Last names can reveal interesting traits and histories of our ancestors. Some last names have meanings linked to greed, highlighting human nature and desires. Understanding these names can help us learn more about the characteristics people valued in the past.
Today, we’ll look at a few last names associated with greed. We’ll uncover their origins and what they tell us about the people who carried them. Whether you’re curious for personal reasons or just interested in names, this topic will offer some fascinating insights into how greed has shaped identities through time.
Last Names That Mean Greed
1. Avarice
The name Avarice directly translates to a strong desire for material wealth and possessions, perfectly capturing the essence of greed. It serves as a reminder of the human proclivity towards hoarding and selfishness.
2. Greed
Not subtle but striking, the last name Greed literally conveys the meaning of excess and insatiable desire. This name might evoke strong emotions and symbolize an unquenchable thirst for more.
3. Sullivant
Sullivant is a unique name stemming from the word ‘sullied,’ representing a state of being stained or tarnished, often by greed. This name reflects how greed can corrupt and mar an individual’s character.
4. Covey
The last name Covey is derived from the word ‘covet,’ which means to desire wrongfully or inordinately. This name is a direct link to greed, showcasing the longing for what one does not have.
5. Richman
Richman embodies wealth and prosperity, often leading to accusations of greed. This name suggests a person’s desire to amass wealth above all else.
6. Greedy
Similar to the last name Greed, Greedy also conveys an unrelenting desire for more. It serves as a blunt reminder of a character trait that can define a person’s legacy.
7. Baer
Baer, meaning ‘bear,’ traditionally symbolizes someone who hoards or stockpiles resources, linking it cleverly to the idea of greed.
8. Hollingsworth
This last name reveals the heritage of wealth owners. Hollingsworth can be tied to those who amassed fortunes, tying it back to the aspect of greed.
9. Goldsmith
The surname Goldsmith directly relates to those who worked with gold, an emblem of greed and wealth. This name suggests a connection to the desire for riches.
10. Grayson
Grayson can imply a person associated with greed. As a variant of Gray, it is often linked to a desire for material gains.
11. Chaffee
The name Chaffee is derived from a metaphor connoting the act of gathering wealth which indicates a connection to greed.
12. Baxter
Baxter refers to someone who bakes bread. However, it can also hint at the greed for wealth through the means of trade.
13. Money
This straightforward last name directly points to the desire for currency and financial gain, the heart of greed itself.
14. Plutus
Derived from the Greek god of wealth, Plutus is symbolic of greed and avarice, making it a powerful name associated with material gain.
15. Lakeland
While Lakeland may initially seem benign, it can signify a person hoarding land, showing the greed for property and ownership.
16. Costello
This surname hails from Gaelic roots but can also infer the idea of costly desires, linking it to greed.
17. Sterling
Signifying a high-quality form of silver, Sterling can symbolize the obsession with money and wealth, ultimately connecting to greed.
18. Wainwright
Wainwright refers to a cartmaker, but historically contributes to the accumulation of wealth through trade, hinting at greed.
19. Kelsey
While Kelsey is often seen as a nature name, it historically suggests a connection to land and the wealth it brings, pointing to greed.
20. Copeland
This surname denotes a landowner. Historically, it is tied to the concept of accumulating property and wealth, shrouded in greed.
21. Grove
Grove can represent a rich forest or area of tree cover, hinting at a desire to own rich resources, aligning with greed.
22. Forbes
Forbes comes from the Scottish term meaning field, but can extend to someone acquiring fields to showcase their greed for land.
23. Silverman
Derived from silver, Silverman directly connects to wealth, easily linking this name with avarice and greed.
24. Barrow
This surname signifies a mound of earth and can represent grave sites for wealthy individuals, linking it to a greedy past.
25. Craven
Craven historically denotes a person who is cowardly. In terms of greed, it can imply a person lacking the courage to share their wealth.
26. Bracey
Bracey may mean boldness, but it suggests a powerful drive for material success and ownership, revealing a side of greed.
27. Spender
Spender directly correlates with the behavior of spending, often associated with reckless greed for wealth and resources.
28. Wallace
This name represents a foreigner and has historical ties to territorial battles, touching on the greed for land and resources.
29. Dorr
Dorr means ‘gifted’ in old English but can also imply a character who desires extravagant gifts, hinting at greed.
30. Packer
Packer hints at gathering and hoarding resources, strongly reflecting greed in both modern and historical contexts.
31. Crump
Crump’s origins hint at accumulation, specifically of riches which can be associated with greed’s influences on individuals.
