45+ Regal Last Names to Consider for Your Adorably Noble Child

The Name Game

45+ Royal Surnames You (Might Not Have Known) But Should Definitely Consider

Perfect for your little prince or princess.

By Bella Harper
Updated: Sep. 13, 2021
Originally Published: June 14, 2021

Americans have always had a fascination with royalty, especially the British monarchy. While we might appreciate the liberty won from historical figures like Hercules Mulligan, George Washington, and Lin-Manuel Miranda, we still find ourselves enchanted by tales of crowns, princesses, and royal ceremonies. But did you know that the UK isn’t the only nation blessed with a royal lineage? You probably do! But can you name the other royal families and the surnames that accompany their thrones?

Last names matter immensely. Without them, we would just have a sea of Jessicas, Davids, and Emilys, making it impossible to distinguish one from another. Historically, many surnames derived from occupations or geographical locations. For instance, if your last name were “DeLaRoche,” it might indicate that your ancestors lived near a significant rock. If your family name was “Smith,” it likely points to your forebears being blacksmiths. Today, while many last names have been passed down through countless generations, they still serve the essential purpose of identifying individuals. A unique combination of first, middle, and last names is more effective than merely referring to someone as “the teacher” or “the artist.” However, your surname can still reveal something about your heritage, making it a vital part of your identity.

Given the trend of using last names as first names, we’ve compiled a list of royal surnames from around the world that might just be the perfect fit for your child.

Regal Surnames to Consider

Bahrain — Al Khalifa
Belgium — Saxe-Coburg and Gotha
Bhutan — Wangchuk
Brunei — Bolkiah
Cambodia — Norodom
Denmark — Glucksburg
Eswatini — Dlamini
Japan — Yamato
Jordan — Hashim
Kuwait — Al Sabah
Lesotho — Moshesh
Liechtenstein — Liechtenstein
Luxembourg — Luxembourg-Nassau
Malaysia — Pahang
Monaco — Grimaldi
Morocco — Alawite
Netherlands — Orange-Nassau
Norway — Glucksburg
Oman — Al Said
Qatar — Al Thani
Saudi Arabia — Al Saud
Spain — Borbon-Anjou
Sweden — Bernadotte
Thailand — Chakri
Tonga — Tupou
United Arab Emirates — Al Nahyan
United Kingdom — Windsor

Noteworthy European Royal Surnames

Agnes — Former Prince of Reuss of Gera
Alpin — Famed as the first king of the Scots
Augustus — Name of Rome’s emperors
Barclay — Scottish Chamberlain
Bergoglio — Pope Francis’s surname
Bernadotte — Swedish royal lineage from the 1800s
Bourbon — The French royal family
Bruce — Associated with Robert the Bruce
Cambridge — The surname linked to Prince William
Charlemagne — The great King of the Franks
Cromwell — Ruler of the British Isles
Maxwell — After Peter Trevor Maxwell, Baron of England

Understanding Monarchies

It’s important to note that not all monarchies operate in the same way. Some, like the United Kingdom, pass down the throne within a single family, whereas others, such as Malaysia, have elected monarchs. Additionally, not all royals serve as ruling figures. Queen Elizabeth II, for instance, was largely a ceremonial monarch, meeting with the Prime Minister but not making substantial decisions. Conversely, absolute monarchies, like that of Brunei, allow the ruler to have complete control over governance.

Interestingly, the Vatican also has a monarch—the elected pope serves as the nation’s sovereign leader. This unique type of monarchy is termed an “absolute theocracy.” Current Sovereign His Holiness Pope Francis was born Jorge Mario Bergoglio, and before him was Pope Benedict XVI, known as Ratzinger. Fascinating, isn’t it?

So, what will you do with this knowledge? Depending on your heritage or current residence, adopting a royal surname for your baby might convey a sense of allegiance to a noble legacy. Just imagine incorporating a Bernadotte or Yamato into your child’s name!

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