Where did your surname originate from?

My maiden name, Banner, has two possible sources - either from a member of an acting troupe back in medieval times - this is where names like Bishop, King come from, the roles in the plays were passed down from father to son and the family were known by the name of their role. My ancestors could have been the publicity people, who arrived in the town before the rest of the troupe and advertised the coming show. The other possible source is to do with Vikings landing in the very north of Scotland. I'm a little unclear on the details on that one!
My married name means Gray Hill and tends to be found in the border country between England and Scotland.

by VerityG

That's fascinating about Bishop, King etc.

Yes, a lot of people think it means their ancestors were actual Bishops or Kings but no, they were most likely just actors portraying them!

Well I can't give it away on here, because it is rare.
It is old English, 12th century.
It came from a ' man doing a certain task for his living'.
I can tell you we do have 3 stars on our crest, each one is for the 3 Knights we have in our clan.

by jonaja

Scotland.

by Jennifer Muirhead

I really don't know but my father's family came from Scotland and I understand the surname 'Beveridge' i quite common.

by Gayle Beveridge

Scotland, with French influences.

by meggf

Witt, is German/Danish, derived from white and common in Northern Germany. My dad (who migrated here in the '50's) said he went to a village in eastern Germany and the butcher, baker, candle stick maker, etc, all had Witt on their shops.

by amanda

Austria

by frost

Maiden Name..........English & American.
Married..........English.

by donjo

My maiden name is Spooner, and I believe that has come from the practice of carving a set of wooden spoons for your bethrothed, before your marriage. I believe it is a Welsh custom! I would love someone to tell me if that is so!

by phil.