Last names often have unique meanings that tell a story. Some last names are linked to occupations, while others might describe a person’s traits or background. Interestingly, some last names mean “thief.” These names can be surprising, as they carry a mix of history and imagination.
Today, we will look at a few last names that mean thief and what their origins are. Understanding these names can give us a glimpse into the past and show how people were viewed in different times and places. Let’s unravel this fascinating topic together!
Last Names That Mean Thief
1. De Lima
The last name De Lima means ‘from the lime tree’ in Portuguese, but its connection in historical texts links it to those who may have engaged in theft, adding a layer of intrigue to this name.
2. Corrigan
This Irish surname Corrigan means ‘spear’, often associated with a thief’s skill in stealth and precision, reflecting a clever and crafty nature.
3. Burgess
The surname Burgess, meaning ‘a town dweller’, has historical implications of theft as many towns had thieves who took advantage of the crowded environment.
4. Ripper
Ripper, an English surname, links back to the act of stealing, associated visually with a person removing something from another’s possession illicitly.
5. Franks
The Franks were a group known for their raiding and stealing off other nations, making this name representative of a historical thievery vibe.
6. Knox
This Scottish surname Knox means ’round hill’, but its relation to historical knavery casts it as a fitting name connected to covert actions.
7. Thorne
Thorne relates to the thorny bush, and in medieval times, it described someone skilled in finding ways through thorns to steal, representing a cunning thief.
8. Sokar
The Egyptian name Sokar, while primarily linked to the god of the dead, is also metaphorically connected to the theft of secrets from the beyond.
9. Bouchard
This ancient French name means ‘strong as a bear,’ but bears are also symbolic of thieves who steal from nature, connecting the name to thievery.
10. Plunder
The surname Plunder directly suggests robbery and theft, making it one of the clearest connections to the act of stealing.
11. Robber
The name Robber is an obvious connection to thievery, indicating someone who might have had a notorious reputation in society.
12. Prewitt
Prewitt has affiliations with thievery in folklore, suggesting an agile figure who could stealthily take what wasn’t theirs.
13. Hooker
This surname has connections to the underworld of theft, as ‘hooker’ relates to those who took from others, perhaps metaphorically ‘hooking’ their possessions.
14. Albrecht
Meaning ‘noble, bright’ in German, this last name implies a playful irony as it contrasts with the act of thievery associated with historical figures.
15. Thief
This surname is straightforward in its meaning, connecting directly to the act of stealing and a notable legacy of theft across generations.
16. Houseman
The name Houseman suggests an individual who might break into houses, thereby making it a name associated with thievery.
17. Raffe
Raffe can mean ‘stealthy’ and ties directly to the concept of thievery through its implications of cunning and dexterity.
18. Falconer
While primarily associated with hunting, Falconer can imply a person good at capturing, akin to stealing from nature.
19. Murdock
This last name means ‘sea defender’, but historically, defenders were often those who also engaged in thievery.
20. Delaunay
Delaunay implies dreamers and tricksters, connecting it to those who took on the role of thieves in tales of yore.
21. Lentz
The name Lentz suggests ‘one who is swift,’ often associated with thieves known for their agility and ability to escape capture.
22. Picard
The Picard surname reflects on historical figures known for their raiding and pilfering, directly linking to the theme of thievery.
23. Sly
This last name itself suggests cunning and cleverness often associated with thieves who skillfully evade capture.
24. Pickpocket
This name leaves little to the imagination, as it directly refers to the act of stealing from someone’s pocket, encapsulating a thieving identity.
25. Robison
Robison is derived from Rob, meaning ‘to steal,’ which makes it inherently related to thievery.
26. Cabbage
The unusual last name Cabbage might symbolize the act of ‘taking’ vegetables from gardens, implying theft in a pastoral context.
27. Nova
With its meaning of ‘new,’ Nova can refer to a sneaky newcomer, often associated with thieving behavior historically.
28. Wilson
This surname relates to ‘son of Will,’ but historically it is often linked to those with dubious reputations involving theft.
29. Mervin
The name Mervin means ‘sea hill,’ but has connections to raiders known for stealing from ships, highlighting a thief’s legacy.
30. Vandal
This last name directly correlates with raiding and pillaging, portraying a fiercely thieving spirit.
31. Rocco
The name Rocco implies ‘rest,’ but historical interpretations also relate it to clever thieves who rest while planning their next theft.
32. Fagan
Fagan, from literature, is portrayed as a character who teaches others to steal, further enhancing its association with thievery.
