300+ Rich Last Names With Meanings (Updated 2026)
Rich last names do more than just identify people—they stand as powerful symbols of heritage, advantage, and sway.
These family names often have roots in empires built on manufacturing, finance, government, or property, and people link them to money passed down through generations and top-tier social standing.
Whether they’ve come down through hundreds of years of upper-class families or shot up due to multi-billion-dollar businesses, these names hold sway in upper-crust circles and the annals of culture.
In this article, we look at a picked set of wealthy surnames—each with its own tale of riches, clout, and high standing.
Rich Last Names
Astor (German) – Derived from a word for “hawk;” associated with immense New York wealth and fur trading empires.
Rothschild (German-Jewish) – In this surname, rot means “red” and schild means “shield;” a symbol of European banking power.
Vanderbilt (Dutch) – In this name, van means “from” and der bilt means “the hill;” famous for railroad and shipping fortunes.
Rockefeller (German) – Refers to a place meaning “rocky fields;” represents oil wealth and lasting American influence.
Carnegie (Scottish) – Interpreted as “fort at the gap;” known for steel empires and philanthropy.
DuPont (French) – Taken from a phrase meaning “of the bridge;” legacy rooted in chemicals and innovation.
Walton (English) – Based on a place name meaning “walled town;” tied to the Walmart retail dynasty.
Morgan (Welsh) – This name means “sea-born;” long associated with banking and J.P. Morgan’s legacy.
Gates (English) – Occupational surname meaning “gatekeeper;” now tied to tech fortune and Microsoft.
Bezos (Spanish) – Believed to relate to a place or descriptor for “kiss;” made iconic by Amazon’s rise.
Bloomberg (German) – Refers to “flower mountain;” linked to financial data empires and New York politics.
Branson (English) – Means “son of Brand;” known for Virgin Group’s global ventures.
Windsor (English) – Translates to “riverbank with a winch;” adopted by British royalty in the 20th century.
Pritzker (German) – Possibly derived from a place or trade name; represents hotel and investment wealth.
Buffett (French) – Originates from a nickname meaning “stronghold;” made famous by investor Warren Buffett.
Hearst (English) – Comes from a word for “wooded hill;” name behind a media empire.
Slim (Arabic) – Derived from Salim, meaning “safe” or “peaceful;” associated with telecom fortunes in Latin America.
Lauder (Scottish) – Toponymic surname from a town in Scotland; connected to beauty and cosmetics royalty.
Mars (English) – Possibly occupational or planetary in origin; linked to candy and pet food fortunes.
Hilton (English) – From “hill town;” name made wealthy through hotels and global branding.
Arison (Hebrew) – Possibly related to “prosperous;” Carnival Cruise Line and sports ownership legacy.
Trump (German) – Variant of Drumpf, possibly meaning “drum” or “trumpet;” tied to real estate and politics.
Pinault (French) – Derived from pin, meaning “pine tree;” connected to luxury brands and art collections.
Ortega (Spanish) – Refers to “nettle” or a place with stinging plants; fashion magnate behind Zara.
Chanel (French) – Possibly from a canal or channel; now iconic in luxury fashion.
Hermès (French) – Derived from the god Hermes or a surname linked to messengers; legendary in leather and fashion.
Fendi (Italian) – Likely occupational or place-based; tied to Italian luxury craftsmanship.
Ferragamo (Italian) – Possibly from “iron” or “blacksmith;” associated with designer shoes and haute couture.
Armani (Italian) – Derived from Armano, meaning “soldier;” became synonymous with sleek fashion wealth.
Versace (Italian) – Believed to come from Versatius, meaning “versatile;” a family name turned luxury icon.
Prada (Italian) – Origin uncertain, possibly occupational; represents classic Milanese fashion wealth.
Ford (English) – Means “shallow river crossing;” automobile empire and industrial innovation.
Onassis (Greek) – Possibly derived from anasis, meaning “to rise;” oil shipping magnate and high society symbol.
Gucci (Italian) – Diminutive of Guccio; family name behind a billion-dollar fashion house.
Tesla (Slavic) – Refers to a carpenter’s tool; now linked to revolutionary tech and modern wealth.
