You might not think of yourself as royalty, but there’s a chance you could be related to it without even realizing it. Many well-known royals had surprisingly common last names. And if your last name is one of the following, your chances of having royal connections have just increased significantly. Let's have a look!
If your last name is Adams, you might connect to William the Conqueror, who ruled England from 1066 to 1087. With the surname Lewis, you could be linked to Edmund Ironside, king of England for a brief time in 1016, during a period of Viking invasions. Names like Roberts, Harrison, and Elliott may also connect you to English royalty. Roberts could trace back to Edward I, known for conquering Wales. Harrison might link to Alfred the Great, a defender against Vikings, while Elliott could connect to King Edward III, known for military achievements.
If your last name is Carter, you might be related to Rhys ap Gruffydd, the Prince of South Wales from 1155 to 1197, known for uniting Wales against English invasion. The surname Carter has its origins in the medieval period, derived from the Old French word "carretier," which referred to a cart driver or carrier. This profession was essential in transporting goods, particularly in royal courts and among nobility. Over time, as the role of cart drivers became more prominent in society, the surname gained traction, linking it to various families, including those with noble ties.
If your last name is O’Brien, you’re likely part of Ireland’s most famous royal story. Brian Boru, the High King who united Ireland against Viking forces, died in 1014 at the Battle of Clontarf—but his name lived on.
Your Livingston last name could tie you to James I of Scotland, a 15th-century king whose reign ended in tragedy but whose bloodline thrived. One descendant, Edward Livingston, even became mayor of New York! If you’re a Watts, you might share roots with Robert II, founder of Scotland’s Stewart dynasty. And if your name is Boyd, Robert the Bruce—the hero-king who secured Scottish independence—could be your ancestor.
Think your name Thomas is ordinary? It might connect you to Hugh Capet, the 10th-century founder of France’s longest-reigning royal house. His descendants include Philip Evan Thomas, a New York banker born in 1834—proof that royal blood can hide in plain sight. Meanwhile, Phillips families may descend from Henry I of France, a king who navigated Viking raids and feudal chaos.
If your last name is Fischer, you could be tied to Norway’s Viking-turned-king Olaf II. Ruling from 1015 to 1028, he spread Christianity before dying in battle—later sainted as a national icon.
If your last name is Montgomery, you may find a connection to Romanus II, who ruled the Byzantine Empire from 959 to 963. During his reign, Romanus II was known for promoting cultural achievements. The Montgomery name, with its Norman roots linked to nobility, aligns with the period when Normans were interacting with Byzantine culture. This connection suggests that families like the Montgomeries may have ties to the elite of the Byzantine Empire during a time of significant cultural exchange.
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