32. Midas
This surname comes from the legendary King Midas, who turned everything to gold. It unmistakably represents greed and its unintended consequences.
33. Steed
Steed represents a horse, often an expensive possession in history, symbolizing the greed associated with noble status.
34. Marshall
Historically a provider of protection for wealth, this name brings to light the greed that often lurked behind such acts.
35. Drummond
Though it means ‘the ridge,’ Drummond may reference land ownership, linking individuals to greed for resources.
36. Pomeroy
Pomeroy derives from ‘apple tree orchard’—a form of wealth accumulation pertaining to property linked to greed.
37. Dallas
Dallas implies a meadow and can well represent someone seeking vast lands, signaling the ever-present desire tied to greed.
38. Gardner
This name hints at someone who cultivates land, signifying the greed wrapped in ownership of rich terrains.
39. Sargent
Sargent, initially meaning ‘servant,’ also represents individuals who worked in wealthy households, linking back to greed.
40. Pickett
Pickett means ‘to pick,’ generally implying selection. It can also relate to being selective about wealth, echoing greedy tendencies.
41. Java
This surname can represent coffee wealth, connecting to the idea of greed in the pursuit of riches.
42. Dresser
Dresser intrigues by representing someone who prepares wealth, relating them to the content of selfishness or greed.
43. Penn
Originating from the word ‘hill,’ Penn signifies ownership of land, encapsulating the greedy desire for property.
44. Archer
This surname, once a sign of employment in warfare, hints at the greed observed in the pursuit of riches through conquest.
45. Cashman
Cashman directly points towards cash and wealth accumulation, firmly tying it to greed’s lasting effects.
46. Gill
Gill signifies a form of money, especially in terms of trade, linking individuals closely with greed.
47. Hughes
This common surname ties back to noble heritage and wealth, often hinting at the greed associated with maintaining such status.
48. Vanderbilt
A name representing an American family known for vast wealth, fittingly embodies greed in a historical context.
49. Sweeney
Sweeney suggests a person occupied in profit-driven businesses, linking closely with greed’s characteristics.
50. Cromwell
Cromwell hints at wealth accumulation through power plays, showcasing the links between authority and greed.
51. Thompson
This common surname reflects family and legacy, but often ties back to an accumulation of wealth, sharpening its ties to greed.
52. Payton
Payton suggests ‘from the town of Pæga,’ fostering a link to community wealth, hinting at accumulation rooted in greed.
53. Northrop
Denoting ‘northern village,’ Northrop can symbolize an anchoring of wealth in territorial claims, pointing to greed.
54. Longford
As a geographical name, Longford can reflect the desire for land extension and ownership, tied deeply to greed.
55. Carmichael
Carmichael can mean ‘the monastery’ territory, indicating accumulation and ownership closely aligned with greed.
56. Princess
This unusual surname suggests royal connections, which often denote greed for unearned wealth and status.
57. Brice
The surname Brice can suggest stronghold over territories, indicative of greed-driven motives.
58. Langley
Langley implies a long wood or meadow—historically, a site of resource gathering linked to greedy desires for wealth.
59. Cade
Cade, derived from ‘the round container,’ can symbolize hoarding behavior further illustrating greed’s essence.
60. Kinsey
Kinsey stands for a dwelling or settlement, highlighting the inherent greed for land ownership that humans display.
61. Warren
This surname originally indicated land ownership, emphasizing the greed in claiming vast territories.
62. Mercer
Mercer means merchant which significantly hints at business and trade reflecting greed closely associated with wealth accumulation.
63. Foreman
The name points to a person in charge, often overseeing wealth distribution, and can relate to greed through power dynamics.
64. Hodge
A variant of the name Roger, Hodge implies a connection to wealth dynamics, hinting at greed.
65. Merriweather
This surname hints at a forecast favorable for crops and indicates the greed linked to harvesting wealth.
66. Oxley
Oxley can represent farmer’s land indicating greed for farming and cultivation.
67. Haskins
Haskins historically reflects the monitoring of wealth, tying it to avarice and greed.
68. Fitzpatrick
As a patronymic name, Fitzpatrick suggests lineage linked to land ownership, emphasizing greedy inheritance.
69. Vance
Vance means marshland, signifying the desire to control valuable resources, inherently tied to greed.
70. Bentley
Bentley suggests a meadow covered with grass, hinting at the desire for fertile land leading to greedy claims.
71. Gale
This name signifies a stormy wind, bringing to mind the tempests of greed that can sweep through a family’s legacy.
72. Almstead
This surname symbolizes the estate claiming, showcasing greed through the ownership of prime land.
