Are you related to the Royals? The surprising surnames linked to the Royal Family – is YOURS on the list?
Many of us like to imagine we are distantly related to royalty and that like Anne Hathaway in The Princess Diaries we will be whisked away to live in a castle.
Some celebrities are known to have a royal lineage, including actor Hugh Grant, who is the ninth cousin once removed of Queen Elizabeth.
Singer Taylor Swift is an eighth cousin 11 times removed of King Louis XIV, the French monarch who built the Palace of Versailles and reigned from 1643 to 1715.
But according to data many of us may have royal ties which can be mapped through our surnames.
While some names have an obvious potential link to nobility, others are not immediately obvious and date back to significant historical events like the War of the Roses.
Sharing a name with nobility does not guarantee blue blood, but it can be an interesting starting point for exploring family heritage.
Here are the 35 regal surnames which could reveal links to the Royal Family, according to MyHeritage. You may be surprised!
Taylor Swift is an eighth cousin 11 times removed of King Louis XIV, the French monarch who built the Palace of Versailles and reigned from 1643 to 1715
The British Royal Family on the Buckingham Palace balcony during Trooping the Colour in 2023
Windsor
Perhaps the most obvious of all the surnames is Windsor, which is the current British Royal Family’s surname since 1917 as a response to anti-German feeling during WWI.
The name Windsor is strongly associated with Windsor Castle and the town of Windsor, which has been a royal residence for centuries.
Tudor
The surname Tudor has its origins in Wales and is derived from the Welsh name Tudur or Tewdwr, which means ruler of the people.
The name is closely associated with the English royal dynasty of Welsh origin, the House of Tudor, which produced monarchs like Henry VIII and Elizabeth I.
Elizabeth I, Queen of England and Ireland
The French form Stuart was popularised when Mary, Queen of Scots, adopted it upon her return to Scotland in the 16th century
Stuart
Stuart is a variant of the surname Stewart, which originated as an occupational name in Scotland and England, referring to a steward, someone who managed an estate.
The French form Stuart was popularised when Mary, Queen of Scots, adopted it on her return to Scotland in the 16th century.
The surname Stuart is strongly associated with the House of Stuart, which reigned over Scotland and later England and Ireland.
Plantagenet
The surname Plantagenet, while now associated with the English royal dynasty, was originally a nickname for Geoffrey, Count of Anjou.
It’s believed to have originated from his habit of wearing a sprig of broom (planta genista in Latin) in his hat.
While the name wasn’t used as a hereditary surname by his descendants for centuries, it eventually became associated with the Royal Family and was adopted as a surname in the 15th century.
The surname was revived and adopted during the Wars of the Roses (1455-1487), particularly by Richard, Duke of York, to emphasise his lineage.
The Plantagenet name is most famously associated with the English royal dynasty that ruled from 1154 to 1485, including figures like Henry II, Richard the Lionheart, and Richard III.
Richard I, also known as Richard Lionheart, is pictured
Capet
The name Capet is primarily associated with the Capetian dynasty, a royal house of France.
Hugh Capet was the first Capetian king of France, elected in 987 AD, and his descendants ruled France for centuries, either directly or through cadet branches.
While it’s not a typical surname in the modern sense, it originated as a nickname for Hugh Capet and has been used to refer to his descendants.
The meaning of Capet is not definitively known, but it’s believed to be derived from the Old French word capet, possibly meaning small cape or hood, or from the Latin caput, meaning head.
Hugh Capet became King of France in 987, founding the Capetian dynasty
Sisters Princess Maria Carolina of Bourbon and Princess Maria Chiara of Bourbon are pictured at Paris Fashion Week in January 2025
Bourbon
The surname Bourbon is primarily of French origin, meaning it can refer to people from the region or village of Bourbon in France.
It can also be associated with the House of Bourbon, a prominent royal house in French history.