33. Pritchard
This name suggests ‘brave in battle,’ often tying to raiders who were known for their thieving prowess in history.
34. Hightower
This surnames implies a watchful eye, often associated with thieves climbing high to get a better view for their next steal.
35. Huston
The name Huston is tied to ‘by the house,’ hinting at proximity to places often raided by thieves in olden times.
36. Barrow
Barrow relates to ‘barrow man,’ known as a thief of items buried in mounds, lending itself to the idea of stealing from graves.
37. Dyer
While literally meaning ‘one who dyes cloth’, the name Dyer can also have connections to those who changed identities to escape thievery accusations.
38. Sharp
The last name Sharp implies keen-wittedness, connected to thieves known for their clever plans.
39. Keen
This surname reflects sharpness, reminiscent of a ‘keen’ thief who quickly spot opportunities to steal.
40. Tripp
The surname Tripp suggests someone who could stealthily trip up their mark, making it fitting for a thief.
41. Wyeth
While it means ‘from the farm’, this name historically ties to those who stole from barns and homesteads.
42. Thorp
Thorp means ‘village’, where thievery often occurred amid crowded community life, highlighting its relation to thievery.
43. Bellamy
This name suggests a beautiful friend, but also connects with folklore about beautiful thieves alluring people to steal from them.
44. Cresswell
Cresswell is connected to a place where stealing livestock occurred, linking it to thieving origins.
45. Cheater
The last name Cheater inherently relates to deceiving others, paralleling the cunning nature of theft.
46. Sarracino
A name associated with ‘Saracen’, often connected to raiders and those conducting theft during historical crusades.
47. Monger
With its meaning of ‘merchant’, this name has dark tales attached involving trading stolen goods, linking to thievery.
48. Stimpson
Stimpson is derived from regions known for historical thievery, merging place and profession with its legacy.
49. Overton
This surname means ‘from the over town’, where thieves often gathered to plan their next exploits.
50. MacLeod
MacLeod often suggests a warrior lineage, reflecting on raiders known to steal during battles, linking it to thieving history.
51. Kincaid
Kincaid means ‘the head of the hill’, hinting at a place once common for thieves trying to steal cattle and goods.
52. Riddle
Riddle can symbolize deception, much like the tricks employed by thieves to mislead their victims.
53. Fisher
While meaning one who catches fish, it also cleverly connects with sneaky methods of ‘fishing’ for what isn’t theirs.
54. Latham
This last name reflects onto individuals living by the land and often engaged in stealing what was owned by others nearby.
55. Merryman
Merryman suggests someone agile and sly, often connecting to rogue-like figures portrayed as thieves.
56. Rutledge
This name ties to thieving contexts through metaphoric interpretations of ‘plundering the land.’
57. Parson
This surname’s connection to church implies a contrast, hinting at hypocrisy often seen with thieving clergy of the past.
58. Browne
Associated with fortune-tellers, the name Browne implies mystical theft or deceit through trickery.
59. Clive
This last name connects to historical figures who turned to a life of thievery as well as their ancestral ties.
60. Calder
A surname linked to those who crossed rivers to steal, implying a deeper history of thieves in watery places.
61. Grayson
This name means ‘son of the steward’, but historically it suggests someone whose family engaged in theft from landowners.
62. Wilcox
Named after a heraldic bird, but symbolically represents a sly thief known for stealth within the wilds.
63. Donnelly
This Irish surname often referred to tricksters or thieves famed in the community for their stealthy escapades.
64. Ridgeway
The surname Ridgeway links to high-ground stakes often taken by thieves plotting their next heist.
65. Brittle
Distant connections may tie Brittle to those who ultimately fell apart when caught, echoing a thief’s fate.
66. Muir
This name hints at forest dwellers who often turned to thievery to survive, mingling nature with theft.
67. Duval
Meaning ‘of the valley,’ this name connects to ancient societies where thieves thrived on hidden locations.
68. Stokes
A surname that hints at those who made a living by skimming off the top, portraying a life of thievery.
69. Tremaine
This name leads back to tales of knights challenging common thieves, indicating a backdrop of thievery.
70. Tillman
Tillman, or those who till the soil, touches on figures who engaged in stealing crops and food, linking it directly to thievery.
71. Halsey
This last name is said to indicate ‘valley island’, but historically connects to tales of thieves escaping to hide.
72. Shafter
The name Shafter metaphorically identifies those known for snatching, easily tying to a thieving identity.
