the elegant ballerinas, the surname Ballerini is actually associated with dance. It comes from the Italian word ‘ballerino,’ meaning ‘dancer.’.
67. Beaumont
Beaumont is a French surname. It is derived from the French elements ‘beau,’ meaning ‘beautiful,’ and ‘mont,’ meaning ‘mountain.’
68. Bellerose
With an elegant sound and graceful meaning, Bellerose is a French surname, meaning ‘beautiful rose.’
69. Blanc
A descriptive surname of French origin, Blanc means ‘white’ in French. It is both a given and a last name to depict someone with a pale skin tone or blond hair.
70. Bosch
The Italian surname Bosch originates from the word ‘Bosco,’ meaning ‘woods’ or ‘forest.’ Thus, it is a toponymic surname inspired by nature.
71. Boivin
Derived from the French nickname for someone who loves drinking wine, the surname Boivin is made with the combination of the Old French words ‘boi,’ meaning ‘to drink,’ and ‘vin,’ meaning ‘wine.’
72. Bologna
The Italian surname Bologna is derived from the name of the city of Bologna in northern Italy. It means ‘settlement’ in old Celtic.
73. Bosco
Cool, short, and sweet, Bosco is an Italian surname meaning ‘forest.’ Thus, it can be considered a nature-derived surname.
Trivia74. Bover
The Italian surname Bover actually refers to a ‘bull’ or ‘ox.’ However, over time, the surname migrated and evolved as a Spanish surname.
75. Bradley
Conveying the feeling of freedom amidst nature, the surname Bradley is of English origin from Britain. It means ‘broad meadow’ from the Old English words ‘brad leah.’
76. Brun
Brun was originally a French nickname for a person with brown hair or skin tone. However, over time, it evolved into a surname, meaning ’brown’ in different languages, including French, Danish, Norwegian, and Swedish.
77. Bulgari
This surname is of Italian origin, denoting someone from the city of Bulgaria in Italy. The town’s name might have a Turkic origin, named after the Turkic tribe of the Bulgars, meaning ‘mixed.’
78. Bureau
Bureau is derived from the Old French word ‘burel,’ which comes from the word ‘bure,’ referring to a type of woolen cloth. The surname was originally a nickname for someone who wears such material or an occupational name for someone who works with this material.
Mexican Last Names That Start With B
Spanish is spoken by the vast majority of Mexicans. Therefore, many Mexican last names are of Spanish origin (2). Check out the below list of some Mexican last names that start with B.
79. Barbosa
Also known as Barbossa, Barbosa is a Portuguese surname which also became popular in Southern Galicia and Mexico. The surname originally denoted someone living by land with overgrown leafy vegetation, derived from the Portuguese word ‘barba,’ meaning ‘leaf.’
80. Barrera
The Mexican surname Barrera is a topographic surname derived from the Spanish and Catalan ‘barrera,’ meaning ‘barrier.’ It indicated someone who lived by a fence or a gate.
81. Becerra
Originating from the Spanish language, Becerra is a common Mexican and Galician surname. The name means ‘young cow or heifer’ and was originally a nickname for a high-spirited person.
82. Beltran
Beltran is of Spanish origin, probably derived from the Germanic words ‘berht,’ meaning ‘bright,’ and ‘hramn’ meaning ‘raven.’ It is also a given name for males in Spanish-speaking countries.
83. Blanco
Meaning ‘white’ in Spanish, the surname and the given name Blanco was probably used to refer to a person with pale skin or blond hair.
84. Bravo
Sounding cool and macho, Bravo is actually derived from a nickname that means ‘angry, bold, or brave’ in Spanish and Portuguese.
85. Briceño
With an uncertain meaning, Briceño or Briceno is most likely a habitational Spanish surname derived from a place name. This surname can be found in many Spanish-speaking countries, including Mexico and Venezuela.
Check more Mexican surnames.
French Last Names That Start With B
French surnames are mostly derived from Old French words and many of them have variants and spelling alternatives. Below is the list of some French last names that start with B (3). Take a look!
86. Babin
Babin is derived from the given name Babin, a short form of the Late Greek and French name Babylas, originating from the ancient Mesopotamian city of Babylon.
87. Barbier
With a similar etymology as the English and Scottish surname Barber, Barbier is a French occupational surname. It indicated someone who cut hair (a barber).
88. Barre
Barre is a French form of the English surname Barr, derived from the Old French word ‘barre.’ Originally, it was used to denote a person living near a barrier.