On the other end of the spectrum, the name has connections to an Old French word for a pilgrim’s staff.
One socialite who often makes headlines is Princess Chiara of Bourbon-Two Sicilies, who was once rumoured to be dating Crown Prince Christian of Denmark.
Princess Maria Chiara of Bourbon-Two Sicilies is related to the Bourbon dynasty.
This house is a cadet branch of the Spanish Bourbons, which are themselves descended from the French Bourbon dynasty.
Habsburg
The family name Habsburg is derived from the German words Habicht (hawk) and Burg (castle), referring to the Habsburg Castle in present-day Switzerland.
The castle was built in the 11th century, and the family who took their name from it became one of Europe’s most powerful dynasties.
The Habsburgs rose to prominence in the 13th century, eventually holding titles including Holy Roman Emperor, King of Spain and Archduke of Austria.
Charles II of Spain was the last Habsburg monarch to rule Spain, with their reign beginning in 1516. He died in 1700 without an heir, triggering the War of the Spanish Succession
Maria Theresa of Austria is pictured with the Grand Dauphin
The dynasty includes notable figures like Rudolf I of Habsburg, who became King of Germany in 1273.
Charles II of Spain was the last Habsburg monarch to rule Spain after their reign began in 1516.
He died in 1700 without an heir, triggering the War of the Spanish Succession.
He was known for his poor health and intellectual disabilities, which were attributed to generations of inbreeding within the Habsburg family.
Other prominent members include Charles V, who ruled Spain and the Holy Roman Empire and Maria Theresa, who significantly shaped Habsburg Austria.
Hanover
The surname Hanover and its German variant Hannove, primarily signifies a connection to the city of Hanover in Lower Saxony, Germany.
It’s a habitational name, meaning it was adopted by people who lived in or originated from that area.
The British Royal Family’s surname was Hanover for a period of time, specifically from 1714 to 1901, encompassing the reigns of six monarchs.
This German-origin dynasty took the throne with George I, who was the Elector of Hanover, and ended with Queen Victoria.
This German-origin dynasty took the throne with George I, who was the Elector of Hanover, and ended with Queen Victoria (pictured in 1878)
Catherine of Valois is introduced to her future husband King Henry V of England
Valois
The surname Valois is of French origin and is either a name for someone who lived in a valley, or a locational name from places called Val(l)ois.
It can also refer to the historical region of Valois in northern France
The Valois dynasty, which ruled France from the 14th to the 16th centuries, is a prominent historical association with the name.
Lancaster
The surname Lancaster is strongly associated with English royalty through the House of Lancaster, a branch of the Plantagenet royal family.
This lineage played a significant role in English history, particularly during the Wars of the Roses.
The Duchy of Lancaster, a significant landholding, is still held on behalf of the current British monarch, King Charles III.
The title Duke of Lancaster has been held by the reigning Sovereign since Henry IV in 1399 and continues to be used. King Charles is pictured
Robert the Bruce, also known as Robert I, was a 14th-century king of Scotland
York
The surname York is connected to the British Royal Family through the Dukedom of York, a title often given to the second son of the monarch.
The House of York, a cadet branch of the Plantagenet royal family, also played a significant role in English history, particularly during the Wars of the Roses.
Bruce
The surname Bruce is closely associated with Scottish royalty.
Robert the Bruce, also known as Robert I, was a 14th-century king of Scotland.
The Bruce family, originally from Normandy, rose to prominence in Scotland and produced two kings, Robert I and David II.
de Valois
The surname de Valois is associated with French royalty, specifically the House of Valois, a cadet branch of the Capetian dynasty that ruled France from 1328 to 1589.
This royal house produced numerous French monarchs and played a significant role in shaping French history during the late medieval and early modern periods.
de Medici
The Medici family, although not initially royal, rose to become a powerful force in Florence and eventually intermarried with European royal families, notably in France.
Through strategic marriages, the Medici surname became associated with royalty, particularly with the French monarchy.