73. Brewster
Brewster suggests a person who brews, hinting at a desire for trade connections tied to the pursuit of wealth, revealing greed.
74. Corbin
This name signifies a raven or crow, often symbolic of greed and protection of hoarded wealth.
75. Everhart
Drawing from ‘brave,’ this surname suggests a boldness often linked to greed in amassing wealth without hesitation.
76. Greenfield
Greenfield symbolizes fertile lands, instantly associating itself with a lifestyle intertwined with greed for property.
77. Jennings
This name indicates the descendant of ‘John’ and often connects to wealthy bloodlines, hinting at greed for legacy.
78. Palmer
Historically respected as someone who traveled to the Holy Land, Palmer can suggest wealth-driven endeavors linked back to greed.
79. Connelly
Connelly links back to a son of the ‘famous one’—often associated with the pursuit of wealth and greed.
80. Tattersall
The name Tattersall refers to a cloth merchant and points to commercial pursuits that can easily veer into greed.
81. Harmon
This name signifies being ‘one who is skilled’ in entrepreneurial efforts, highlighting traits associated with greed.
82. Rogan
Rogan’s meaning implies a headstrong character often leading individuals to pursue wealth out of greed.
83. Landon
Landon symbolizes a long hill, linking individuals to the pursuit of lands indicating greed in property ownership.
84. Sorenson
Meaning ‘son of the sorcerer,’ this surname can hint at mystical wealth, representing greed historically.
85. Sinclair
This name tied to the town of St. Clair, hints at a line of land ownership and wealth acquisition closely connected to greed.
86. Atkinson
Atkinson indicates ‘son of Atkin’—often tracking back to territorial lands, linking to greed when passed down through generations.
87. Alcott
Alcott evokes imagery of a home filled with wealth, suggesting an emphasis on greed when acquiring possessions.
88. Whitfield
This surname refers to a white field, typically indicating ownership should extensively relate to greed.
89. Langdon
Langdon can refer to a long hill, hinting at ownership which can lead to an innate desire for more, translating into greed.
90. Standish
This surname refers to a person living by the ‘stony place,’ often leading to businesses that relate to wealth, hinting at greed.
91. Callahan
Callahan, meaning ‘brave,’ historically suggests individuals adept at managing wealth, leading down the greed path.
92. Breckenridge
Breckenridge hints at a ridge—a desirable land indicating a greedy pursuit of ownership.
93. Frawley
This surname can imply a ‘man with land’ likely tying wealth with greed in the pursuit of property.
94. Gainsborough
The name indicates a pleasant hill, pointing to a landscape tied to the richness of resources, suggesting greed.
95. Copeland
Deriving from landed property, Copeland indicates land accumulation which reflects greed in owning vast resources.
96. Wilkins
This surname derived from ‘Wilkins’ can indicate a labor associated with farming, showcasing a greed-driven lifestyle.
97. LeGrand
meaning ‘the large’ connects directly to wealth accumulation, and strongly relates to greedy pursuits.
98. Pace
Pace suggests a ‘peaceful place’ but can often align with a greedy drive to gain more in character.
99. Baird
This last name implies the stewart, signifying a connection to estate management tied closely to greed.
100. Ellsworth
Originating from moneyed backgrounds, Ellsworth indicates a flavor of greed prevailing in families of wealth.
101. Ramsey
This name has roots in royal connections which often involved avarice in terms of land and power.
102. Beard
A surname that signifies ‘bear,’ indicating alpha characteristics often linked to greedy pursuits.
103. Somerville
Somerville connotes settlements, linking it back to land and property ownership associating with greed.
104. Waterman
Waterman symbolizes a strong connection with resources tied closely to commerce and wealth, hinting at greed.
105. Stroud
Stroud, often signifying a muddy place, reflects land fixation hinting at an innate greed tied to ownership.
106. Westwood
This surname relates to forested areas where wealth can be amassed, hinting directly towards greed.
107. Keene
The name signifies quickness, translating to a bustling activity often linked to greedy pursuits of wealth.
108. Kinsella
Kinsella implies kinship, and when connected to family wealth often leads into their greedy nature.
109. Ivers
This surname reflects a medieval origin hinting at wealth acquisition pathways often tied to greedy desires.
110. Towns
This surname suggests an owner of a specific town reflecting a greedy aspect to property and wealth.
111. Bellamy
The name Bellamy points towards a beautiful friend, often associated with social stature tied to greed.
112. Corbett
Corbett symbolizes ‘a raven,’ invoking imagery of hoarding tied to greedy tendencies.