89. Baudin
Derived from the given name Baud, a French form of the name Baldo, the last name means ‘bold or brave’ via the Old Germanic word ‘bald.’
90. Beaufort
Originating from the French language, the surname Beaufort is derived from the Old French words ‘beau,’ meaning ‘beautiful,’ and ‘fort,’ meaning ‘strong place or fortress.’
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91. Beaulieu
With the same French prefix, ‘Beau’, this surname means a ‘beautiful place’ in French.
92. Bélanger
Bélanger is derived from Bérenger, a given name in French, which eventually comes from the Old German name Berengar, meaning ‘bear spear.’ Thus, it makes a strong surname.
93. Bellamy
Derived from the Old French word ‘bel ami,’ meaning ‘beautiful friend,’ this French surname describes the beauty of true friendship.
94. Belmont
Both a French given name and a surname, Belmont is a French and English form of Belmonte, which means ‘beautiful mountain.’
95. Belrose
A variant of Bellerose, Belrose is an elegant French surname or last name, meaning ‘beautiful rose.’
96. Benoit
Transferred from the given name Benoit, it is a French form of the English name Benedict, meaning ‘blessed,’ via the Late Latin name Benedictus.
97. Béranger
The French surname Béranger is taken from the given name Bérenger, which eventually comes from the Old German name Berengar, meaning ‘bear spear.’
98. Béringer
A variant of the French surname Béranger, Béringer has a similar meaning and origin.
99. Bernard
Originally a French surname, Bernard belongs to different places, including England, Poland, Germany, and more. It is derived from the Old German elements ‘bern,’ meaning ‘bear,’ and ‘hart,’ meaning ‘hard,’ ‘firm,’ ‘brave,’ or ‘hardy.’
100. Bertrand
Transferred from the given name Bertrand, this French surname is of Germanic origin. It stems from the words ‘beraht’, meaning ‘bright’, and ‘rant’, meaning ‘rim (of a shield).’
101. Blaise
Both a given name and a surname, this French surname is of Roman origin, derived from the name Blasius, meaning ‘lisping’ via the Latin word ‘blaesus.’
102. Blanchard
The French surname Blanchard is derived from the Germanic name Blanchard. Here, it comes from the Old German elements ‘blanc,’ meaning white,’ and ‘hart’ meaning ‘hard,’ ‘brave,’ or ‘hardy.’
103. Blanchet
Sounding like a blanket. Blanchet is a diminutive of the name Blanc, which means ‘white’ in French. It was used to refer to someone with pale skin or blond hair.
104. Blanchett
Another spelling variant of the French surname Blanchet, the surname Blanchett eventually means ‘white’ in French.
105. Bonfils
Stemming from the Old French word ‘bon fils,’ meaning ‘good son,’ Bonfils is a sweet French surname.
106. Bonheur
Suggesting the birth of someone at a ‘good time,’ the surname Bonheur is derived from the Old French ‘bonne heure,’ meaning ‘good time’ or ‘lucky.’
107. Bonnaire
Transferred from the nickname and surname Bonner, Bonnaire eventually comes from the Middle English word ‘boneire,’ meaning ‘kind and courteous.’
108. Bonnay
Bonnay is a variant of the surname Bonnet, which comes from the given name Bonitus, meaning ‘good,’ via the Latin word ‘bonus.’
109. Bonnet
The surname Bonnet is derived from the Late Roman name Bonitus, which stems from the Latin word ‘bonus,’ meaning ‘good.’
110. Borde
Referring to someone who lived in a house made of planks, this surname is derived from the Old French word ‘bord,’ meaning ‘board or plank.’
111. Bouchard
Derived from the Old German given name Burkhard, the French surname Bouchard is made of Old German elements ‘burg,’ meaning ‘fortress.’ and ‘hart’ meaning ‘hard,’ ‘brave,’ or ‘hardy.’
112. Boucher
Meaning ‘butcher’ in French, the surname Boucher could be considered an occupational surname for butchers.
113. Bourreau
Bourreau is an occupational surname referring to an ‘executioner or torturer,’ derived from the Old French word ‘bourrer,’ meaning ‘to hit’ or ‘to stuff with a cloth.’ Bourreau can also be taken as a variant of the French surname Bureau.
114. Bouvier
A Latin-originated French surname, Bouvier means ‘cowherd’ in French. It eventually comes from the Latin word ‘boviarus,’ which is a derivative of ‘bos,’ meaning ‘cow.’
115. Bret
The surname Bret is a French variant of Brett, an English surname, nickname, and given name, referring to someone who was a Breton or from Brittany.
