Last

Origin: The surname Last is of Old English origin, deriving from the word "laeste," meaning "belonging to the 'last' or 'the least." It originated as a topographic name for someone who lived near the last house in a village or at the end of a settlement. Alternatively, Last could also have been an occupational name for a person who worked as a servant for the last estate or as a keeper of the last animals in a village.

Distribution: As of the 1881 UK Census, the Last surname was most prevalent in the southern regions of England, particularly in counties such as Gloucestershire, Kent, and Berkshire. Over time, the surname has dispersed to other English-speaking countries, including the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand.

Famous Individuals:

  • George Last (1888-1979) - An English cricketer who played for Sussex from 1909 to 1925.
  • Bob Last (b. 1960) - A British film producer known for his work on movies such as "Trainspotting" and "The Last King of Scotland."
  • Jenny Last - A renowned British botanical artist known for her detailed illustrations of plant life.

Variants: Variants of the Last surname include Lasts, Laste, Laast, Laste, and Lawst.

Coat of Arms: The Last family coat of arms features a red shield with a gold chevron in the centre, symbolising protection and the support of friends. Above the chevron is a gold fleur-de-lis, representing purity, while two black salamanders flank the sides, symbolising endurance and fire.

The Last surname has a rich history and is associated with various notable individuals across different fields, making it a distinctive and significant part of British heritage.

There are approximately 4,254 people named Last in the UK. That makes it roughly the 2,199th most common surname in Britain. Around 65 in a million people in Britain are named Last.

Origin: English

Region of origin: British Isles

Country of origin: England

Religion of origin: Christian

Language of origin: English

Typical given names associated with the surname

Male

  • Andrew
  • Christopher
  • David
  • James
  • John
  • Michael
  • Peter
  • Richard
  • Robert
  • Stephen

Female

  • Elizabeth
  • Emma
  • Joan
  • Joanne
  • Karen
  • Margaret
  • Mary
  • Nicola
  • Patricia
  • Rebecca
  • Samantha
  • Sarah
  • Susan

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