BREAKSPEAR
Breakspear
Breakspear is a surname of English origin, derived from the Old English words "brāec" meaning "gap" and "spere" meaning "spear". The name historically refers to someone who carried a spear with a particular design or someone who resided near a place called Breakspear.
The most famous individual with the surname Breakspear is Nicholas Breakspear, who was born in the late 11th century in Hertfordshire, England. Nicholas Breakspear went on to become the only Englishman to ever hold the position of Pope, taking the papal name Pope Adrian IV. He served as Pope from 1154 to 1159 and was known for his efforts to maintain the independence of the Papal States.
The Breakspear surname has remained relatively uncommon throughout history, with notable individuals bearing the name involved in various professions, including politics, sports, and entertainment. Today, individuals with the surname Breakspear can be found in different parts of the United Kingdom and beyond, contributing to diverse fields and continuing the legacy of this ancient English surname.
There are approximately 718 people named Breakspear in the UK. That makes it roughly the 9,523rd most common surname in Britain. Around 11 in a million people in Britain are named Breakspear.
Typical given names associated with the surname
Male
- Andrew
- David
- Jr
- Kevin
- Mark
- Michael
- Nicholas
- Paul
- Peter
- Philip
- Richard
- Robert
- Ryan
- Stephen
Female
- Elizabeth
- Emma
- Jacqueline
- Jennifer
- Karen
- Linda
- Lisa
- Margaret
- Mary
- Teresa
Similar and related surnames
Related and similar names are generated algorithmically based on the spelling, and may not necessarily share an etymology.