116. Brisbois
Originally belonging to someone who cleared land, Brisbois is derived from the Old French words ‘briser,’ meaning ‘to cut,’ and ‘bois,’ meaning ‘forest.’
117. Brodeur
Another occupational surname, Brodeur means ‘embroiderer’ in French, showcasing a family of artisans with this skill.
118. Brunet
Brunet is a rare French surname, which is a diminutive of the French word ‘brun,’ meaning ‘brown.’ This surname was originally used to refer to someone with a brown skin tone or brown hair.
Check more French surnames.
Spanish Last Names That Start With B
Most Spanish last names originated from the Spanish language; however, you can also find some last names of Italian, Germanic, and Latin origin (4). Check out the below collection of Spanish last names that start with B.
119. Baca
Short and sweet, Baca is an interesting and rare Spanish surname. It comes from the Spanish word ‘vaca,’ meaning ‘cow.’
120. Badillo
Badillo is a Spanish surname originally used to refer to someone from Badillo (meaning ‘small ford’) in Spain. It is a diminutive of ‘badil,’ meaning a fire shovel, or it might come from ‘vado,’ meaning ‘place to cross the river.’
121. Ballon
The surname Ballon may have multiple origins. It could be a variant of vallón, from ‘valle,’ meaning ‘valley.’ Alternatively, Ballon could also be a Castilian spelling of Catalan Batlló or Balló, which are the nicknames derived from the Catalan word ‘batlle,’ meaning ‘dancing’.
122. Baltazar
Transferred from the given name Baltazar, a variant of Balthazar, and derived from Belshazzar, this last name is a Biblical and Babylonian name in Hebrew. It means ‘Bel protect the king’ from the name Bel-sharra-usur. Here, Bel or Ba’al is the name of the Babylonian god, or it may mean ‘lord or master’ in Hebrew.
123. Bandera
Added as a status name for a bearer of flags or standards, this Spanish surname comes from the word ‘bandera,’ meaning ‘flag’ or ‘banner.’ It is also a variant of Italian Bandiera, a cognate of the Spanish name.
124. Banderas
The Spanish surname Banderas is a cognate of the English occupational surname ‘Banner.’ It refers to a flag carrier, derived from the Old French word ‘baniere.’
125. Barrera
The surname Barrera may have multiple origins. It could be a topographic surname from the Spanish and Catalan ‘barrera’ meaning ‘barrier,’ for a person who lived near a gate or fence. Alternatively, it could be a topographic surname for someone who lived by a clay pit, from the Spanish ‘barrero,’ derived from the Spanish word ‘barro,’ meaning ‘mud’ or ‘clay.’
126. Barros
The surname Barros comes from the Portuguese and Spanish word ‘barro,’ meaning ‘mud’ or ‘clay.’ It could be an occupational name for someone who worked with clay or mud, or a topographic name for a person who lived near clay or mud.
127. Basurto
A Basque-originated surname, Basurto comes from the Basque place name Basurtu, a village in Biscay. The meaning of this surname is ‘middle of the forest.’
128. Bautista
Transferred from the given name Bautista, it is a Spanish variant of the name Baptiste, which means ‘baptist’ in French. The surname eventually comes from the Greek word ‘bapto,’ meaning ‘to dip.’
129. Baviera
A variant of the surname Bavaria, the Spanish surname Baviera refers to someone from Bavaria state in Germany. It is used in Spanish, Portuguese, Italian, and Catalan languages.
130. Belleza
Describing the beauty of a person, the Spanish surname Belleza is derived from the Spanish word ‘belleza,’ meaning ‘beauty.’
131. Bello
Meaning ‘beautiful’ in Spanish and Italian languages, the surname Bello was originally a Spanish nickname for an attractive and beautiful person.
132. Benítez
With the suffix -ez, Benitez is a patronymic surname, meaning ‘son of Benito.’ Here, the name Benito is derived from the name Benedict, stemming from the Latin name Benedictus, meaning ‘blessed.’
133. Bermúdez
Another patronymic surname with the suffix -ez, this Spanish surname means ‘son of Bermudo.’ Here, the given name is the Spanish form of Veremund, which is of Germanic origin meaning ‘true protection.’
134. Bernardino
Transferred from the given name Bernardino, it is the diminutive of the Italian, Spanish, and Portuguese name Bernardo, a variant of Bernard, referring to ‘brave as a bear.’
135. Bolívar
It is derived from the place name Bolibar, which is a small Basque village. The surname Bolivar comes from Basque elements ‘bolu,’ meaning ‘mill,’ and ‘ibar,’ meaning ‘meadow’.
