Dacre

Dacre is an English surname with origins dating back to the medieval period. The name is locational in origin, deriving from the village of Dacre in Cumberland, now Cumbria. The village's name is believed to have evolved from the Old English word "dacor," meaning watercourse or ditch.

The Dacre family rose to prominence in the Middle Ages and played an influential role in English history. They were a notable noble family closely associated with the northern regions of England, particularly in Cumberland. The family held various titles and lands, including the Barony of Dacre, and members of the family often served as knights, military commanders, and courtiers.

One of the most well-known figures from the Dacre family was Thomas Dacre, 2nd Baron Dacre of Gilsland, who lived in the 15th century. He was a prominent Yorkist nobleman and a supporter of the House of York during the Wars of the Roses.

Over the centuries, the surname Dacre has spread across England and beyond, carried by descendants of the original Dacre family and individuals who adopted the name for various reasons. Today, individuals bearing the surname Dacre can be found in different parts of the world, particularly in English-speaking countries.

The Dacre surname continues to be a reflection of the family's historical legacy and its enduring presence in English society.

There are approximately 838 people named Dacre in the UK. That makes it roughly the 8,484th most common surname in Britain. Around 13 in a million people in Britain are named Dacre.

Typical given names associated with the surname

Male

  • Alan
  • Andrew
  • David
  • Derrick
  • Earl
  • Ian
  • John
  • Lee
  • Mark
  • Michael
  • Paul
  • Peter
  • Richard

Female

  • Jane
  • Joanne
  • Karen
  • Linda
  • Mary
  • Michelle
  • Patricia
  • Rebecca
  • Sarah
  • Susan

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