Chanel (French) – From “channel” or “pipe;” elevated by Coco Chanel into a lasting fashion legacy.
Getty (Irish) – May derive from MacGettigan, meaning “descendant of the windy one;” famed for oil and art.
Dumas (French) – Means “of the farm;” family behind Hermès fortune.
Albrecht (German) – Means “noble bright;” founding family of Aldi and Trader Joe’s.
Perelman (Hebrew) – Possibly means “pearl man;” known for finance and cosmetics investment.
Li (Chinese) – One of the most common surnames meaning “reason” or “plum;” linked to telecom and finance moguls.
Kwok (Chinese) – Cantonese for “country;” property tycoons and billionaires in Hong Kong.
Rausing (Swedish) – A modern invented surname; behind Tetra Pak and packaging fortunes.
Saud (Arabic) – From Saud, meaning “fortunate” or “blessed;” the ruling royal family of Saudi Arabia.
Sackler (Jewish) – Possibly occupational; associated with pharmaceuticals and patronage.
Steinbrenner (German) – Combines “stone” and “burner;” known for ownership of the New York Yankees.
Murdoch (Scottish) – Derived from Muireadhach, meaning “sea warrior;” powerful media dynasty.
DeVos (Dutch) – Means “the fox;” tied to education, business, and political influence.
Adani (Indian) – From Gujarat; associated with infrastructure and global trade empire.
Ambani (Indian) – Possibly occupational; known for oil, telecom, and luxury in South Asia.
Kamprad (Swedish) – Invented surname combining family initials; represents IKEA’s massive global wealth.
Benetton (Italian) – Likely patronymic, from Benetto meaning “blessed;” linked to fashion empire United Colors.
Bernard (French) – Means “brave as a bear;” connected to LVMH luxury empire.
Schwarzman (German) – Translates to “black man;” billionaire founder of Blackstone Group.
Koch (German) – Occupational name for “cook;” associated with industrial power and political funding.
Tata (Indian-Parsi) – Possibly adapted from a clan name; represents legacy in steel, cars, and global philanthropy.
Slimani (Arabic) – Variant of Suleiman, meaning “peaceful;” prominent in North African business circles.
Soros (Hungarian) – Invented surname, possibly related to “successor;” name behind hedge funds and philanthropy.
Cargill (Scottish) – From a place meaning “fort by a stream;” private food and agriculture wealth.
Swarovski (Austrian) – Family name meaning “Swaro’s kin;” famous for crystal and luxury jewelry.
Leviev (Hebrew) – Derived from lev, meaning “heart;” diamond tycoon with global reach.
Oppenheimer (German-Jewish) – Means “from Oppenheim;” historic in banking and South African mining wealth.
Rinehart (German) – Means “strong counsel;” Australian mining and media magnate lineage.
Engelhorn (German) – Combines “angel” and “horn;” known for pharmaceutical fortune.
Knight (English) – Occupational name for a mounted warrior; linked to Nike’s global rise.
Perot (French) – Diminutive of Pierre, meaning “rock;” wealth from electronics and politics.
Trumpf (German) – Related to “trump card;” industrial laser technology family empire.
Dell (English) – Refers to a “small valley;” surname turned tech empire through Dell Inc.
Zuckerberg (German-Jewish) – Means “sugar mountain;” made famous by Facebook’s billionaire founder.
Page (English) – Occupational name for a young attendant; Google co-founder’s tech legacy.
Brin (Russian-Jewish) – Shortened form of Brinstein, likely place-based; linked to Google wealth.
Nadella (Indian) – Telugu origin, likely from a village name; name of Microsoft’s influential CEO.
Narasimhan (Indian) – Means “man-lion,” an avatar of Vishnu; present in global pharma and business leadership.
Iger (German) – Possibly from Yeger, meaning “hunter;” known from Disney executive legacy.
Milken (Jewish) – Possibly from milk or occupational; major figure in finance and philanthropy.
Brufau (Catalan) – Possibly from “brow” or place name; linked to Spanish energy wealth.
Ziff (German-Jewish) – Possibly derived from sif, meaning “refined;” media and investment fortunes.
