In the realm of royals and nobles, a last name can make a world of difference. Given the importance of family lineage for which royal families and the aristocracy are renowned, the right surname can provide a distinct advantage in society.
These days, in more egalitarian times, there is less significance attached to a person’s background or family name. Yet there are still some notable or historic surnames that can evoke esteemed royal connections of the very idea of sovereignty itself.
Historic Royal Last Names
Here are some of the most popular royal last names from history, along with some alternatives that denote an undeniable regal stature.
Windsor
Perhaps the most famous royal last name of the 21st century belongs to the House of Windsor, also known as the British Royal Family. Windsor is the official last name of the current King of England, King Charles III. Unlike many royal last names, this one has a relatively short history. It was created in 1917, to replace the Germanic surname Saxe-Coburg and Gotha, as a result of the hostilities between the European nations, despite their complex and long-standing family connections. The name Windsor was chosen to usher in a new era of more English-sounding royal family names, and it was chosen in reference to Windsor Castle, one of the most historic and ancient royal residences, situated approximately 30 miles from London.
York
As well as being one of the most historic and famous of England’s northern cities – the one that gave the world-renowned New York its iconic moniker – the House of York played a key role in the royal history of Britain. It also provided a whole range of royal and noble characters, including 3 kings. Perhaps the most famous member of the York family was its last king, Richard III, although his brother, Edward, also played a legendary role in the famous War of the Roses – the dynastic battle that played out before the Tudor family came to power and ushered in a new era of royal last names, most famously King Henry VIII and Queen Elizabeth I.
Orange
Orange may be a familiar last name in modern times, yet it can claim some of the richest royal connections and a captivating history dating back centuries. Unlike many of the other great royal houses of history, the House of Orange still has members in some of the most prominent monarchies in Europe. Founded almost 500 years ago, the Orange-Nassau dynasty would feature in many of the great historical tales of the times, including those relating to politics, military legend, and social eminence.
Stuart
Stuart is a very popular surname, and it’s also still popular as a first name for boys. This surname is usually linked to the famous House of Stuart, one of the most important royal families in Scottish history, sometimes spelt Stewart, which is also a variation of the name still in use today. Famous members of the legendary Scottish royals include Mary, Queen of Scots, the famed rival of England’s Elizabeth I, and King James V who would become an English king, despite the many wars and battles between the two nations. The last reigning sovereign from the House of Stuart was England’s Queen Anne, the first monarch to be styled as the ruler of Great Britain, rather than the individual kingdoms of England, Scotland and Ireland.
Lorraine
Lorraine is a region in northeastern France that gave its name to one of the great French royal houses. Although it is more popular in modern times as a first name, Lorraine has historically been used as a surname, either because of links to the great royal family of Lorraine, or as a way to allude to royal connections. Unlike many royal surnames, this one contains a hint at royalty within itself – the term ‘raine’ is often associated with the various terms for kings, queens and royals that stem from Latin and French words and phrases.
Last Names That Mean Royal
While some last names can claim royal history or a connection to famous royal houses of the past, there are some last names that are a more instant representation of regal stature.
Here are some last names that immediately suggest regal rank or a majestic role in the world.
King
King is a popular last name, and what could be more royal than a king? Both men and women with this last name have become icons of their time, even without genuine royal connections – legends such as bestselling author Stephen King, famed Blues musician B B King, tennis champion Billie Jean King, and prolific singer songwriter, Carole King.
Prince
Prince is one of the oldest and most historic of all royal ranks, and it also makes for a great last name. Perhaps the most recent example of this eminent choice of last name is the fictional character of Michael Prince in the popular TV show, Billions. Of course, Prince can also be used as a first name, as demonstrated by the great pop legend who became famous the world over, known solely by his first name, Prince.
Royal
There are few names that conjure up a sense of royalty more than the name Royal itself. A number of notable names from the twentieth century have Royal as their surname, from the realms of music, sport and the arts. It has also enjoyed quiet popularity as a first name, becoming the ultimate regal reference among name choices.
Raynor
Raynor is a popular surname that derives from royalty. It’s a variation of a number of terms that bear regal connotations, such as reign and regina (meaning queen), and it’s most commonly associated with the Norman period of British history, particularly the heritage from the North of England.
As this selection shows, there are some names that suggest a royal history, and there are others that represent a more general regal status. Both types of last names provide a fascinating insight into the way people and their role in society can influence, and be influenced by, something as simple as a last name.