113. Merrick
Meaning a ‘sea ruler,’ Merrick often hints at power plays linked to greed in commanding wealth.
114. Frost
Frost can suggest a chilly disposition potentially associated with a cold greedy heart.
115. Meade
Meade connects to the rich land, indicating resource wants invoking greedy characteristics.
116. Marshall
As a term indicating the horse keeper, Marshall displays ties to wealth and greed related to ownership.
117. Carter
The meaning of a transporter or seller reflects trades indicating greed for profits.
118. Waters
Signifying associations with abundance, Waters can reflect greed for control over resources.
119. Drake
Meaning dragon, Drake connects to legends tied closely with wealth and accumulation, indicating greed.
120. Barlow
Barlow conveying ‘a hill’ indicates land ownership tying closely with greedy pursuit.
121. Hilton
Hilton, historically a wealthy estate, aligns itself with greed in terms of property and resources.
122. Sinclair
The name linked with historical wealth reflects avarice directly relating to greed for possession.
123. Granger
This name signifies a farmer of lands pointing towards accumulation connecting with greed.
124. Emory
Emory can signify industriousness reflecting labor tied to aspirations driven by greed.
125. Rosenthal
Rosenthal translates as ‘rose valley,’ which communicates beauty tied to wealth and indicates greed for land.
126. Clarke
This name means ‘clerk,’ suggesting a historical connection with management of wealth reflective of greed.
127. Sutherland
When meaning ‘southern land’, Sutherland indicates claims and expansion closely linking to greed.
128. McBride
This surname can tie back to noble kinships linking often to the greed for land ownership.
129. Hawthorne
Hawthorne reflects rich lands and the desire to possess them, leading to greed.
130. Pope
This surname ties to high religious positions, often conveying wealth and depicting greed’s historical context.
131. Pierce
Pierce stands for ‘rock’ and can symbolize wealth-ownership connecting to greed.
132. Archer
This name historically defines a person associated with battles, showcasing greed-driven motives.
133. Andrew
Andrew can imply greatness often linked to power and wealth accumulation—echoing the essence of greed.
134. Fletcher
Fletcher means a maker of arrows potentially hinting at prosperity originating from a quest tied to greed.
135. Tate
Tate symbolizes ‘a cheerful one,’ linking with avarice when connected to property and wealth.
136. Grubb
The surname Grubb suggests farming which originally reflects wealth aspirations and thus links to greed.
137. Ormsby
This name historically relates to a rich estate indicating past ownership correlated with greed.
138. Farnsworth
A fertile land connection hints at the accumulating resources and displays the greed intertwined with wealth.
139. Broughton
This surname represents ‘the town by the brook,’ commonly falling into the wealth category showcasing greed.
140. Langridge
This name symbolizes a long ridge—connecting to ownership that often leads to greed.
141. Fowler
This name points to one who catches birds, indicating trade often associated with wealth-seeking doing out of greed.
142. Painter
Painter shows an individual involved specifically with art often indicating wealth accumulation—invoking greed.
143. Dyer
Dyer suggests someone who colors fabric, hinting at wealth-pulling career choices common with greed.
144. Moore
This name signifies a marsh and ties back to the idea of rich fertile lands guiding greed-driven pursuits.
145. Drummond
Drummond symbolically links to wealth due to land ownership and often fulfills a greedy association.
146. Kingsley
Means ‘king’s meadow’—implying royal connections that historically link to greed and avarice.
147. Hutton
This surname symbolizes ‘the settlement by the hill’, indicating property ties leading directly towards greed.
148. Hale
Hale can mean ‘healthy’ but signifies individuals who often seek wealth, linking to greedy tendencies.
149. Goodman
This last name is someone who has largely accumulated resources reflecting greed in daily PRACTICES.
150. Brewster
This name refers to a person involved with beer brewing, showcasing a path that can easily associate with greed through trade.
Final Thoughts
In summary, many last names carry meanings associated with greed, highlighting human desires that persist throughout history. Names like Avarice and Greedy bluntly emphasize those traits, while others like Goldsmith and Hawthorne imply wealth and ownership that echo greed’s legacy. Each name carries echoes of ancestors driven by the pursuit of wealth, revealing fascinating insights into the values held by generations past.
Understanding these names can shed light on the interplay between greed and identity, serving as a reminder of the impact our family histories have on our lives today.
If you’re interested in other name meanings, consider exploring names that signify gluttony or delve into names that encapsulate wealth. These topics further explore the rich connections personal names can have with human traits and tendencies.