136. Bosque
Despite having similar pronunciation to the French surname Bosch, the Spanish surname Bosque is not related. Instead, Bosque is a variant of the Italian name Bosco, meaning ‘forest.’
137. Bueno
Bueno is a distinct Spanish surname, derived from a nickname. The surname means ‘good’ in Spanish.
138. Bustillo
Derived from the name of multiple Spanish towns, Bustillo is a diminutive of Busto, derived from the Latin word ‘bustum,’ which means ‘ox pasture.’
139. Busto
Busto is a habitational Spanish surname of Latin origin. It comes from the name of towns in Spain and Italy, and is derived from the Late Latin word ‘bustum’ meaning ‘ox pasture.’
140. Bustos
Of Latin origin, Bustos is an alternative to the surname Busto.
Check more Spanish surnames.
Italian Last Names That Start With B
Italian surnames starting with B may include patronymic, topographic, and even occupational and descriptive ones. Explore our list to learn more about their meanings.
141. Baggi
A rare variant of the surname Baggio, this Italian surname refers to someone hailing from the town of Baggio in Italy.
142. Baggio
The surname Baggio was originally used to denote a person from the Italian town of Baggio. The meaning of this town’s name might be ‘watch place’ from the Latin name Badalocum.
143. Baglioni
An Italian cognate of the popular surname Bailey, Baglioni can also be sometimes called Baglio. It is derived from the Middle English word ‘baili,’ meaning ‘bailiff’, via the Old French form of the Latin word ‘baiulus,’ meaning ‘porter.’
144. Bagni
The Italian surname Bagni comes from the Italian word ‘bagno,’ meaning ‘bath.’ It stems from the Latin word ‘balneum,’ denoting a person who worked as a bathhouse attendant.
145. Bagnoli
Bagnoli is a diminutive form of Bagni, so it has a similar meaning.
146. Balboni
Transferred from the given name Balbino, the surname means ‘stammerer’ in Latin via the Roman cognomen Balbinus, a derivative of Balbus.
147. Baldi
Baldi comes from the Italian masculine given name Baldo, meaning ‘bold or brave’ via the Old German element ‘bald.’
148. Baldini
The surname Baldini comes from the given name Baldino, which is a diminutive of Baldo, derived from the Old German element ‘bald,’ meaning ‘bold or brave.’
149. Barbieri
Originating from Italian, Barbieri is a cognate of the English occupational surname Barber. It denotes someone who works as a barber, or who cuts hair for a living.
150. Barnard
Transferred from the given name Barnard, this Italian surname is a form of the surname and given name Bernard. The meaning of this surname is ‘tough or strong as a bear.’
151. Barone
Barone comes from the title ‘barone,’ which means ‘baron.’ This surname is derived from the Frankish word ‘baro,’ meaning ‘man,’ ‘warrior,’ or ‘servant.’
152. Barsotti
A sweet Italian surname, Barsotti is probably derived from the medieval Latin word baro, meaning ‘man’ or ‘freeman.’
153. Basile
Transferred from the given name Basile or Basilio, this Italian surname stems from the English and French name Basil. The surname has the meaning ‘king’ via the Greek name Basileios or Basileus.
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154. Battaglia
A strong and solid surname, Battaglia literally means ‘battle’ in the Italian language.
155. Bellini
Bellini is either a patronymic surname or a plural form of the Italian surname Bellino. Alternatively, it could also originate from the Italian word ‘bello,’ meaning ‘beautiful.’
156. Benedetti
Taken from the given name Benedetto, this Italian surname is a form of the Late Latin name Benedictus, meaning ‘blessed.’
157. Bernardi
Derived from the given name Bernardo, this Italian surname eventually comes from Bernard, a German name meaning ‘tough as a bear.’
158. Bianchi
A descriptive surname, Bianchi is a variant of Bianco that means ‘white’ in Italian. The surname was originally a nickname for someone with white hair or pale skin.
159. Bianco
This surname of Italian origin means ‘white,’ referring to a person with a pale skin tone and hair.
160. Borghi
Borghi is a locational surname, derived from the name of the place Borgo, meaning ‘village.’
161. Bruno
Denoting a person with brown clothes or hair, this Italian surname was originally a nickname. It means ‘brown’ in Italian and Portuguese languages.
Trivia162. Buffone
Meaning ‘jester’ or ‘joker,’ Buffone is a quirky surname in Italian.
