[census.gov...]

Obviously the U.S. Census isn't going to be 100% comprehensive but the United States is diverse enough that I would assume 99.9% of the existing surnames are in the data.

great thanks. I wonder if there are any companies that compile names that you can buy. I could do with other names from different countries. More the better really

Hey Steveboy,

Welcome to WebmasterWorld in case nobody's said that yet!

Per our TOS, don't allow specific commercial mentions or recommendations, but I imagine if you conduct a search on phrases like "list of surnames england" that you will probably have pretty good luck.

Search is a wonderful thing. ;-)

hi caveman, thanks for the welcome.

Ive done a few searches but nothings stood out or exactly what I want. Ill do some more.

I would guess that things like this are common. Im suprised there isnt a list that you can simply purchase

It would be a hard sell when you can download essentially the same thing from the U.S. Census for free.

I mean surnames from all over the world. Okay the US census will obviously have mixed race names, but a comprehensive list of surnames around the globe.

That's what I'm talking about, you would essentially be paying for that last .01% of the names that aren't already included in the United States data.