HOME > What Does Jones Last Name Mean?
Introduction
Jones is one of the most common last names in the English-speaking world, particularly in Wales and the United States. It is estimated that there are over 5 million people with the last name Jones worldwide. But what does this last name mean, and where does it come from? In this article, we will explore the history and meaning of the Jones last name, as well as its variations and notable individuals who bear the name.
Origin and Meaning of Jones Last Name
The Jones last name has Welsh origin and is derived from the given name John. John is a Hebrew name that means 'God is gracious'. The Welsh form of John is Ieuan, which was anglicized to Evan and then to Jones. Therefore, the Jones last name means 'son of John' or 'descendant of John'.
Variations of Jones Last Name
The Jones last name has several variations, including Johns, Johnson, and Johnston. These variations are also derived from the given name John and have similar meanings. However, they may have different origins and histories. For example, the Johnson last name is more common in England and is derived from the given name John and the suffix -son, which means 'son of John'. The Johnston last name is more common in Scotland and is derived from the place name Johnstone, which means 'John's town'.
Distribution of Jones Last Name
The Jones last name is most common in Wales, where it is the second most common last name after Davies. It is also common in England, particularly in the north and west. In the United States, Jones is the fifth most common last name, with over 1.5 million people bearing the name. It is particularly common in the southern states, such as Georgia, Alabama, and Mississippi. The Jones last name is also common in Australia, Canada, and New Zealand.
Notable Individuals with Jones Last Name
There are many notable individuals who bear the Jones last name, including:
Tom Jones
Tom Jones is a Welsh singer who has sold over 100 million records worldwide. He was born Thomas John Woodward in 1940 and adopted the stage name Tom Jones, which is derived from his last name. Jones is known for hits such as 'It's Not Unusual', 'Delilah', and 'Sex Bomb'. He has received numerous awards and honors, including a knighthood from Queen Elizabeth II in 2006.
Indiana Jones
Indiana Jones is a fictional character and the protagonist of the Indiana Jones franchise. He was created by George Lucas and Steven Spielberg and first appeared in the 1981 film Raiders of the Lost Ark. Indiana Jones is an archaeologist and adventurer who travels the world in search of ancient artifacts. His last name is Jones, but his first name is never revealed in the films.
Grace Jones
Grace Jones is a Jamaican-American singer, actress, and model. She was born Grace Beverly Jones in 1948 and adopted the last name Jones from her stepfather. Jones is known for her androgynous appearance, distinctive voice, and hits such as 'Pull Up to the Bumper' and 'Slave to the Rhythm'. She has also appeared in films such as Conan the Destroyer and A View to a Kill.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Jones last name has Welsh origin and is derived from the given name John, which means 'God is gracious'. It is a common last name in the English-speaking world, particularly in Wales and the United States. The Jones last name has several variations, including Johns, Johnson, and Johnston, and is associated with many notable individuals in various fields. If you are considering naming your child Jones, you are giving them a name with a rich history and meaning.