163. Buono
Derived from the nickname Buono, this Italian surname means ‘good’ in Italian.
Check more Italian surnames.
Hispanic Last Names That Start With B
Hispanic surnames are used in Spanish-speaking countries, which include countries like Mexico and Venezuela in addition to Spain. Dive into the list to learn about some Hispanic last names starting with B (5).
164. Babilonia
Babilonia is derived from the place name Babylon in Italian and Spanish. It comes from the Akkadian name Babili via the Greek name Babylon, meaning ‘gateway of God.’
165. Balcazar
A variant of the name Belshazzar, this surname means ‘Bel protect the king’ in Hebrew. Here, Bel is the Babylonian title of the God Marduk, as per Semitic mythology.
166. Balderas
This name is derived from the Spanish phrase ‘Valle de eras,’ referring to ‘Valley of eras.’ It also denotes a toponymic name derived from Valderas in the Leon province of Spain.
167. Bardales
Bardales is a last name of Spanish origin with uncertain meaning.
168. Baro
Baro is of Spanish origin but its meaning is unknown. However, it means ‘clothing’ in Tagalog, or ‘man and freeman’ from the Medieval Latin word ‘baro.’
169. Baroja
The surname Baroja is a common Spanish surname with an unknown meaning. The famous bearer of this surname was Pío Baroja, a Spanish writer who was one of the key novelists of the Generation of 1898.
170. Barroso
Barroso is a Spanish and Portuguese surname which stems from the Spanish word ‘barrera,’ meaning ‘barrier.’
171. Belmontez
It is a variant of the Spanish and Italian surname Belmonte, derived from the name of various places in Spain and Italy. The meaning of this surname is ‘beautiful mountain.’
172. Bengochea
Bengochea is a variant of Bengoetxea, a Basque name meaning ‘the house furthest down.’
173. Bernat
Transferred from a given name, Bernat is a variant of the name and surname Bernard. It comes from the German word ‘Bern hart,’ meaning ‘strong or brave as a bear.’
174. Bernardo
Bernardo is another variant of the surname and given name ‘Bernard,’ which ultimately means ‘brave or strong as a bear’ from the Old Germanic roots.
175. Berra
Berra comes from the Spanish word ‘Berrar,’ which means ‘to scream,’ ‘shout,’ or ‘bellow.’
176. Borja
Taken as a toponymic last name, the surname referred to the name of the Spanish town Borja in Aragon. It is probably derived from the Arabic word ‘burj,’ meaning ‘tower.’
177. Botello
Botello is derived from the Galician word ‘bottela,’ meaning ‘bottles.’ Thus, it is an occupational Spanish last name indicating someone who is a maker of bottles.
178. Botero
Another occupational Spanish surname, Botero either means a ‘bottle maker’ or ‘boat maker or owner’
German Last Names That Start With B
Originating from the German language or used among German people, the below list provides brief information on some German last names that start with B.
179. Bach
Bach is a topographic name for a person living by a stream, stemming from the Middle High German word ‘bach,’ meaning ‘stream.’ This family name was borne by members of the Bach family of Germany which has several famous musical composers, including Johann Sebastian Bach of the late Baroque period.
180. Bachmann
A variant of the surname Bach, Bachmann originally referred to a person who lived near a stream. It originated from the Middle High German word ‘bach,’ meaning ‘stream,’ and ‘mann,’ meaning ‘man.’
181. Bachmeier
The surname Bachmeier was used to denote a farmer with a farm beside a stream. The surname comes from the Middle High German elements ‘bach’ and ‘meier,’ meaning ‘steward’ or ‘tenant farmer.’
182. Bader
A German cognate to the Italian surname Bagnoli, the surname Bader is derived from the Old High German word ‘bad,’ meaning ‘bath.’ The surname probably referred to a bath attendant.
183. Bähr
The surname Bähr stems from the Middle High German words ‘bër,’ meaning ‘bear,’ or ‘ber,’ meaning ‘boar’. It was originally a nickname for a strong or brave person.
184. Bauer
Short and sweet, Bauer is an occupational surname. It comes from the Old High German word ‘bur,’ meaning ‘peasant or farmer.’
185. Baum
Literally meaning ‘tree’ in German, Baum is a nature-inspired German surname.
186. Baumann
Derived from the Middle High German word ‘bumann,’ the surname Baumann means ‘farmer or builder.’ Thus, it is considered an occupational surname.
187. Baumbach
Originating from the German language, Baumbach comes from the name of a place which means ‘tree stream’ in German.