Rausing (Swedish) – Family name of industrial origin; behind the Tetra Pak empire.
Zell (German) – From a place meaning “cell” or “monastery;” billionaire real estate figure.
Green (English) – Refers to “village green;” wealthy retail empire (Topshop, etc.).
Fridman (Russian-Jewish) – From Frid, meaning “peace;” tied to finance and telecom wealth in Europe.
Dangote (Hausa) – West African surname; known as Africa’s richest man through cement and commodities.
Hariri (Arabic) – Means “silk merchant;” Lebanese political and construction wealth.
Barilla (Italian) – Possibly from “barrel;” known for pasta and international food wealth.
Erling (Scandinavian) – Means “heir or nobleman;” tied to modern luxury holdings.
Albrecht (German) – Means “noble and bright;” family behind Aldi and Trader Joe’s fortune.
Fuld (German-Jewish) – Possibly from Fulda or “folded;” known in banking and Lehman legacy.
Mittal (Indian) – Marwari origin, possibly from metal; global steel tycoon name.
Reimann (German) – Means “pure man;” billionaires behind controlling stakes in consumer brands.
Saatchi (Arabic-Iraqi) – Possibly derived from sāḥi, meaning “companion;” connected to advertising wealth.
Bettencourt (French) – Place-based surname; represents L’Oréal cosmetic empire.
Harmsworth (English) – Means “Harma’s enclosure;” historical British newspaper magnates.
LVMH (French acronym name) – Not a surname but led by families like Arnault (from Arnold, meaning “eagle power;” fashion and luxury tycoons).
Newhouse (English) – Toponymic name meaning “new dwelling;” American media conglomerate wealth.
Dorrance (English) – Possibly from d’or, meaning “gold;” Campbell Soup family fortune.
Weill (French-German) – Means “curved or circular;” name tied to Citigroup and financial power.
Schwab (German) – Regional name for someone from Swabia; represents investment and brokerage legacy.
Icahn (Jewish) – From Hebrew Kohen line; associated with activist investing and boardroom influence.
Eliasson (Scandinavian) – Means “son of Elias;” present in art and philanthropic circles.
Pritzker (Germanic) – Repeating for clarity; known for Hyatt Hotels and political influence.
Kuwata (Japanese) – Meaning “mulberry rice field;” name appearing in rising financial and business power in Asia.
Reich (German) – “rich, powerful”
Richelieu (French) – “rich place”
Rico (Spanish/Portuguese) – “rich, wealthy”
Tomioka (Japanese) – “wealthy hill”
McRae (Scottish) – “son of prosperity”
Mittelman (Yiddish/German) – “man of means”
Banks (English/Scottish) – “riverbank; wealth association”
Cash (English/French) – “money chest; currency”
Pennyworth (Fictional/English) – “value or worth”
Shilling (English) – “coin of value”
Carrington (English) – “estate of a freeman”
Davenport (English) – “market town”
Lancaster (English) – “Roman fort by the river”
Kensington (English) – “village of a man named Cynsige”
Cavendish (English) – “from the greenhouse estate”
Winchester (English) – “Roman town of the legions”
Wellington (English) – “wealthy estate town”
Roosevelt (Dutch) – “rose field” symbolic of heritage (excluded from original? cited here generically)
Coleridge (English) – “hazel ridge” noble-sounding
Goldsmith (English) – “maker of gold goods”
Templeton (English) – “settlement by a temple”
Wainwright (English) – “wagon maker” historically affluent trade
Hemingway (English) – “home near the moor” cultured heritage
Bloomberg (German) – “flower mountain” symbolic wealth
Chamberlin (English) – “court official” high status
Latimer (French) – “interpreter” prestigious role
Wentworth (English) – “farm near the spring” noble land name
Dartagnan (French) – aristocratic flair
Truesdale (English) – “true valley” elegant form
Buckingham (English) – “homestead of Bucca” noble lineage
Eaton (English) – “wealthy settlement”
Fenwick (English) – “marsh village” aristocratic tone
Goldman (German/Yiddish) – “gold man”
