Most people have probably daydreamed at least once about discovering they’re secretly descended from royalty. And with the rise of accessible online genealogy tools, that fantasy isn’t as far-fetched as it once seemed. Websites like MyHeritage have made it possible for millions to trace their roots, build family trees, and even connect with relatives they never knew existed.

But beyond just tracking down great-grandparents or long-lost cousins, there’s now a way to check whether your surname itself could hint at royal connections. According to MyHeritage, a surprising number of family names — 35 in total — may suggest that your lineage intersects with that of historical monarchs.

Some of these names are obvious, deeply tied to royal history. Others are less expected, even ordinary-sounding, but with links that reach back centuries through nobility, aristocracy, or direct royal bloodlines.

Surnames tied to historical royal families

Certain names on the list are immediately recognizable to anyone familiar with European royal history. These are the dynasties that defined eras, ruled over kingdoms, and shaped the political landscape of entire continents.