188. Beck
Beck stems from the Middle English ‘bekke’ from Old Nordic roots, or Low German ‘beke,’ all of which means ‘stream.’ Beck is also a variant of the surname Becker, from the Southern German word ‘beck,’ meaning ‘baker.’
189. Becker
An occupational surname, Becker is derived from the Middle High German word ‘becker,’ meaning ‘baker.’
190. Behrend
Taken from the given name Bernd, which is a short form of Bernhard, this German surname eventually comes from the name Bernard.
191. Beiler
Originating from the Middle High German word ‘beile,’ this German surname means ‘measuring stick.’
192. Beltz
Beltz was originally used for a tanner of hides. It is derived from the Middle High German word ‘belz,’ meaning ‘fur.’
193. Berg
Originating from the Old High German, Old Dutch, and Old Norse languages, the surname Berg means ‘mountain.’ Berge and Berger are some spelling variants of this German surname.
194. Bergmann
Stemming from the Old High German elements ‘berg,’ meaning ‘mountain,’ and ‘mann,’ denoting ‘man,’ Bergmann is a topographic surname. It was used to denote someone who lived on a mountain.
195. Beutel
The surname Beutel comes from the Middle High German word ‘biutel,’ meaning ‘bag.’ It was originally used to refer to a person who made or sold bags.
196. Blau
A short and interesting surname, Blau means ‘blue’ in German. It was probably used to denote a person who wore blue clothes.
197. Blecher
An occupational surname, Blecher originates from the German element ‘blech,’ meaning ‘tin.’ This surname suggested someone working with tin or sheet metal.
198. Bleier
Bleier is also an occupational surname, taken from the German element ‘blei,’ meaning ‘lead.’ Originally, this surname belonged to a worker of lead.
199. Blum
Literally meaning ‘flower’ in German and Yiddish languages, the surname Blum might be similar to the English word ‘bloom.’
200. Bogdanov
A Russian or Bulgarian surname, Bogdanoc is a patronymic name, meaning ‘son of Bogdan.’ Here, the name Bogdan means ‘given by God’ from its Slavic roots.
201. Bohn
The surname Bohn is an occupational surname for a bean grower. It is derived from the Middle High German word ‘bone,’ meaning ‘bean.’
202. Brahms
Derived from the given name Brahms, it is a variant of the Biblically significant name Abraham. The name means ‘father of many’ in Hebrew. German composer and pianist Johannes Brahms has popularized this surname.
203. Braun
Meaning ‘brown’ in the German language, the surname Braun originally referred to someone with brown hair or brown clothes.
204. Busch
Referring to someone living by a thicket, Busch means ‘bush’ in the German language. Thus, it is considered a topographic surname.
Check more German surnames.
Irish Last Names That Start With B
Given below is a list of a few Irish last names that start with B. These surnames are mainly patronymic. Have a look!
205. Beirne
Beirne is an Irish variant of O’Byrne, which is an anglicized form of the Irish surname Ó Broin. It is a patronymic surname meaning ‘descendant of Bran.’
206. Berne
Similar to Beirne, the surname Berne is also a variant of O’Byrne, and eventually means ‘descendant of Bran.’
207. Boyle
Coming from the Irish surname Ó Baoighill, Boyle means ‘descendant of Baoigheall.’ Here, the given name Baoigheall is probably associated with the Irish ‘geall,’ meaning ‘pledge.’
208. Braden
Braden is an anglicized form of the Irish surname Ó Bradáin, meaning ‘descendant of Bradán’. Moreover, the name Bradán either means ‘salmon’ or ‘thief’ in Irish.
209. Brady
Brady is the anglicized form of the Irish name Ó Brádaigh, which means ‘descendant of Brádach.’ The name Brádach is originally an Irish byname, from the Irish ‘bradach,’ meaning ‘thieving, roguish, or spirited.’
210. Brannon
A variant of the surname Brennan, this Irish surname means ‘descendant of Braonán,’ where Braonán is an Irish byname meaning ‘rain, moisture, or drop.’
211. Breen
Breen is an anglicized form of the Irish surname Ó Braoin, meaning ‘descendant of Braon.’ Here, Braon is an Irish byname, a variant of Braonán, meaning ‘rain, moisture, or drop.’
212. Brennan
Stemming from the Irish surname Ó Braonáin, Brennan means ‘descendant of Braonán,’ a byname that means ‘rain, moisture, or drop’ with a diminutive suffix.
213. Brogan
An Irish occupational surname, Brogan is derived from the Irish element ‘bróg’ meaning ‘shoe.’
