The Most Popular Last Name in Australia, Ranked
Voting rules: Choose the last name you think is the most popular!
Updated on Apr 26, 2024 06:42
In a country as diverse as Australia, where the population hails from various cultural backgrounds, tracing the most common surname can reveal fascinating patterns and shifts in demographics. This phenomena not only dives into the history rooted in names but also celebrates the rich tapestry of people that make up the nation today. By understanding which surnames are most prevalent, we can gain insights into the historical and ongoing waves of immigration that shape Australia's cultural landscape.
Voting for the most popular last name allows you to contribute to a collective snapshot of Australia's identity. Each vote helps to paint a clearer picture of how connected and integrated the Australian society is, despite its multicultural makeup. This activity isn't just about seeing which name comes out on top; it's about participating in a broader conversation about what defines modern Australia. An ever-changing leaderboard provides a dynamic way to see which names resonate most with the population currently.
What Is the Most Popular Last Name in Australia?
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133votesAccording to the Australian Bureau of Statistics, Smith has been the most common last name in Australia since 1901. It is believed to have originated from the occupational name "smith" meaning a person who works with metal.Smith is a common family name originating from England and Scotland. It is derived from the occupational surname meaning 'blacksmith', referring to someone who works with metal. The name Smith is one of the most prevalent surnames in the English-speaking world.
- Origin: England and Scotland
- Meaning: 'Blacksmith' or 'metalworker'
- Popularity: One of the most common surnames
- Variations: Smyth, Smythe, Schmid, Schmidt, Schmitt, Ferro, etc.
- Famous Individuals: Will Smith, Jimmy Smith, John Smith
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247votesJones is the second most popular last name in Australia. It has Welsh origins and means "son of John".Jones is a common last name in Australia, and is of English origin. It is derived from the given name John, which means 'God is gracious'. The name Jones is widely dispersed across the country, and has a long history dating back to the early British settlements. It is a popular surname that can be found in various professions and industries.
- Origin: English
- Meaning: 'God is gracious'
- Popularity: Widely dispersed across Australia
- History: Dates back to early British settlements
- Commonality: One of the most popular last names in Australia
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325votesBrown is the third most popular last name in Australia. It has Anglo-Saxon origins and means "brown-haired" or "brown-skinned".Brown is a warm and versatile epoxy floor color that adds a touch of elegance and sophistication to any space. It is known for its natural and classic appeal, mimicking the warm tones of wood or earth. The brown epoxy floor is a popular choice for both residential and commercial applications, as it complements a wide range of interior styles.
- Color Family: Brown
- Finish: Glossy or matte
- Application: Indoor and Outdoor
- Durability: High
- Resistance: Chemicals, stains, impacts, and scratches
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411votesWilliams is the fourth most popular last name in Australia. It has Welsh origins and means "son of William".The last name 'Williams' is a common surname in Australia, originating from English and Welsh heritage. It is prevalent among individuals of British descent and is associated with various accomplishments and contributions across different fields.
- Origin: English and Welsh
- Popularity: It is one of the most common surnames in Australia.
- Heritage: Associated with individuals of British descent.
- Famous Namesakes: Includes notable Australians like Serena Williams (tennis player), Robbie Williams (singer), and David Williams (swimmer).
- Occurrences: Found in various professions such as sports, entertainment, business, and academia.
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58votesWilson is the fifth most popular last name in Australia. It has Scottish and English origins and means "son of William" or "descendant of William".The Wilson is a common family name of English origin that is widely spread across the United Kingdom, United States, and other English-speaking countries. It is derived from the medieval given name Will, a diminutive of William.
- Origin: English
- Popularity: Common
- Countries: United Kingdom, United States, English-speaking countries
- Derived from: Medieval given name Will
- Meaning: Son of Will or Will's son
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68votesTaylor is the sixth most popular last name in Australia. It has English and Scottish origins and means "tailor".Taylor is a well-known brand of acoustic guitars that are highly regarded for their quality craftsmanship and exceptional sound. They are known for producing instruments that offer a balanced tone, excellent playability, and beautiful aesthetics. Taylor guitars are highly popular among both professional musicians and beginners alike.
