The study on the origin of the main British surnames comes to some specialists’ and scholars’ sight, and arouse their concerns in recent years. Many scholars have made meaningful explorations from different perspectives and levels. For instance, Wu Yingchun (1999) pointed out that the persity of the etymology of English name embodies the change of English history and culture characteristics. Niu Daosheng (1996) concluded, “Surnames are formed from ancestors’ occupations, natural objects, the ancestors’ physiological features, and father’s or ancestors’ names”. Based on what have been studied, this paper comprehensively analyses the origin of surnames and culture connotation and try to apply to pragmatic competence.
I do much investigation, analysis and any other preparatory work. In the first place, I indicate that there were no surnames in a long period, and analyze the reasons of the appearance of surnames. In the next place, I introduce the history and development of the surnames and constitution forms of British names. Furthermore, I present the origin and characteristics of the British surnames. For instance, the relation of blood (the inheritance from mother, father and any other relatives), place names and building names, occupational title,  nicknames, Bible, foreign surnames. Then, cultural connotation was took on. Surnames are related to national customs, religion, belief, social change, identity, way of thinking, historical features and nature worship. Finally, the conclusion is made that surnames in the development process lay a deep historical imprints on social development. In short, English surnames reflect the social history and culture, but also provide the precious materials to study the history and culture of the British society for futurity. 英国主要姓氏的起源及文化内涵研究(2):http://www.youerw.com/yingyu/lunwen_22516.html