There are several common last names that start with the letter M. Some of the most popular ones are Miller, Moore, Martin, and Murphy. These surnames are quite common and can be found in many English-speaking countries.
1. Miller: The surname Miller is derived from the occupation of a miller, someone who worked at a mill grinding grain into flour. This name is quite common and can be found in various countries. It is derived from the Middle English word “milne” and the Old English word “mylen,” both of which mean “mill.”
2. Moore: The surname Moore is derived from the Old English word “mor,” meaning “marsh” or “fen.” It was a topographic name for someone who lived near a marshy area. The name is quite common in Ireland, where it can be traced back to the Gaelic surname “O’Mordha,” meaning “descendant of Mordha.”
3. Martin: The surname Martin is derived from the given name Martin, which itself is derived from the Roman name Martinus. It was a popular name among early Christians, as it was associated with St. Martin of Tours. The name Martin is quite common and can be found in many countries, including France, Spain, and England.
4. Murphy: The surname Murphy is of Irish origin and is one of the most common surnames in Ireland. It is derived from the Irish Gaelic surname “O Murchadha,” meaning “descendant of Murchadh.” Murchadh is an old Gaelic personal name meaning “sea warrior” or “sea battler.” The name Murphy is predominantly found in Ireland and among Irish diaspora communities.
5. Mitchell: The surname Mitchell is derived from the given name Michael, which means “who is like God” in Hebrew. It is a common surname in English-speaking countries and can be found in Scotland, England, and the United States. The name Mitchell has different variations and spellings, such as Mitchel, Michell, and Mitcham.
6. Morgan: The surname Morgan is of Welsh origin and is derived from the Old Welsh personal name Morcant, which means “sea chief” or “great chief.” The name Morgan is quite common in Wales and among Welsh diaspora communities. It is also a unisex name and can be used as a given name for both males and females.
7. Murray: The surname Murray is derived from the region of Moray in Scotland. It is a locational surname, indicating that the bearer came from the region of Moray. The name Murray is quite common in Scotland and among Scottish diaspora communities. It is also associated with the Clan Murray, a Scottish clan.
8. Myers: The surname Myers is derived from the Middle English word “mire” or “myre,” meaning “bog” or “marsh.” It was a topographic name for someone who lived near a boggy or marshy area. The name Myers is quite common in English-speaking countries, particularly in the United States and England.
These are some of the common last names that start with the letter M. They have different origins, including occupational, topographic, and patronymic origins. These surnames have spread across various countries and have become widely used by people with different cultural backgrounds.