Two prominent examples are Catherine de’ Medici and Marie de’ Medici, who both became queens of France.
Catherine de’ Medici was Queen of France from 1547 to 1559 by marriage to King Henry II
Savoy
The surname Savoy, also spelt Savoie, originates from the historical region of Savoy in the Alps, now located between France and Italy.
The name is derived from the Latin Sapaudia, which referred to the region known for its forests and mountainous terrain.
The region’s name is linked to the House of Savoy, a prominent European dynasty that rose to power in the 11th century.
William the Silent, Prince of Orange’, circa 1560-1580
Orange-Nassau
This name signifies a lineage that combines the House of Orange and the House of Nassau.
The name arose when William I of Orange inherited the principality of Orange and, by will, his cousin William of Nassau (also known as William the Silent) inherited the title and the name Orange-Nassau.
The House of Orange-Nassau became the royal family of the Netherlands.
Oldenburg
The House of Oldenburg is a European royal house with a significant history, including ties to the current royal families of Denmark, Norway and the United Kingdom.
The current monarchs of Norway and the UK, as well as the former monarchs of Denmark, are all patrilineal descendants of the House of Oldenburg, specifically the Glücksburg branch.
The Oldenburgs also held power in Russia, Sweden, and Greece at various points
This branch also provided monarchs for Greece and Iceland and has connections to the British Royal Family through Prince Philip (pictured)
Glucksburg
The House of Schleswig-Holstein-Sonderburg-Glücksburg is the branch of the House of Oldenburg that is associated with Danish and Norwegian royalty.
This branch also provided monarchs for Greece and Iceland and has connections to the British Royal Family through Prince Philip.
The House of Glücksburg was officially founded in 1825.
Romanov
The surname Romanov is of Russian and Bulgarian origin, derived from the given name Roman.
It is most famously associated with the House of Romanov, the last imperial dynasty to rule over Russia.
The name first appeared in Russian records in the early 16th century.
Baskerville
The Baskerville family is one of the oldest and most honourable in England, with a documented history dating back to the Norman Conquest.
The surname Baskerville is of Norman origin, stemming from the place name Boscherville in Normandy, France.
It is derived from the Old Anglo-Norman French words boschet, meaning copse or thicket, and ville, meaning settlement.
The name was introduced to England by Norman invaders, particularly those settling along the English-Welsh border.
Darcy
While Pride and Prejudice’s Mr Darcy may come to mind, the surname Darcy has strong historical ties to English and Irish nobility, including connections to the medieval period and the Norman Conquest.
The name, often spelt D’Arcy, originates from the village of Arcy in Normandy, France and was introduced to England after the Norman Conquest.
Neville
Neville, as a family name, is associated with English royalty and nobility, particularly through their prominent role in the War of the Roses.
The Neville family, originally FitzMaldred, became a powerful force in the Late Middle Ages, especially in northern England.
They were known for their strategic marriages and political manoeuvring, which led to them becoming kingmakers.
Percy
The surname Percy is closely associated with British royalty and nobility, specifically with the Dukes of Northumberland.
The Percy family, originally of Norman origin, rose to prominence in England after the Norman Conquest.
One of Princess Catherine’s close friends, Lady Melissa Percy, has a surname which reveals her noble lineage
The family’s history is deeply intertwined with Alnwick Castle, their ancestral seat (pictured)
Bridesmaid Chelsy Davy – a former flame of Prince Harry – is pictured at the wedding of Lady Melissa Percy and Thomas van Straubenzee
They became one of the most powerful families in the north of England, holding the title of Earl of Northumberland and later Duke of Northumberland.
The family’s history is deeply intertwined with Alnwick Castle, their ancestral seat, which has been their principal residence for over 700 years.
Lady Melissa Percy, a friend of Catherine, Princess of Wales, is the daughter of Ralph Percy, 12th Duke of Northumberland.
