Exploring Royal Lineage Through Common Last Names

Wouldn’t it be intriguing to claim descent from Royalty? The surge in interest in genealogy and family histories, propelled by companies like Ancestry and 23andme, has allowed people to delve into their DNA, tracing their ancestral origins and discovering previously unknown relatives.

Surprising Connections to Royalty

Experts now assert that several common last names could hint at a connection to Royal families across Europe. Compiled by Charles H. Browning, a member of the American Historical Association, these names trace lineage back to various Royal dynasties, not limited to England alone, contributing to the diverse ancestry of many Americans.

Surname Links to Royalty

Thomas: Linked to Hugh Capet, King of France (987-996). Notable descendant: Philip Evan Thomas.

Watts: Associated with Robert II, King of Scotland (1371-1390). Notable descendant: Mary Alexander.

Adams: Potentially linked to William the Conqueror, King of England (1066-1087). Notable descendant: John Quincy Adams.

Roberts: Descended from Edward I, King of England (1272-1307). Notable descendant: Elizabeth Evans.

Livingston: Tied to James I, King of Scotland (1406-1437). Notable descendant: Edward Livingston.

Lewis: Descendant of Edmund Ironside, King of England (1016). Notable descendant: Sarah Claypoole.

Phillips: Linked to Henry I, King of France (1027-1060). Notable descendant: Margaret Wendell.

O’Brien: Descendant of Brian Boru, High King of Ireland (1002-1014). Notable descendant: Reverend Matthew Patrick O’Brien.

Discovering Royal Ancestry

Did you know that these seemingly common names could be connected to European Royalty? Explore your family tree to uncover potential royal lineage hidden within your surname.