Random Surname Generator

Use this random surname generator to find last names fast.

Pick an origin and a count, then click Generate Surnames.

The tool now lets you filter by origin for sharper results.

Names come from set lists for each culture and language.

Quick overview

• Choose from All Origins or 15 specific origins.
• Generate 1 to 20 surnames per run.
• Each pick uses equal chance across the list.
• Lists focus on common surnames.
• Spelling uses Latin letters for many scripts.
• Some lists include the same surname twice.
• You may see the same surname twice in rare cases.

How to use this tool

1. Open the menu labeled Select Origin/Nationality.
2. Choose a single origin or pick All Origins.
3. Enter a whole number in Number of surnames.
4. Use a value from 1 to 20.
5. Click Generate Surnames.
6. Read the list under Generated Surnames.

Input fields explained

Origin or Nationality

All Origins merges every list into one pool.

Pick a single origin for culture fit or research use.

• English or British
• Spanish or Hispanic
• Italian
• German
• French
• Irish
• Scottish
• Chinese
• Japanese
• Korean
• Indian
• Russian
• Polish
• Greek
• Arabic

Number of surnames

Enter a whole number from 1 to 20.

Use a small number to scan ideas quickly.

Use a larger number to explore more options.

Small origin lists return as many names as they can.

What you see in the results

After you click Generate Surnames, a heading reads Generated Surnames.

Below that, you see a clean list of bold surnames.

Each run shows a fresh mix of names and order.

You may run it again to see new ideas.

What this random surname generator does

The generator selects surnames at random from fixed lists.

Each pick draws from the origin you choose or from all lists.

Every name in the pool has the same chance each time.

Results suit writing, testing, and light research.

Tips for better results

• Pick All Origins for a broad mix across languages.
• Choose a single origin for culture fit in your story.
• Try several runs to spark fresh ideas.
• Mix picks with your own first names to test flow.
• Keep a shortlist as you go for quick review.

Common use cases

• Fiction writers name characters with the right tone.
• Game designers name non player characters fast.
• Teachers create examples for class tasks.
• Researchers draft placeholder data for surveys.
• UX teams seed forms and lists for demos.
• Friends pick fun aliases for casual use.

Notes and limits

• Surnames come from a fixed set stored in the tool.
• Some non Latin names use common Latin spelling forms.
• Equal chance means no frequency weighting by population.
• Results stay on the page until your next run.
• The field accepts values from 1 to 20 only.
• If a list includes a surname twice, it may appear twice.
• All Origins can mix many languages in one list.
• Some names use marks like O or Al as a prefix.
• German names may show letter pairs for umlauts.
• Irish names may include apostrophes in the text.

Examples

English example

• Smith
• Johnson
• Brown
• Taylor
• Davis

Japanese example

• Sato
• Suzuki
• Tanaka
• Watanabe
• Ito

All Origins example

• Murphy
• Lopez
• Kim

How to read and use the output

• Each list item is a surname you can use as is.
• Pick names that fit the tone of your project.
• Run the tool again if you need more variety.
• Copy the names you like into your notes.

Get started

Pick an origin, set a number, and click Generate Surnames.

Save the best names and keep building your list.