New research has revealed the 15 surnames most likely to be owed inheritance - with one last name being worth almost £19million.

Delving into the latest unclaimed estates data, the wills and probate team at national law firm Richard Nelson LLP found that in total, there are more than 6,000 Britons who could be owed a sizeable inheritance.

With the average estate being valued at £150,000, people across the UK could be in line for a payout worth up to a staggering £1billion.

Yorkshire, Surrey and Sussex make up the three counties that rank top for having the most unclaimed estates, amassing 444, 343, and 261 respectively.

Meanwhile, London, Birmingham and Leeds make up the top three cities with unclaimed estates, amassing 1,018, 185, and 130.

The analysis found Britons with the surname Smith are most likely to be owed inheritance with a total of 122 unclaimed estates falling under this last name.

The surname Jones places just behind with a total of 78 unclaimed estates, worth up to a value of £11.7million in inheritance.

Making up the top three is the surname Taylor, where there are 51 unclaimed estates worth up to £7,650,000.

The top 15 surnames for unclaimed estates include:

1. Smith: 122 unclaimed estates worth £18,300,000
2. Jones: 78 unclaimed estates worth £11,700,000
3. Taylor: 51 unclaimed estates worth £7650,000
4. Brown: 48 unclaimed estates worth £7,200,000
5. Williams: 45 unclaimed estates worth £6,750,000
6. Wilson: 36 unclaimed estates worth £5,400,000
7. Johnson: 35 unclaimed estates worth £5,250,000
8. Davies: 33 unclaimed estates worth £4,950,000
9. Thomas: 31 unclaimed estates worth £4,650,000
10. King: 28 unclaimed estates worth £4,200,000
11. Kelly: 27 unclaimed estates worth £4,050,000
12. White: 26 unclaimed estates worth £3,900,000
13. Ryan: 26 unclaimed estates worth £3,900,000
14. Harris: 24 unclaimed estates worth £3,600,000
15. Martin: 23 unclaimed estates worth £3,450,000.

An unclaimed estate occurs when a person dies without having a will in place and their family cannot be traced. In these circumstances, the Crown Estate takes ownership of their possessions.

Commenting on the findings, Rebecca Head, consultant solicitor in the wills and probate team at Richard Nelson LLP, said: “With our research revealing there have been more than 6,000 unclaimed estates in the UK since the start of the year, it is evident that many people are failing to adequately prepare for their death.

“While making arrangements for when you pass away is an uncomfortable and often unwanted task, the importance of it cannot be understated.

“By making a will you can help to protect your loved ones after you die and ensure your possessions are distributed as you’d wished.”

People can check if they’re entitled to an unclaimed estate via the Gov.uk website.