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214. Brontë
A variant of Brunty, the surname Brontë means ‘descendant of Proinnteach’ via Prunty, which is a derivative of Irish surname Ó Proinntigh. Here, the given name means ‘generous’ from the Irish word ‘bronntach.’
215. Brunty
Brunty is a variant of Prunty, which ultimately means ‘descendant of Proinnteach’ via the Irish surname Ó Proinntigh.
216. Buckley
Originating from the Irish language, Buckley comes from the Irish surname Ó Buachalla, meaning ‘descendant of Buachaill.’ Here, Buachaill is an Irish nickname that means ‘cowherd or servant.’
217. Burke
Derived from the Middle English word ‘burgh,’ this Irish family name means ‘fortress, fortification, or castle.’
218. Byrne
A variant of O’Byrne, this Irish surname means ‘descendant of Bran.’ Here, the name Bran means ‘raven’ in Irish.
219. Byrnes
Another variant of the surname O’Byrne or the plural of Byrne, this surname also means ‘descendant of Bran.’
Check more Irish surnames.
English Last Names That Start With B
Several English last names start with B, some of which are explained below. Take a look to learn more about their origins and significance.
220. Babcock
Of English origin, the surname Babcock is derived from the medieval name Bab. This name is possibly a diminutive of Bartholomew or Barbara.
221. Backus
The English surname Backus means ‘bakery.’ It is an occupational name for a baker, taken from the Old English ‘bæchus,’ which literally means ‘bakehouse.’
222. Badcock
Badcock is a diminutive of Bartholomew, a biblical patronymic name, meaning ‘son of Talmai’ in Greek and Aramaic. Here, the name Talmai means ‘furrowed’ in Hebrew. It may also be derived from the given name Bada.
223. Bagley
Originating from the English language, Bagley is a habitational surname derived from various English place names. It originates from the Old English given name Bacga combined with ‘leah’, meaning ‘woodland’ or ‘clearing.’
224. Baines
Referring to a thin person, this English surname is actually a nickname. It is derived from the Old English word ‘ban,’ meaning ‘bones.’
225. Bancroft
Bancroft is a habitational surname derived from the name of any place with this name. Originating from the Old English word ‘bean,’ meaning ‘bean,’ and ‘croft,’ meaning ‘small enclosed field,’ this surname means ‘a bean field.’
226. Bannister
Bannister is an English occupational surname, referring to those who make baskets. It originates from the Norman French word ‘banastre,’ meaning ‘basket.’
227. Barber
An occupational surname of English origin, the surname means ‘a barber’ or ‘one who cuts hair for a living.’
228. Barclay
A variant of Berkeley, the surname Barclay is taken from the English place named Berkeley. It is derived from the Old English ‘beorc,’ meaning ‘birch,’ and ‘leah,’ meaning ‘woodland’ or ‘clearing.’
229. Barnett
A topographic surname, Barnett is derived from the Old English ‘bærnet,’ meaning ‘place cleared by burning.’
230. Bates
A patronymic surname of English origin, Bates means ‘son of Bate,’ which is a medieval diminutive of the Biblical name Bartholomew.
231. Baxter
With the letter ‘X,’ Baxter is a variant of Baker, an occupational surname of English origin.
232. Belcher
The surname Belcher is a Middle English version of the Old French word ‘bel chiere,’ meaning ‘beautiful face’. Someone with a cheerful and pleasant temperament can be given this surname as a nickname.
233. Bennington
Bennington is a long English surname derived from the English town named Benington. The town’s name either means ‘settlement belonging to Beonna’s people’ or ‘settlement by the River Beane.’
234. Bentley
Bentley is a habitational surname belonging to the name of several towns in England. It is derived from the Old English ‘beonet,’ meaning ‘bent grass,’ and ‘leah,’ meaning ‘woodland’ or ‘clearing.’
235. Beverley
Taken from the name of an English city, Beverley, this surname comes from the Old English ‘beofor,’ meaning ‘beaver,’ and ‘licc,’ meaning ‘stream.’
236. Bisset
Bisset was originally a nickname for someone who looked drab. However, it was later evolved as an English surname, derived from the Old French ‘bis,’ meaning ‘drab or dingy.’
237. Blue
Like the color blue, the surname Blue is of English origin. It was originally a nickname for someone with blue eyes or blue clothing.
238. Bolton
Originating from the Old English ‘bold,’ meaning ‘house,’ and ‘tun’ meaning ‘enclosure,’ Bolton is a habitational surname. It is derived from any place named Bolton in England.
