Jones

Origin and Meaning

Jones is a common Welsh surname of patronymic origin, derived from the given name John. The name Jones signifies "son of John," with "John" being an Anglicized form of the Welsh name "Ieuan," itself derived from the Latin name "Ioannes," meaning "God is gracious."

History

The surname Jones is most prevalent in Wales and throughout the English-speaking world, particularly in the United Kingdom, the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. In Wales, Jones is one of the most common surnames, reflecting its Welsh heritage.

The Jones family name has a long history, dating back to at least the 16th century in Wales. Many notable figures in Welsh history have borne the surname Jones, and individuals with this last name have made significant contributions in various fields, including literature, politics, sport, and entertainment.

Variants

Variants of the surname Jones include Johns, Johnson, and Joneson. The name has been translated into other languages as well, such as the French "Jourdain."

Famous Bearers

  • Tom Jones: A Welsh singer known for hits like "It's Not Unusual" and "Delilah."
  • Catherine Zeta-Jones: A Welsh actress who has appeared in numerous films, including "Chicago" and "Traffic."
  • John Paul Jones: An American naval commander during the American Revolutionary War, often referred to as the "Father of the American Navy."

Pop Culture

The surname Jones has been a popular choice in literature and entertainment. Notably, the character Indiana Jones, created by George Lucas and Steven Spielberg, has become an iconic figure in film.

There are approximately 538,345 people named Jones in the UK. That makes it the 2nd most common surname in Britain. Around 8,267 in a million people in Britain are named Jones.

Surname type: From name of parent

Origin: Celtic

Region of origin: British Isles

Country of origin: Wales

Religion of origin: Christian

Language of origin: Welsh

Typical given names associated with the surname

Male

  • Andrew
  • Christopher
  • David
  • John
  • Mark
  • Michael
  • Paul
  • Peter
  • Richard
  • Robert
  • Stephen

Female

  • Elizabeth
  • Emma
  • Helen
  • Karen
  • Margaret
  • Mary
  • Nicola
  • Patricia
  • Sarah
  • Susan

Similar and related surnames

Related and similar names are generated algorithmically based on the spelling, and may not necessarily share an etymology.

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