The last names of the Salem witches have become famous due to the infamous events that took place in Salem, Massachusetts in the late 17th century. During the Salem witch trials, which occurred between 1692 and 1693, numerous individuals were accused of practicing witchcraft and faced severe consequences, including execution. Some of the last names associated with the accused witches in Salem include Bishop, Corey, Nurse, Proctor, and Parris, among others. These last names are often recognized due to the prominent individuals involved in the trials. Rebecca Nurse and Sarah Good were among those who were executed for their alleged involvement in witchcraft. The last names Nurse and Good are particularly recognized for their association with these tragic events.
330+ Creepiest Witch Last Names & History Behind Them
Do you wonder what witch last names mean? Witchy last names indicate power and ancestry, making them intriguing. This blog discusses some of the most prevalent witches’ last names, their meanings, and their history. We will examine the magical past of these powerful and fascinating last names and their meaning for those who chose them for their magical identities.
Witchy last names have a convoluted history. Many of these names were famous witch families. Others described the bearers’ magic. Others were given to witches to distinguish them. Witch last names are powerful regardless of origin.
Witch surnames have a rich history. Curie, Dawkins, and Morgan are popular Last names for witches. Some witches don’t divulge their last names since it’s personal. More people are taking witchy last names.
The last names Nurse and Good are particularly recognized for their association with these tragic events. Another well-known last name is Proctor, belonging to John and Elizabeth Proctor, who were accused but managed to escape execution. Their story is famously depicted in Arthur Miller's play, "The Crucible.
Witch Last Names & Origins
Some of the most common witch last names include—
- Blackwood— Blackwood may come from the Old English word black, meaning “black.” This name may have been given to a dark-magic-using witch family. Britain’s strongest witches were the Blackwoods.
- Davenport— d’Avenir, meaning “of the future,” may have inspired the name. A family of witches noted for their precognition may have been given this moniker. Britain’s best prophets were the Davenport witches.
- Grey— Grey may come from the Old English word græg, meaning “grey.” A wise witch family may have been given this name. Britain’s most knowledgeable witches were the Greys.
- Mauldin— Mauldin may come from the Scottish word maul, meaning “hill.” This name may have been given to a naturalist witch family. The British witches most in tune with nature were the Mauldins.
- MacGregor— “To watch or guard” is the Scottish Gaelic root of MacGregor. This name may have been given to a witch family that could ward off evil. Britain’s most protective witches were the MacGregors.
- McCoy— “Macathmaic” means “son of the bear” in Irish. A powerful witch family may have been named thus. Britain’s strongest witches were the McCoys.
- O’Neill— “Ua” denotes “grandson” or “descendant” in Irish. A witch family with a long and noble history may have been given this moniker. The O’Neill witches were considered Britain’s most connected to their forefathers.
- Riley— “Rye” is the Old English root of Riley. A harvest-related witch family may have been given this name. The Riley witches were among Britain’s most in tune with nature.
- Whitby— The Old English word hwit, meaning “white,” may have inspired the name. A healing witch family may have been named thus. Britain’s best healers were the Whitby witches.
- Matthews
- Madison
- Blackweather
- Spellman
- Littlewood
- Creighton
- Stanley
- Darkheart
- Nightblood
- Serpent
- Queen
- Carrier
- Rivers
- Tide
- Villanus
- Santiago
- Everbleed
- Moonfall
- Clara
- Shivers
- Waite
- Nightwolf
" The last name Parris is also notable in the Salem witch trials. Samuel Parris was the Reverend of the local church and had a significant role in the events that unfolded. His daughter, Betty Parris, was one of the first girls to exhibit the symptoms of possession, which triggered the start of the trials. Overall, the last names associated with the Salem witches have become ingrained in history due to the lasting impact of the witch trials. These names serve as a reminder of the mass hysteria and unjust persecution that occurred during this dark period..
Reviews for "Exploring the Surnames of the Salem Witchcraft Accusations"
1. John - 1 star
I found "Last Names of Salem Witches" to be quite disappointing. The storyline was weak, and there was a lack of character development. It felt like the author was rushing through the plot, which resulted in a shallow and unengaging read. The historical context surrounding the Salem witches could have been an intriguing backdrop, but instead, it felt like a missed opportunity. Overall, I was left unsatisfied and would not recommend this book.
2. Sarah - 2 stars
I had high hopes for "Last Names of Salem Witches", but unfortunately, it fell short of my expectations. The writing style was rather dull and did not manage to captivate my attention. The characters lacked depth, making it difficult to form any kind of emotional connection with them. Additionally, the pacing of the story was uneven, with long stretches of boredom followed by rushed and confusing plot twists. It's a shame because with such an intriguing historical setting, the book had the potential to be so much better.
3. Robert - 1 star
"Last Names of Salem Witches" was a major letdown for me. While the Salem witch trials are a fascinating era to explore, this book failed to deliver an interesting narrative. The characters were one-dimensional, and their actions lacked motivation, which made it difficult to invest in their stories. The writing itself was mediocre, filled with clichés and unnecessary descriptions. I would not recommend this book to anyone looking for a well-written and engaging historical fiction novel.