Surname, as precious cultural heritage, has been playing an important role in human development. Closely related with history, religion, tradition and the like, it draws lasting attention from many scholars and is studied from various angles. However, the study of English surnames in light of etymological is rarely conducted. This thesis regards English surnames as a kind of ordi-nary words as well as special words. By analysis, the thesis makes an attempt to dig in the origins of English surnames and aims to demonstrate the feasibility of applying lexicology theories into surname analysis and embody their significance in practice.