500+ Fascinating Last Names Start with U – Rare & Common Surnames

Last Names Start with U: In the vast tapestry of surnames, those that commence with the letter “U” hold a unique charm and rarity. These names, while less common, bear their own stories, often rooted in diverse cultural backgrounds and histories. From the Ukrainian “Ukrayina” to the Italian “Urbano,” each surname starting with “U” carries with it a distinctive legacy.

In this exploration, we venture into the world of last names that begin with this uncommon letter, uncovering their origins, meanings, and the societies from which they emerged. Join us on a journey through the fascinating realm of surnames, where the letter “U” unveils a wealth of diverse and intriguing histories.

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50+ Last Names Start with U

In this table we have featured unique last names start with U along with their meanings:

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Family names starting with U

Here are some family last names start with U along with their meanings:

1. Ueno – Originating from Japan, “Ueno” means “upper field” or “higher plains” in Japanese.
2. Urbina – A surname of Spanish origin, “Urbina” refers to someone from a city or town.
3. Unger – Derived from Middle High German “unger,” meaning “young” or “junior,” it likely denoted a younger individual in a family.
4. Udall – An English surname, “Udall” means “yew-tree valley,” where “udall” is Old English for “yew tree.”
5. Udell – Similar to Udall, “Udell” also has the meaning of “yew tree valley” in Old English.
6. Upton – This English surname signifies a town or settlement near a hill or high ground.
7. Umana – Of Italian origin, “Umana” means “human” or “mankind,” likely denoting a compassionate or considerate individual.
8. Umstead – An English surname, “Umstead” possibly means “enclosure or fenced-in area near water.”
9. UIman – This German surname means “uodal” meaning “heritage” or “ancestral” and “ric” meaning “ruler” or “power.”
10. Upshaw – Of Old English origin, “Upshaw” could refer to a residence or settlement on higher ground.
11. Urbano – Derived from Italian, “Urbano” means “urban” or “pertaining to the city.”
12. Uribe – Originating from Basque/Spanish, “Uribe” likely refers to a person from the town of Uribe in Spain.
13. Urioste – This Basque/Spanish surname may have originated from a place name, but the exact meaning might be harder to pin down.
14. Urquhart – A Scottish surname, “Urquhart” refers to a place near a fort or stronghold.
15. Usry – This surname’s meaning and origin might be more challenging to determine, as it is relatively rare.

Rare surnames with U

Rare last names start with U are indeed quite uncommon. Here are some such surnames along with their potential meanings:

1. Umana – This surname is derived from spanish and italian In both languages, “Umana” is derived from the word “humano” (Spanish) or “umano” (Italian), which means “human” in English.
2. Uberti – An Italian surname, it may have originated from the given name “Uberto,” meaning “bright mind” or “intelligent”.
3. Ulrich – This German surname likely originates from the Old High German name “Uodalric,” which means “noble ruler” or “prosperity and power”.
4. Umanzor – This is a Spanish surname and its exact meaning may not be widely documented.
5. Umstead – Its exact origin and meaning are uncertain, but it could be related to a geographical location.
6. Urbina – This Spanish surname is thought to be derived from “urbe,” meaning “city” or “town”.
7. Urquhart – A Scottish surname, it likely means “new fort” or “new settlement” in Old Scottish Gaelic.
8. Ursic – Its precise origin and meaning might be harder to determine due to its rarity.
9. Usherwood – Likely an English surname, the meaning may relate to a specific location or occupation.
10. Usilton – This surname’s exact meaning and origin may not be widely documented.
11. Utterson – This English surname could be associated with a particular location or occupation.
12. Uzun – Found in Turkish, this surname possibly means “tall” or “long”.
13. Uzzell – Its exact meaning is not extensively documented, but it is believed to have Old English roots.

