What Are Some Common Gypsy Surnames?

By Staff WriterLast Updated November 29, 2023

Cooper and Smith are two surnames common among Romany people, formerly known as “Gypsies.” Other names common in this group are not always derived from professions.

20000-names.com lists many other Romany/Gypsy surnames, including Petulengro, which is thought to come from the Romany term for a farrier, or horseshoe-maker; Boswell, a name derived from an old term for a settler; Grey, taken from the Sanskrit word for “horse”; Hearne/Herne, a name taken from heron and other types of birds; Lee; Lovel; Marshall; and Stanley.

FamilySearch.org confirms the above list of surnames and adds Young, Taylor, Draper, Shaw/Shore and Cooper. It also notes that Doe, Giaskin and Lock are common among Romany families.