Merrill (English) – “sea hill” refined heritage
Spencer (English) – “steward” prestigious office
Stuart (Scottish) – “steward of the household”
Benedict (Italian/French) – “blessed” noble meaning
Beauchamp (French) – “beautiful field” aristocratic flair
Charleston (English) – “estate of Charles”
Ellsworth (English) – “elder’s estate”
Hamilton (Scottish) – “crooked hill” noble name
Hartman (German) – “brave man” respected heritage
Hollister (English) – “dweller at holly plantation” refined
Kingsley (English) – “king’s wood clearing” aristocratic
Livingston (Scottish) – “Leving’s town” historic landowners
Lockwood (English) – “locked forest” classy tone
Middleton (English) – “middle town” prestigious locale
Fairchild (English) – “beautiful child” refined connotation
Archibald (German) – “genuine, bold” noble meaning
Peregrine (Latin) – “traveler/foreign” elite tone
Warwick (English) – “dwell by the weir” historic estate
Ellington (English) – “Ella’s estate” refined sound
Blakely (English) – “dark wood clearing” elegant
Granville (French) – “large town” wealthy implication
Lexington (English) – “town of the people of Lex” historic prestige
Prince (English) – “royal rank” directly affluent
Ashby (English) – “ash tree farm” noble tone
Bristol (English) – “bridge town” refined name
Dior (French) – “golden” luxury fashion connotation
Holland (English/Dutch) – “land of hills” timeless heritage
Marlowe (English) – “from the hill by the lake” cultured
Sloane (Irish) – “warrior” stylish wealthy feel
Ambrose (Latin) – “immortal” elite aura
Aristotle (Greek) – “excellent purpose” distinguished
Bentley (English) – “bent grass meadow” upscale imagery
Bourne (English) – “stream” elegant simplicity
Coronado (Spanish) – “crowned” regal meaning
Dashiell (French) – stylish elite tone
Edison (English) – “son of Edward” refined
Fitzgerald (Irish) – “son of Gerald” aristocratic origin
Franklin (English) – “free landowner” wealth implication
Hudson (English) – “son of Hudd” classy surname
Jefferson (English) – “son of Jeffrey” dignified
Mackenzie (Scottish) – “fair ruler” elite tone
Quinn (Irish) – “wise” upscale simplicity
Richards (English) – “strong ruler” prestige meaning
Everhart (German) – “strong as a boar” noble edge
Lincoln (English) – “town by the pool” historic weight
Maxwell (Scottish) – “great spring stream” venerable
Thatcher (English) – “roof thatcher” once high trade
Conrad (German) – “brave counsel” regal
Ferguson (Scottish) – “son of the strong man” noble
Darcy (French) – “from Arcy” aristocratic
Cornelius (Latin) – “horn” ancient noble name
Humphrey (German) – “peaceful warrior” distinguished
Ratcliffe (English) – “red cliff” stately
Seymour (English) – “marshy land near the sea” prestigious
Thornton (English) – “thorn enclosure town” refined
Walter (Germanic) – “ruler of the army” elite meaning
Wills (English) – “resolute protector” strong heritage
Whitaker (English) – “white field” upper-class tone
Willoughby (English) – “willow town” aristocratic
Worthington (English) – “farm of Worth’s people” venerable
Oakley (English) – “oak wood clearing” stately
Whitlock (English) – “white enclosure” refined
Wilbur (Germanic) – “resolute” cultured
Windham (English) – “hill with a meadow” elevated name
Wolfe (German/English) – “wolf” symbolic strength & prestige
Rothwell (English) – “red stream” elegant heritage
Sterling (Scottish) – “from Stirling,” also evokes “high quality”
Ainsworth (English) – “estate by the river”
Alderwick (English) – “old noble settlement”
Albright (German) – “noble, bright, distinguished”
Arkwright (English) – “chest or storehouse maker”
Ashcroft (English) – “estate near ash trees”
Balfour (Scottish) – “village pasture”
Barclay (Scottish) – “birch wood estate”
Beaumont (French) – “beautiful mountain”
Belmont (French) – “beautiful hill”
Berkshire (English) – “royal wooded land”
