ANN
Ann
Ann is a British surname with origins dating back to the medieval period. The name is of Old English origin, derived from the personal name ‘Ann’, a diminutive of ‘Agnes’. It is also believed to be a metronymic surname, indicating descent from a woman named Ann.
Origins:
The surname Ann originated as a patronymic surname in England, where individuals took on the name based on their mother's first name, Ann. This practice was common in medieval times and led to the establishment of the Ann surname as a hereditary family name.
Distribution:
The surname Ann is found predominantly in England, especially in regions where Old English and Norman influences were strong. Over time, the name has spread to other English-speaking countries such as the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand due to migration and emigration patterns.
Notable Individuals:
- Mary Ann Evans (1819-1880): Renowned English novelist who wrote under the pen name George Eliot.
- Ann Hathaway (1556 – 1623): Wife of the famous playwright William Shakespeare.
- Ann Robinson (born 1929): English actress and television presenter.
Variants:
Variants of the surname Ann include Anne, Annes, Ains, and Ayne. These variations may have emerged over time due to regional accents, dialects, or clerical errors in the recording of names.
Coat of Arms:
The Ann family is associated with a coat of arms featuring traditional heraldic symbols and colours. The design of the coat of arms may vary depending on the specific branch of the Ann family.
In conclusion, the surname Ann is a distinguished British surname with a rich history dating back centuries. It has been borne by notable individuals and continues to be a part of the cultural tapestry of Britain and the wider English-speaking world.
There are approximately 755 people named Ann in the UK. That makes it roughly the 9,168th most common surname in Britain. Around 12 in a million people in Britain are named Ann.
Typical given names associated with the surname
Male
- Barnes
- Christopher
- David
- Derek
- Gary
- Geoffrey
- Jonathan
- Keith
- Kevin
- Laurie
- Leslie
- Michael
- Robert
- Stephen
Female
- Barbara
- Judith
- Kelly
- Lily
- Lisa
- Mary
- Rebecca
- Sally
- Sarah
- Susan