Wouldn’t it be amazing to discover that you are descended from Royalty? Over the past few years, there has been a growing interest in genealogy and tracing family histories. Thanks to companies like Ancestry and 23andme, people can now discover where their ancestors came from and uncover previously unknown connections to other individuals.
Experts now believe that certain common last names may indicate a connection to a Royal family. Charles H. Browning, a member of the American Historical Association, has compiled a list of names that can be traced back to royal families across Europe. And we’re not just talking about England here, folks! These names have influenced many people in the United States as well.
The Royalty-connected Last Names
Here are some last names that may indicate a royal connection. If you share one of these names, you could be connected to a royal bloodline without even realizing it:
Thomas
This common last name is linked to the King of France, Hugh Capet, who ruled from 987 to 996. A notable descendant of this French monarch was Philip Evan Thomas, born in 1834 in New York City.
Watts
The name Watts is connected to the King of Scotland, Robert II, who reigned from 1371 to 1390. Mary Alexander, born in 1749, was a descendant of the Watts line. She married John Watts of New York, thus establishing a new line of royal blood within the United States.
Adams
If your last name is Adams, you may be connected to William the Conqueror, the King of England from 1066 to 1087. John Quincy Adams, the sixth President of the United States, was a notable descendant of this English king. He was born in Massachusetts in 1767.
Roberts
Edward I, the King of England from 1272 to 1307, is the royal connection for the last name Roberts. One descendant of this monarch, Elizabeth Evans, was born in 1781. After marrying Cadwalader Roberts, she adopted this common last name.
Livingston
James I, the King of Scotland from 1406 to 1437, has connections to the last name Livingston. Edward Livingston, born in 1764, was one of the modern descendants of this monarch. He also happened to be the former mayor of New York City.
Lewis
The last name Lewis is linked to Edmund Ironside, the King of England who ruled for a brief period from April to November 1016. Sarah Claypoole, born in 1802, was a famous descendant of this English king. She later married William David Lewis.
Phillips
Henry I, the King of France from 1027 to 1060, has a descendant named Margaret Wendell, born in 1739. She married William Phillips, thus creating a new family name associated with the French monarch.
O’Brien
Brian Boru, the High King of Ireland from 1002 to 1014, is connected to the last name O’Brien. Reverend Matthew Patrick O’Brien, born in 1837 in Philadelphia, is a famous descendant of this Irish king.
Discover Your Royal Heritage
Did you know that these common last names have connections to European Royalty? If you have one of these names, take a moment to imagine the incredible history and heritage that you may be a part of. Explore your genealogy and uncover the stories of your ancestors, who may have played a role in the grand tapestry of Royal families. Embrace your potential royal connections and celebrate the rich lineage that runs through your veins!
