We have compiled a list of the 40 most popular surnames across Derbyshire, so you can see how many other people bearing your family name are spread across the county.
As well as this, we have provided details of the hidden meanings behind each surname – with some of these historical names descending from the Normans, Hebrews and Germanic tribes, among others.
All data relating to the popularity of surnames across Derbyshire was taken from Forebears, and information on the meaning of each surname was taken from Ancestry and FindMyPast.
25. Allen
Allen is the 25th most popular surname across Derbyshire, held by 3,077 residents. It is a Celtic personal name of great antiquity and obscurity. The present-day frequency of the surname Allen in England and Ireland is partly accounted for by the popularity of the personal name among Breton followers of William the Conqueror, by whom it was imported first to Britain and then to Ireland. Saint Alan(us) was a 5th-century bishop of Quimper who was a cult figure in medieval Brittany. Pictured here at Rebel Menswear in Chesterfield town centre are Emma Allen, Cal Wallace and Sue Dhil. Photo: Brian Eyre
26. Parker
Parker is the 26th surname on this list, held by 2,906 Derbyshire residents. It is an occupational name for an officer employed to look after deer and other game in a hunting park. Pictured here is Phil Bramley, Derbyshire Times Editor, presenting the award to Katy Vickers, Hannah Finney and Robyn Parker of Great2. Photo: Marie Caley
27. Evans
Evans is 27th on this list, with the surname held by 2,809 people across Derbyshire. Evans is derived from Evan, which itself comes from ‘Ieuan’ - a Welsh derivative of the Latin Johannes (in English, John). Pictured here is Tina Evans from Tee's Cafe in Alfreton. Photo: Brian Eyre
28. Fletcher
There are 2,633 Fletcher’s across Derbyshire, making it the 28th most popular surname. It is an occupational name for an arrowsmith, coming from the Middle English ‘fleccher.’ Pictured is Carla Fletcher (von Frankenstein) from Saphire of the Stars, Alfreton. Photo: Brian Eyre