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English Surnames
It has long been known that John and Mary are two of the commonest names in Christian England. The most popular surname or family name is Smith, comes from the work of the person, or rather their ancestor.
Smith is also the commonest surname in the USA, Canada and Australia and New Zealand.
As for first names, eventually you work out that Muslims are named Mohammed.
Catholics in France are called Marie, often hyphenated. Catholics in Italy are called Maria.
Irish Names
In Ireland Catholic girls are called Mary.
But Protestant girls are called Elizabeth, after Queen Elizabeth I, daughter of Henry VIII. He broke away from the Pope and founded the Church of England in order to get divorced from his wife who had reached menopause and could no longer give him a male heir.
The most common surname in Ireland is Murphy.
Indian Surnames
I knew that Indians were often called Patel. But these were just observations and random facts. Now you can see maps of each content showing you the commonest names in different areas of the world.
Asia
In China the commonest surname is Wang meaning king.
Another popular name is Li, meaning plum or plum tree in some dialects. A different spelling, Lee, is more likely in Korea, according to the list below.
USA
Useful Websites
https://www.traveller24.com/MyTravels/mapped-most-common-last-names-for-each-country-sas-inclusion-may-not-surprise-you-20191206-2
Most common surnames and England and Ireland
https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-england-38003201#
Popular First Names in the USA
https://nameberry.com/popular_names/US
https://forebears.io/
About The Author
Angela Lansbury, travel writer and photographer, author and speaker. Please share links to your favourite posts.
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