In June 2013, the Duke of Northumberland’s second daughter married the Prince’s friend Thomas van Straubenzee.
Among the A-list guests were Prince William, Prince Harry, Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie. The couple divorced in March 2016.
Astley
The Astley surname has a long history and is linked to the English peerage.
It is a locational surname, meaning it originated from places named Astley in various English counties, such as Lancashire, Shropshire, Warwickshire, and Worcestershire.
Capell
The Capell family is associated with English aristocracy and nobility, specifically through the Earls of Essex.
The family held titles and positions of influence, including Baron Capell of Hadham and Baron Brooke of Oakley.
The family’s history is intertwined with significant events in English history, including the English Civil War and political affairs in Ireland.
Catherine Howard, the fifth wife of Henry VIII, is pictured
Howard
The Howard family is one of the most prominent aristocratic families in England and has held the prestigious title of Duke of Norfolk since 1483, making them the premier dukes and earls of the realm.
Notably, a member of this family, Catherine Howard, was the fifth wife of King Henry VIII.
Seymour
This name can be traced back to the family of Jane Seymour, the third wife of Henry VIII, with ties to the Duke of Somerset.
The House of Seymour or St. Maur, is the name of an old English family in which several titles of nobility have from time to time been created, and of which the Duke of Somerset is the head.
Grey
Several branches of the Grey family were prominent in the English peerage, including Barons Grey of Wilton, Barons Grey of Codnor, and Earls Grey.
John de Grey, 1st Baron Grey de Wilton, was a notable figure, and his descendants held various noble titles.
Lady Jane Grey, though her reign was short, was also a member of the Grey family and claimed the English throne.
FitzAlan
FitzAlan is an English surname of Anglo-Norman origin, descending from the Breton Knight Alan fitz Flaad, who accompanied King Henry I to England on his succession. He was the grandson of the Seneschal of the Bishop of Dol.
Courtenay
The House of Courtenay, originally a French noble family, gained prominence through marriage and became a branch of the Capetian dynasty.
They held titles like Latin Emperor of Constantinople and Earl of Devon.
The name is also associated with influential figures in England and France, playing roles in medieval politics and events like the Wars of the Roses.
Powderham Castle (pictured) was built in 1391 by Sir Philip Courtenay and is home to the Earl of Devon
Manners
The surname Manners is notably associated with the noble Dukes of Rutland, a prominent British aristocratic family.
The family’s history is intertwined with the Earls and Dukes of Rutland.
Russell
The Russell family’s prominence began with John Russell, who was created Earl of Bedford in 1551 for his role in suppressing a rebellion.
The Russell family is considered one of the most prominent English noble families.
John Russell, Earl of Bedford, is pictured
Cavendish
The Cavendish family are known for their titles as Duke of Devonshire and Duke of Newcastle.
They are of Anglo-Norman origin and are descended from Sir John Cavendish, who served as Chief Justice of the King’s Bench in the late 14th century.
The family’s prominence grew during the Tudor and Stuart periods, with members achieving significant political and social influence.
Henry VI and Margaret of Anjou with their courtiers. John Talbot, Earl of Shrewsbury kneels before the Queen to present her with a book
Talbot
The Talbot family, of Norman origin, became prominent in England and Ireland, holding significant positions and titles for centuries.
The most notable title associated with the family is the Earldom of Shrewsbury, which was created in 1442.
When Princess Diana married Charles, the Spencer family became linked to the British Royal Family. The Spencer family tree is pictured
Spencer
The Spencer family has a long and distinguished history, with members holding titles such as Duke of Marlborough, Earl Spencer, and Baron Churchill.
The family has produced notable figures like Winston Churchill and Diana, Princess of Wales, who were both descendants of the Spencer family.
When Princess Diana married Charles, the Spencer family became linked to the British Royal Family.
Her sons, Prince Harry and Prince William, continue her ancestry.