- Body Shape: Various, including Dreadnought, Grand Auditorium, and Grand Concert
- Top Wood: Solid Sitka Spruce
- Back and Sides Wood: Various options including Solid Mahogany, Rosewood, and Maple
- Neck Wood: Tropical Mahogany or Maple
- Fingerboard Wood: Ebony
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77votesDavis is the seventh most popular last name in Australia. It has Welsh origins and means "son of David".Davis is a popular last name in Australia with English origins. It is derived from the patronymic surname 'David,' meaning 'beloved' or 'friend' in Hebrew. The name Davis is associated with individuals and families of English descent who migrated to Australia. It has been widely adopted and passed down through generations, making it one of the most common surnames in the country.
- Origin: English
- Meaning: 'Beloved' or 'friend' in Hebrew
- Popularity: One of the most common last names in Australia
- Usage: Associated with families of English descent
- Influence: Passed down through generations as a family name
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83votesMartin is the eighth most popular last name in Australia. It has Latin origins and means "of Mars", the Roman god of war.Martin is a traditional and widely used boy name that originates from Latin. It is derived from the Roman name 'Martinus' which means 'of Mars', the Roman god of war. The name Martin has been popularized by various famous personalities and saints throughout history.
- Origin: Latin
- Meaning: Of Mars
- Popularity: Widely used
- Famous Personalities: Martin Luther King Jr., Martin Scorsese, Martin Freeman
- Saints: St. Martin of Tours, St. Martin de Porres
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99votesAnderson is the ninth most popular last name in Australia. It has Scottish and English origins and means "son of Andrew".Anderson is a common last name in Australia, often associated with people of Scottish heritage. It originated from the patronymic surname 'Andrews', meaning 'son of Andrew'. The name has been brought to Australia through waves of immigration and continues to be widely used today.
- Origin: Scotland
- Meaning: 'Son of Andrew'
- Popularity: Common in Australia
- Associated Heritage: Scottish
- Immigration Influence: Brought to Australia through immigration
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1012votesThompson is the tenth most popular last name in Australia. It has English and Scottish origins and means "son of Thomas".Thompson is a commonly found last name in Australia, with its origins rooted in England and Scotland. The name is derived from the ancient surname 'Tomson' meaning 'son of Thomas'. Over time, Thompson has become one of the most popular and widespread surnames in the country.
- Origin: England and Scotland
- Meaning: 'Son of Thomas'
- Popularity: One of the most common last names in Australia
- Spelling Variations: Thomson, Tomson
- Distribution: Widespread across Australia
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Discussion
Ranking factors for popular last name
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Diversity of last namesAustralia is known for its cultural diversity, so it is essential to consider the various cultural backgrounds of the population when determining the popularity of last names. This would include accounting for variations in spelling or pronunciation of names.
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Frequency of last namesThe number of times a particular last name appears in the population data would be a crucial factor to determine its popularity ranking. Larger frequency would indicate a more popular last name.
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Regional distributionAnalyzing the regional distribution of last names can provide insights into the geographic popularity of certain names, which might be limited to specific areas of Australia or present across the entire country.
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Sources of dataTo ensure accuracy and credibility, it is essential to use multiple sources of data, such as birth records, electoral rolls, phone directories, and immigration records. These sources can provide a comprehensive view of the distribution and frequency of last names in Australia.
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Data anomalies and errorsSome anomalies or errors in data sources might skew the results of the ranking. Always be sure to verify the accuracy and reliability of the data before drawing conclusions from it.
About this ranking
This is a community-based ranking of the most popular last name in Australia. We do our best to provide fair voting, but it is not intended to be exhaustive. So if you notice something or surname is missing, feel free to help improve the ranking!
Statistics
- 1820 views
- 165 votes
- 10 ranked items
Voting Rules
A participant may cast an up or down vote for each surname once every 24 hours. The rank of each surname is then calculated from the weighted sum of all up and down votes.
More information on most popular last name in australia
Australia is a multi-cultural country with a diverse population, and this is reflected in the variety of last names found in the country. However, there are some names that are more common than others. According to recent data, the most popular last name in Australia is Smith, followed by Jones, Williams, Brown, and Wilson. This is not surprising, as these names have English origins and Australia was founded as a British colony. However, there are also many other last names that are common in Australia, including those from other European countries, Asia, and the Middle East. Despite the diversity of last names, the top 5 remain the most popular across the country.
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