Blackwell (English) – “prosperous spring”
Bramwell (English) – “bramble spring estate”
Bromley (English) – “woodland estate”
Calderon (Spanish) – “large basin; abundance”
Caldwell (English) – “cold spring manor”
Carlisle (English) – “fortified estate”
Channing (English) – “young noble warrior”
Claremont (French) – “clear mountain”
Clifton (English) – “estate near a cliff”
Cromwell (English) – “crooked spring estate”
Dunbar (Scottish) – “fortress hill”
Eastwood (English) – “eastern noble forest”
Eldridge (English) – “old, wise ruler”
Fairfax (English) – “beautiful hair; refined”
Farnsworth (English) – “fern-covered estate”
Featherstone (English) – “estate by sacred stone”
Fielding (English) – “open land owner”
Foxworth (English) – “fox estate”
Gainsborough (English) – “royal fortified town”
Galloway (Scottish) – “foreign noble land”
Gladstone (English) – “bright stone estate”
Grantham (English) – “gravel estate”
Greenfield (English) – “fertile land owner”
Harrington (English) – “estate of the noble leader”
Hawthorne (English) – “thorn hedge estate”
Hendrixson (Germanic) – “son of a powerful ruler”
Highclere (English) – “upper estate”
Huxley (English) – “Hugh’s meadow”
Inglewood (English) – “land of noble people”
Iverson (Scandinavian) – “descendant of a lord”
Kensley (English) – “king’s meadow”
Kingsworth (English) – “royal estate”
Langford (English) – “long river crossing”
Lansbury (English) – “manor town”
Levington (English) – “estate of the beloved”
Litchfield (English) – “fertile field estate”
Lockhart (Scottish) – “strong heart”
Longworth (English) – “long-standing estate”
Loxley (English) – “clearing estate”
Malvern (English) – “royal hill”
Marbury (English) – “boundary estate”
Mayfair (English) – “wealthy district name”
Meridian (Latin) – “center of greatness”
Montague (French) – “pointed mountain”
Montclair (French) – “clear mountain”
Montford (French) – “strong hill”
Montrose (Scottish) – “mountain of roses”
Norwood (English) – “northern noble forest”
Oakridge (English) – “ridge of oak trees”
Oppenheim (German) – “rich settlement”
Parkhurst (English) – “estate near parkland”
Pemberton (English) – “hill settlement”
Pembroke (Welsh) – “royal headland”
Prescott (English) – “priest’s estate”
Ravenscroft (English) – “estate of ravens”
Redmond (Irish) – “protector of wealth”
Rockwell (English) – “strong spring”
Rutherford (English) – “cattle crossing estate”
Salisbury (English) – “fortified royal town”
Sheffield (English) – “open field estate”
Sherwood (English) – “bright forest”
Sinclair (French/Scottish) – “holy light”
Somerset (English) – “summer estate”
Southwick (English) – “southern village estate”
Standish (English) – “stone park”
Stonebridge (English) – “bridge of wealth”
Stratford (English) – “street crossing estate”
Sutherland (Scottish) – “southern land”
Thornbury (English) – “thorn fortress”
Thornhill (English) – “protected hill”
Valemont (French) – “valley mountain”
Vanderhall (Dutch) – “from the noble hall”
Vandermeer (Dutch) – “from the lake estate”
Vanguard (French) – “leader, front guard”
Wadsworth (English) – “watchman’s estate”
Wakefield (English) – “wet meadow estate”
Walden (English) – “wooded valley”
Westbrook (English) – “western stream estate”
Westcliff (English) – “western cliff estate”
Westwood (English) – “western forest estate”
Whitestone (English) – “white stone manor”
Winthrop (English) – “joyful settlement”
Wycliffe (English) – “white cliff”
Yorkston (English) – “royal town”
Zamora (Spanish) – “abundant land”
Zelrich (German) – “noble ruler”
Zentner (German) – “wealth measure”
Zorenthal (Germanic) – “golden valley”
Zweifeld (German) – “double land estate”
Zurmont (French) – “above the mountain”
Closing Remarks
Rich last names carry more than just wealth, they reflect legacy, influence and transformation across generations.
I hope you enjoyed our collection of rich last names and thanks for being here.