U last names in the US

Here are some last names start with U in US along with their potential meanings:

• Ulrich – Derived from the Old High German name “Uodalric,” meaning “noble ruler” or “prosperity and power.”
• Upton – Referring to a town or settlement near a hill.
• Urbina – Derived from the Spanish word “urbe,” meaning “city” or “town.”
• Ussery – The exact origin and meaning of this surname are unclear.
• Umbarger – Believed to be of German origin, possibly referring to someone from a place named Umbarger.
• Umbach – Possibly of German origin, referring to a location near a stream.
• Unger – Originally referred to a young man or youth.
• Umpleby – It is derived from england It’s possible that “Umpleby” could be a locational surname, referring to a place or settlement.
• Urquhart – A Scottish surname meaning “new fort” or “new settlement” in Old Scottish Gaelic.
• Uribe – Indicates a person from the town of Uribe in Spain.
• Urbano – Means ‘urban’ or ‘city-dweller’ in Italian.
• Urie – The exact origin and meaning of this surname are unclear.
• Urbach – Likely of German origin, referring to a location near a stream.
• Urso – The exact meaning and origin of this surname may vary.
• Usrey – The exact origin and meaning of this surname are unclear.

Uncommon U surnames

Uncommon last names start with U are quite rare, but here are ten along with their potential meanings:

1. Umbarger – Believed to be of German origin, possibly referring to someone from a place named Umbarger.
2. Umbach – Possibly of German origin, referring to a location near a stream.
3. Ussery – The exact origin and meaning of this surname are unclear.
4. Uhrig – This German surname may refer to someone from a village named Uhrig or be derived from “Uhr,” meaning “clock” or “watch.”
5. Urbach – Likely of German origin, referring to a location near a stream.
6. Umbenhower – The origin and meaning of this surname may be obscure or specific to a particular family.
7. Uland – While its exact meaning may vary, it might be a variation of “Ulland,” a Norwegian name possibly meaning “homestead by the slope.”
8. Umble – This surname may have originated as a variation of “Humble,” suggesting a person with a modest or unpretentious nature.
9. Uphaus – The exact meaning and origin of this surname are unclear, but it might have Germanic roots.
10. Urfer – This surname’s exact meaning and origin may be specific to particular families.

Famous People Last names that start with U

While last names starting with ‘U’ are quite rare, there are some notable individuals with surnames beginning with this letter. Here are a few examples:

1. Ullrich – Jan Ullrich was a renowned German professional road bicycle racer. The surname “Ullrich” is of German origin and means “noble ruler” or “prosperity and power.”
2. Urie – Brendon Urie is the lead vocalist of the American band Panic! at the Disco. The surname “Urie” might have Scottish or Old English roots, but its exact meaning is uncertain.
3. Usher – Usher Raymond IV, known mononymously as Usher, is a famous American singer, songwriter, and actor. The surname “Usher” refers to an official in a church responsible for maintaining order and assisting during worship.
4. Urbaniak – Mark Urbaniak is an accomplished American jazz saxophonist. The surname “Urbaniak” likely has Polish roots, but its exact meaning may vary.
5. Urbina – Urbina is the surname of several notable individuals. Its origin is Spanish, possibly referring to someone from the town of Uribe in Spain.
6. Uecker – Bob Uecker is a well-known American sportscaster, comedian, and former professional baseball player. The surname “Uecker” might have Germanic roots, but its precise meaning is unclear.
7. Ueki – Kosuke Ueki is a fictional character from the anime and manga series “The Law of Ueki.” The surname “Ueki” is of Japanese origin, but its meaning is not widely documented.

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Last names start with U present a fascinating array of cultural and linguistic diversity. While relatively uncommon, these surnames carry unique stories and origins. From the Germanic strength of “Ulrich” to the Spanish urban essence of “Urbina,” each name paints a portrait of its cultural heritage.

While some may derive from occupations or geographical locations, others bear meanings rooted in ancient languages. Despite their rarity, these surnames hold a special place in the broader tapestry of family histories. They serve as a reminder of the rich linguistic and historical tapestry that makes up our collective human heritage.