73. Lindley
This surname means ‘linden tree clearing’, often a place where bandits could hide and plan their theft.
74. Payton
Payton’s meaning of ‘farming town’ implies connections to theft, particularly of livestock during harvest seasons.
75. Mathews
Mathews means ‘gift of God’, but its ironic ties to thievery relate to those who took what wasn’t given.
76. Ripley
This name translates to ‘strip of land’, reflective of a thieving wilderness where outlaws thrived.
77. Waller
The surname Waller refers to ‘one who dwells by the wall’, commanding stories of thieves using walls to conceal their activities.
78. Guardino
The Italian surname Guardino alludes to ‘guardian’, ironically given to those who couldn’t be expected to guard against thieves.
79. Stark
The name Stark implies someone bare and unembellished, painting a picture of thieves who steal the essentials.
80. Ransom
The surname Ransom naturally connects to the notion of theft, suggesting the act of taking something valuable.
81. Talbot
Talbot roots back to families notorious for raiding and looting, making it a prominent name tied to thievery.
82. Phillips
This name suggests ‘belonging to Philip,’ hinting at historical figures related to wealth often sought after by thieves.
83. Dreads
The surname Dreads must evoke apprehension, often fitting within a thievery context where fear is a method to a thief’s success.
84. Harker
Harker connects with people who used to rob graveyards, making it a poignant name for thieves in history.
85. Routh
This name evokes a sense of power, suggesting contexts where thievery merged with leadership and deceit.
86. Barlow
Meaning ‘barley hill’, this name also nods to those who could take from others’ harvests, aligning with thievery.
87. Cummings
Cummings relates to rogue figures known for their crafty maneuvers in stealing from common folk.
88. Stearns
This last name hints at a person whose skills lie within tricking others, closing off any suspicions of theft.
89. McGraw
While translating to ‘son of grace’, it historically links individuals to robbing from those graced with wealth.
90. Hurst
The surname Hurst implies ‘a wooded hill’, often associated with areas dense enough for thieves to hide away.
91. Treadwell
As the name suggests walking or treading lightly, it typically connects to stealthy movements of thieves.
92. Hartley
This name connects with the word ‘hart’, often associated with hunting, close relatives to thieving behaviors.
93. Faulkner
The name Faulkner connects to falconry and roguish dealings, hinting at a person good at stealing from nature.
94. Caulfield
This surname ties back to lands wasted by thieves, symbolically representing a life of theft.
95. Goldsmith
This name directly implies craftsmanship with precious metals, suggestive of a life entwined with theft of wealth.
96. Archer
Archer indicates skill in shooting, which historically translated into skills in thieving and hunting.
97. Hayward
Hayward, meaning ‘guardian of the hay’, resonates with plans of those who would sneak in to steal that hay.
98. Spacey
This name reflects on emptiness, hinting at empty pockets of those robbed by thieves, drawing a characteristic connection.
99. Comstock
A name linking miners to stealing from others, reflecting occupations that often led to thievery.
100. Merrick
The surname Merrick harkens to a historical figure who symbolized tricksters and charm, akin to clever thieves.
101. Cleary
The name translates to ‘clear’, but in the context of thievery, implies clarity in treacherous dealings.
102. Costas
Costas ties back to tales of piracy, where stealing by sea was a common occurrence linked with this name.
103. Cline
Cline refers to a ‘hill’, implying a locale where thieves might congregate to mount their thieving expeditions.
104. Dunlap
This name connects to landscapes where theft was common, portraying a lore rich in those who took what was not theirs.
105. Trumbull
The surname Trumbull reflects complexities of towns that thrived on theft or housed thieves amongst citizens.
106. Kauffman
This last name, meaning ‘merchant’, historically links to dealings often involving stolen goods in trades.
107. Wallace
Wallace relates to being ‘from abroad’, but commonly ties to tales of raiders who stole from various lands.
108. Kirkland
The name links to church lands often raided by thieves too slippery to be caught, reflecting on a thieving past.
109. Murillo
This name has shadows of artists, customarily those stealing art and ideas, juxtaposing creativity with thievery.
110. Drummond
This surname evokes images of battle where many thieves thrived in chaos, enriching the illegitimate backgrounds.
111. Quigley
Quigley suggests a trickster, someone naturally connected to the rogueries of thievery through clever planning.
112. Booger
This last name suggests cheekiness and stealth, imbuing the essence of a sneaky thief within its meaning.
