Presidential Surname Meanings and Origins

Do the surnames of U.S. Presidents really have more prestige than your average Smith and Jones? While the proliferance of babies named Tyler, Madison, and Monroe may seem to point in that direction, Presidential surnames are really just a cross-section of the American melting pot. With origins in Ireland, England, Germany, Scotland, and the Netherlands, the surnames of the US Presidents are much like other American surnames, with differences in spelling not seen in the old country and representatives of each of the major surname groups: Patronymic, Occupational, Nicknames and Place Names.

While one President's surname does mean "warrior or hero" and another's "true and faithful man," the majority of the surnames in this list can't really boast meanings that sound presidential, but each has an interesting story to tell.

PRESIDENTIAL SURNAMES - MEANINGS & ORIGINS