The list includes spelling variations. First names tend to vary in popularity from year to year, and also between countries. Other common synonyms for "surname" include cognomen, patronymic, metronymic and matronymic. In this article, we’re sharing some of the most common Old English last names to help you uncover your family history. see the pronunciation key for a guide on how to write the sounds; sounds can only be searched in names that have been assigned pronunciations Surnames were originally introduced into England by the Normans in 1066, and the practice began to spread. Initially, surnames were fluid and … The ultimate A-Z Old English names list, complete with name meanings, origins and background info for all Old English baby names. A list of surnames in which the usage is English (page 2). Shortened forms or nicknames are in brackets. English names tend to vary the most between the UK and the USA, but British names are getting more popular.