20 Jamaican Last Names That'll Make You Wanna Visit Kingston

Last names provide a great connection to our past, and Jamaican last names truly reflect the country’s national motto of ‘out of many one people.’ While there are no last names native to Jamaica itself, the colonization, immigration, and slave trade forced on the Caribbean island has left current Jamaicans with names from all over the world. English last names have a large presence in Jamaica (since it is a commonwealth country and most slave owners were British). Irish and Scottish last names are also common throughout after Oliver Cromwell sent convicts and indentured servants there during the 1600s. Indian and Chinese last names have also established themselves in Jamaica through the years.

We’ve compiled a list of 20 popular Jamaican last names. This list also explains where the name comes from and its meaning. Read on and see if you recognize any. Waa gwaan?

1. Robinson

Origin/Meaning: An English surname meaning ‘son of Robin.’

1. Lewis

Origin/Meaning: Derived from the Welsh name Llywelyn, meaning ‘leader.’

1. Wright

Origin/Meaning: An English surname referring to a woodworker.

1. Gordon

Origin/Meaning: A Scottish surname meaning ‘large fortress.’

1. Jones

Origin/Meaning: An English last name meaning ‘son of John.’

1. Bailey

Origin/Meaning: A name of French origins referring to a bailiff.

1. Williams

Origin/Meaning: An English surname meaning ‘son of William.’

1. Clarke

Origin/Meaning: An English or Scottish surname referring to a clerk or cleric.

1. Miller

Origin/Meaning: An English surname referring to a mill keeper.

1. Campbell

Origin/Meaning: A Scottish last name referring to someone with a crooked smile or mouth.

1. Singh

Origin/Meaning: An Indian last name meaning ‘hero.’

1. Jackson

Origin/Meaning: An English surname meaning ‘son of Jack.’

1. Anderson

Origin/Meaning: An English or Nordic surname meaning ‘son of Andrew.’

1. Thompson

Origin/Meaning: A Scottish last name meaning ‘son of Thomas.’

1. Davis

Origin/Meaning: A Welsh surname meaning ‘son of David.’

1. Brown

Origin/Meaning: An English or Scottish surname referring to a person with dark hair.

1. Johnson

Origin/Meaning: An English surname last name ‘son of John.’

1. Shaw

Origin/Meaning: An English surname meaning ‘small wood’ or ‘clearing.’

1. Dillon

Origin/Meaning: An Irish surname likely referring to a blind person.

1. Li/Lee

Origin/Meaning: A Chinese last name meaning ‘plum’ or ‘plum tree.’