Most common surnames in Britain and Ireland revealed

The origins of more than 45,000 surnames have been revealed by a new study.
A four-year project investigating the history and geographical distribution of family names found almost 40,000 were native to Britain and Ireland.
The study's authors said they had explained 8,000 surnames for the first time.
Project leader, Prof Richard Coates, said the list was "more detailed and accurate" than those before it.
The team, led by the University of the West of England, analysed sources dating from the 11th to the 19th century to fully explain the origins of the names.
It found 80% of the... read more