When we think of kings and queens from throughout history, we usually only focus on the first name they went by — but have you ever thought about the royal last names?
Obviously, like any other family tree, the names have twisted and turned over the years with marriages gaining new surnames along the way — or perhaps a bloodline ending entirely without an heir. Author Charles H. Browning, a member of the American Historical Association, compiled a thorough list of names that trace back to royal families across Europe back in Americans of Royal Descent from records he could locate in the 1800s.
That said, you'll probably be surprised by the common surnames below that just happen to have royal genes hiding behind them. Take a look to see if you or someone you know could be descended from a royal family!
Along with the regal ancestor, we included a notable descendant you can use to check your own bloodline to see if you might be a match with the regal name.
And be sure to SHARE the surprisingly royal last names with your friends and family on Facebook!
Thumbnail Photo: Wikimedia Commons / Prague Castle
1. Adams
Royal Ancestor: William the Conqueror, King of England
Reign: 1066 t0 1087
Notable Descendant: John Quincy Adams, born 1825, sixth President of the United States
2. Thomas
Royal Ancestor: Hugh Capet, King of France
Reign: 987 t0 996
Notable Descendant: Philip Evan Thomas of New York City, born 1834
3. Watts
Royal Ancestor: Robert II, King of Scotland
Reign: 1371 to 1390
Notable Descendant: Mary Alexander, born in 1749, married to John Watts of New York
4. Lewis
Royal Ancestor: Edmund Ironside, King of England
Reign: April to November 1016
Notable Descendant: Sarah Claypoole, born 1802, married to William David Lewis
5. Livingston
Royal Ancestor: James I, King of Scotland
Reign: 1406 to 1437
Notable Descendant: Edward Livingston, born 1764, former Mayor of New York City
6. Phillips
Royal Ancestor: Henry I, King of France
Reign: 1027 to 1060
Notable Descendant: Margaret Wendell, born 1739, married to William Phillips
7. Roberts
Royal Ancestor: Edward I, King of England
Reign: 1272 to 1307
Notable Descendant: Elizabeth Evans, born 1781, married to Cadwalader Roberts
8. Harrison
Royal Ancestor: Alfred the Great, King of England
Reign: 871 to 899
Notable Descendant: Hannah Norris, born 1696, married to Richard Harrison
9. Montgomery
Royal Ancestor: Romanus II, Emperor of the Byzantine Empire
Reign: 959 to 963
Notable Descendant: James Montgomery of "Eglington" New Jersey, born in 1720
10. Elliott
Royal Ancestor: Edward III, King of England
Reign: 1327 to 1377
Notable Descendant: George Elliott of Killingworth, Connecticut, son of Dr. Jared Eliot
11. Carter
Royal Ancestor: Rhys ap Gruffydd, Prince of South Wales
Reign: 1155 to 1197
Notable Descendant: Anne Butler Moore, born 1750, second wife of Charles Carter
12. O'Brien
Royal Ancestor: Brian Boru, High King of Ireland
Reign: 1002 – 1014
Notable Descendant: Rev. Matthew Patrick O'Brien from Philadelphia, born in 1837
13. Boyd
Royal Ancestor: Robert the Bruce, King of Scotland
Reign: 1306 to 1329
Notable Descendant: Lady Jean Ker, married to Robert Boyd in 1594
14. Fisher
Royal Ancestor: Olaf II Haraldsson, King of Norway, later known as St. Olaf
Reign: 1015 to 1028
Notable Ancestor: Sarah Logan, born 1751, married to Thomas Fisher in 1772
Do you know anyone with potential royal family members hiding behind their common last name?
Be sure to SHARE the list with them on Facebook!
