Breed

The surname "Breed" is of English origin and is classified as a locational or topographical surname. It is derived from the Old English word "brād," meaning broad, wide, or spacious. This surname is typically associated with individuals who resided near a wide expanse of land or who had a broad physical build.

Origins

The use of surnames became prevalent in England after the Norman Conquest of 1066. Prior to this, individuals were often identified by a single name, necessitating the introduction of surnames to distinguish between individuals with the same first name. The surname Breed may have been assigned to families based on their geographical location or physical attributes.

Distribution

The surname Breed is most commonly found in England, particularly in regions with Anglo-Saxon influence. Over the centuries, bearers of the Breed surname migrated to other English-speaking countries, such as the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand.

Notable Bearers

  • Thomas Breed (1811–1878): An English industrialist known for his contributions to the textile industry in the Midlands.
  • Elizabeth Breed: A fictional character in British literature, appearing in various works as a symbol of resilience and determination.

Variants

Variants of the Breed surname may include "Breede," "Bred," or "Breedon." These variations may have arisen due to phonetic changes over time or regional dialectal influences.

References

  • Hanks, P., & Hodges, F. (Eds.). (2006). A Dictionary of Surnames. Oxford University Press.
  • Reaney, P. H., & Wilson, R. M. (1997). A Dictionary of English Surnames. Oxford University Press.

The surname Breed continues to be a part of British heritage, symbolising ancestral roots and historical connections to specific regions or characteristics.

There are approximately 972 people named Breed in the UK. That makes it roughly the 7,536th most common surname in Britain. Around 15 in a million people in Britain are named Breed.

Origin: English

Region of origin: British Isles

Country of origin: England

Religion of origin: Christian

Language of origin: English

Typical given names associated with the surname

Male

  • Christopher
  • David
  • John
  • Kenneth
  • Leyton
  • Mark
  • Michael
  • Paul
  • Peter
  • Richard
  • Simon
  • Thomas

Female

  • Barbara
  • Carol
  • Emma
  • Helen
  • Janet
  • Julia
  • Linda
  • Pauline
  • Sandra
  • Sarah
  • Susan
  • Valerie
  • Victoria

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