If you are looking for a last name that has similar characteristics to Johnson, there are many options to choose from. Johnson is a common surname, but there are many other names that share some of its roots or sound similar. In this blog post, we will explore some of the alternatives to Johnson and provide a brief explanation of their origins.
What Makes a Last Name Similar to Johnson?
There are many factors that can make a last name similar to Johnson. Some of these include:
– Sharing the same ethnic or linguistic roots
– Having a similar sound or spelling
– Being common in the same regions or countries
These factors can all influence how a last name is perceived and can make it easier to find similar alternatives.
Last Names Similar to Johnson
Here are some of the last names that are similar to Johnson, along with a brief explanation of their origins:
Jones
Jones is a common last name that has a similar sound and spelling to Johnson. It is of Welsh origin and is a variant of the name John.
Johnston
Johnston is a Scottish surname that means “son of John”. Like Johnson, it is a patronymic name that refers to the father’s first name.
Jansson
Jansson is a Swedish surname that means “son of Jan”. Jan is a variant of John, so this name has a similar meaning and origin to Johnson.
Johansson
Johansson is another Swedish surname that means “son of Johan”, which is a variant of John. This name is similar to Johnson both in its meaning and its sound.
Jansen
Jansen is a Dutch surname that means “son of Jan”. Like the other names on this list, it is a patronymic name that derives from the father’s first name.
Jensen
Jensen is a Scandinavian surname that means “son of Jens”. Jens is a variant of John, so this name has a similar meaning and origin to Johnson.
Ivanov
Ivanov is a Russian surname that means “son of Ivan”. Ivan is a variant of John, so this name shares the same roots as Johnson.
Ivanovic
Ivanovic is a Serbian surname that means “son of Ivan”. It is similar to Ivanov and has the same meaning and origin.
Conclusion
If you are searching for a last name similar to Johnson, there are many options to choose from. These names might share the same ethnic or linguistic roots as Johnson or have a similar sound or spelling. Some of the most common alternatives include Jones, Johnston, Jansson, Johansson, Jansen, Jensen, Ivanov, and Ivanovic. Therefore, you can explore these names and see what might fit with your preferences and ancestry.
FAQ
Is Johnson a rare last name?
Johnson is a surname with Anglo-Norman origins, meaning “son of John.” The name John originates from the Hebrew name Yochanan, which means “God is gracious.” It is one of the most common surnames in the United States, and ranks at 154th most common in the world.
In the United States, Johnson is the second most common surname, with Smith being the most common. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, there were over 2 million people in the United States with the last name “Johnson” in 2010.
The name Johnson is believed to have originated in the 12th century in Great Britain, where it was a common patronymic surname. It is derived from the given name John, which has been a popular name in Britain since the Middle Ages. In the centuries that followed, the Johnson name spread throughout the English-speaking world and beyond, thanks in part to migration and immigration, and is now a common surname across many countries.
Despite its popularity, it is important to remember that last names can be common or rare depending on the region or country in question. For example, while Johnson is a common last name in the United States, it may be more rare in other regions or countries. Conversely, there may be other surnames that are less common in the U.S. but are more prevalent in other parts of the world.
While the surname Johnson is not a rare last name in the United States and is among the most common surnames worldwide, its prevalence may vary depending on the region or country in question.
What are the 10 rarest last names?
There is a vast array of surnames depending on the origin and history of the family. However, some last names are so rare that they are on the brink of extinction. Here is a list of 10 of the rarest surnames in the English language and their origins.
1. Chips: The last name Chips, which originated in Lancashire, England, is one of the rarest surnames. It is believed to have been derived from the Old English word “ceap,” meaning “to buy or sell.”
2. Hatman: With only a handful of families left in the world, the Hatman name hails from Gloucestershire, England. The name is believed to have originated from the occupation of hat-making or from the Old English word for servant.
3. Temples: This rare English surname has its roots in Oxfordshire, England. The name is said to have been derived from the Old English word “tempel,” meaning “temple or sanctuary.”
4. Raynott: This unusual surname is found mainly in the East Midlands, England, and is thought to have originated from the Old Norse nickname “Rognvaldr,” which means “mighty ruler.”
5. Woodbead: The Woodbead name, which is most prevalent in the west of England, is believed to have been derived from the Old English words “wudu,” meaning “wood,” and “byd,” meaning “shelter or dwelling.”
6. Nithercott: This rare surname is believed to have originated from the Old English words “nied,” meaning “need” or “requirement,” and “cote,” meaning “cottage or shelter.”
7. Rummage: With roots in the west of England, this rare surname is most commonly associated with the word “rummage,” meaning “to search or shuffle through something.”
8. Southwark: Named after a district in London, the surname Southwark is one of the rarest in the English language. It is believed to have originated from the Old English words “suð,” meaning “south,” and “weorc,” meaning “fortification or defensive work.”
9. Thursby: This rare surname is found mainly in the northwest of England and is believed to have originated from the Old Norse name “Thyri” or “Thora.”
10. Wincott: The Wincott surname, mostly found in Warwickshire, England, is believed to have been derived from the Old English words “win,” meaning “friend” or “companion,” and “cot,” meaning “shelter or cottage.”
While the above surnames are some of the rarest surnames in the English language, there are many other surnames that are also endangered and at the risk of going extinct. Some reasons for the decline of rare names are migration, marriages outside of their ancestral areas, and simply choosing to give children more common surnames.
