The surname Ross has four possible origins, though the most possible origin is Scottish. In early Scotland, Ross was a commonly used word used to put a label on the inhabitants of a unit of upper Scotland called Ross-shire, the name meaning “promontory headland” or peninsula. This name later evolved into the Scottish Clan Ross, which were completed with their own coat of arms and motto: “Spem Successus Alit” or “success nourishes hope.” While the clan was eventually torn apart, many married, passing their names down through generations as a popular surname. Other possible but less likely origins include: an evolution of the Anglo-Saxon word Rozzo meaning renown, an English-welsh surname (which probably descended from the Scottish root), or
