On Last Names

So while at the AMS, I asked this person where her last name came from--because it was interesting sounding. She responded by asking me where my last name came from...which took me aback because people never ask me that. (Turns out that she asked because I wasn't wearing my little name badge and she didn't know what my last name was...but I didn't get that until a bit later in the conversation). I responded that I imagine that it came from some British person who owned some of my ancestors. She in turn was taken aback by the response. I suppose it was a blunt response...but I didn't mean it that way. I just imagine that was where the name came from...I mean where else is a person like me going to get such a British sounding name?
( Family Historical Musings )