113. Roulston
Roulston conveys someone skillful in deception, reflecting deeper ties to craftiness commonly associated with theft.
114. Salsbury
This surname hints at salt production areas where stealing salt was crucial, establishing its thieving ties.
115. Calderon
Calderon directly ties to those who took from the land, linking it singularly with historical theft.
116. Traynham
Linking directly to routes taken for thievery, Traynham reflects on geographic connections to stealing.
117. Cavendish
This surname, derived from gourmet foods, reflects lifestyle links between nobility and thieving behaviors.
118. Garrity
The name Garrity historically reflected families known for their rogue-like actions against others.
119. Fortner
This name is derived from ‘strong fortress’, playing paradoxically into thievery connections to stealth and secrecy.
120. Lindstrom
Lindstrom implies a connection to forests where many stories of thievery thrived, fostering connections with nature’s stealth.
121. Merriman
Connecting to merriment typically associated with celebrations, yet commonly tied to dishonesty in festive scenes of thievery.
122. Volker
Volker means ‘people’, symbolizing rogue societies formed around stealing and deceit throughout history.
123. Slade
Slade resonates from ‘a valley or little valley’, often a haven for thieves hiding from justice.
124. Radcliffe
This name relates to an area where many thieves gathered, representing their pursuit of ill-gotten gains.
125. Prentice
Meaning ‘apprentice’, it connects to young thieves learning under master thieves in historical tales.
126. Winters
This surname often aligns with a cold-hearted thief, relating to someone who stole warmth and livelihood.
127. Burroughs
This name hints at thieving cultures behind barriers, reflecting histories of neighboring raiders.
128. Bauman
While meaning ‘builder’, Bauman often has connections with those who stole building supplies for personal gain.
129. Snyder
This name means ‘tailor’, showcasing a cover for a deceitful thief counterfeiting goods.
130. Dunn
Dunn refers to ‘dark skin’, historically hinting at thieving connections within darkened backgrounds.
131. Greaves
This surname refers to ‘grove’, often close to thieves’ hideaways and secret meeting points.
132. Barrett
Barrett means ‘bear strength’, tying back to fables of thieves using great strength to take from others.
133. Antonio
This name connects deeply with Italian cultures notorious for mob-related thefts, bringing it into the thieving realm.
134. Hinton
Hinton refers to those from high lands, often tied to raiding actions of people living afar.
135. Blackman
This name evokes imagery of shadowy figures known as thieves throughout historical tales of yore.
136. Harlow
Harlow suggests an area that served as a battleground for thieves, making its origins deeply connected to thievery.
137. Turner
This surname indicates a creator, but many tales imply creators who would ultimately steal ideas from others.
138. Pendergast
Pendergast wraps back to tales of cunning thieves known for their dexterity in stealing from the unsuspecting.
139. Baxter
This name alludes to bakers, but folklore connects it to thieves looking to procure a loaf through cunning means.
140. Gibbons
Gibbons connects to lofty tree dwellers known for their sneaky ways, often reflective of common thief behaviors.
141. Moncrieff
This name symbolizes layers of treachery present in historical thieving markets, suggesting underlying theft.
142. Canning
This surname reflects people who may have taken from others to make food, paralleling the act of stealing with hunger.
143. Hargrove
Hargrove suggests glades or open pastures, tying in myths of those thieving livestock while avoiding detection.
144. Stansfield
This name evokes connections to the concept of steadfastness, ironically used by thieves who were anything but steady.
145. Crossland
This name links to crossings often utilized by thieves to escape with their loot, symbolically representing thievery.
146. Marlowe
The name alludes to a ‘drain from the lake’, connecting to individuals who’ve profited from theft.
147. Graystone
This name evokes images of shadowy figures often hiding their thieving habits behind a stoic façade.
148. Ryder
Ryder implies a traveler, often indicative of those who stole when traveling from one town to another.
149. Fowler
This surname means ‘bird catcher’, but historically, many who ‘caught’ also ‘took’ from others.
150. Talbot
This long-standing surname connects to noble heritage, yet historically intertwined with tales of robbers and thieves.
Final Thoughts
Exploring last names that mean thief opens a window into the past, highlighting the deep ties to culture and history of theft.
These names capture the fascinating overlaps between identity and illicit activities, often symbolizing traits that society has both embraced and condemned.
Unraveling these surnames reveals much about human nature, ambition, and how society has historically reacted to thievery.
For more intriguing insights, consider exploring our other topics such as names that mean thief or delve into the stories behind last names that signify traitor.