239. Brigham
Originally referred to as someone from a town called Brigham, Brigham is a habitational surname. It means ‘homestead by the bridge’ in Old English.
Check more English surnames.
African Last Names That Start With B
Check out some exclusive African last names that start with B. Each of these surnames is from different parts of the African continent.
240. Babatunde
Of Yoruba origin, Babatunde is an African surname meaning ‘father has come again.’
241. Bah
Of Fulani origin, the surname Bah comes from the Arabic name ‘Aba,’ meaning ‘father.’ The surname can be found in Western Africa and is typically spelled as Ba.
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242. Baraki
Of Ethiopian and Amharic descent, Baraki is transferred from the given name Baraki, which means ‘one who blesses’ in the Amharic language.
243. Barry
Barry is of Guinean descent, referring to a family belonging to the Peul, Fulani, or Foulbe ethnic groups of West Africa.
244. Batlokwa
Of Tswana origin, Batlokwa is a South African surname derived from a tribe name. It is a branch of the Bakgatla section of the Bantu-speaking communities from the Great Lakes and Northern Central Africa.
245. Bekker
Bekker is an Afrikaans surname, which is taken from the regional form of Dutch ‘bakker,’ meaning ‘baker.’
246. Benhaim
Popular among the Jewish people in North Africa, the surname Benhaim is a variant of Ben Haim. It is a Jewish patronymic surname, meaning ‘son of Chayyim,’ where the name means ‘life’ in Hebrew.
247. Boateng
A common Ghanaian surname, Boateng means ‘someone who is humble to God’ in the Akan language of Southern Africa.
248. Bolaji
A common Nigerian last name, Bolaji is of uncertain meaning. However, it originated from any of the Nigerian tribes’ languages.
249. Bolingoli
A Central African surname, Bolingoli is of Lingala descent, meaning ‘shining.’
250. Botha
The surname Botha is a unique African surname and a South African variant of Both, which is a Dutch surname derived from the Low German given name Bode, meaning ‘command or order.’
251. Branco
Branco is a Central African surname of Portuguese origin. It comes from the Portuguese word ‘Branco,’ meaning ‘white,’ denoting a person with lighter skin tone and hair.
Check more African surnames.
From single-syllable surnames, like Bosch and Bauer, and those with three or more syllables, like Bergamaschi and Bencivenni, this list of last names that start with B encompasses various cultures, languages, origins, and ethnicities. These surnames tell us about the etymological roots as well as the legacy of our family lines. Moreover, many surnames from different cultures share similar roots or are cognates of each other, which shows how interconnected the world is or offers a glimpse into the politics of the time. Thus, this comprehensive list can be an engaging way to explore more about our identity in relation to the world.
Discover More Names
When you have to choose a name for your baby, a few hundreds of names may not be just enough. Keep digging our mine of baby names until you find that one precious gem.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can a last name starting with the letter B have multiple origins?
Yes, many surnames that start with B have multiple origins. For instance, Bose has its origins in both Bengali and Yoruba languages. Similarly, the surname Banks has both Irish and Anglo-Saxson roots.
2. How common are compound last names that start with B?
Compound surnames are found in a few cultures, including Spanish and a few English-speaking countries (6). Thus, compound surnames that start with B might be found in these cultures. Some examples are Blanco-Bueno, Baker-Brown, Bryan-Brown, and Bennett-Barnes.
Key Pointers
- Most cultures and languages have certain last names and family names that start with the letter B.
- Bieber, Brooke, Brown, and Bailey are some last names starting with B that are popular worldwide.
- Bolat, Brooks, Blake, Blanc, Beltran, and Bruno are a few examples of last names that are also personal names.
- Briceno, Busto, Bancroft, and Bagley are a few examples of habitational surnames.
References
- Frequently Occurring Surnames from the 2010 Census.
https://www.census.gov/topics/population/genealogy/data/2010_surnames.html - The Spanish Language In The Southwest: Past Present And Future.
https://open.uapress.arizona.edu/read/the-chicanos/section/4cf244e6-79ee-4e6b-8c96-03ac61f720a3 - The French Tutorial; Surnames.
https://script.byu.edu/french-handwriting/tools/names/surnames - Spanish Names.
https://script.byu.edu/spanish-handwriting/tools/names/general - Spanish/Hispanic Surnames.
https://www.dshs.texas.gov/sites/default/files/tcr/training/handbook/Appendix-Spanish-Hispanic-Surnames.pdf - Surname.
https://encyclopedia.pub/entry/30896
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