DATE

Origin and etymology In historic texts In the 1881 census Distribution map

Date

Origin of the Surname: The surname Date is of British origin and is classified as being of patronymic origin. It is believed to have derived from the first name "Daeta," which was an Old English personal name. Over time, this name evolved into the surname Date.

Meaning of the Surname: The meaning of the surname Date is not entirely clear, as with many surnames of ancient origin. However, it is likely to have originally denoted someone's kinship to a person named Daeta or could have developed from a topographical reference related to a particular geographic location.

Distribution and Popularity: The surname Date is relatively uncommon in Britain, with a scattered distribution throughout the country. It is not among the most prevalent surnames in the British Isles, but it has a notable presence in certain regions.

Notable Individuals:

  1. John Date (b. 1950) - An acclaimed British artist known for his abstract paintings and innovative use of colour.

  2. Rachel Date (b. 1985) - A British author and historian, renowned for her works on medieval British history and folklore.

  3. Sir William Date (1802-1881) - A prominent British industrialist and philanthropist who played a pivotal role in the development of the textile industry in Victorian Britain.

Variations: Variations of the surname Date include Deight, Dait, Daight, and Dayte. These variations might have come about due to different regional dialects and accents influencing the pronunciation and spelling of the surname over the centuries.

References:

  • Reaney, P.H., Wilson, R.M. (2008) "A Dictionary of English Surnames." Oxford University Press.
  • Hanks, P., Coates, R., McClure, P. (2016) "The Oxford Dictionary of Family Names in Britain and Ireland." Oxford University Press.

There are approximately 614 people named Date in the UK. That makes it one of Britain's least common surnames. Only around nine in a million people in Britain are named Date.

Typical given names associated with the surname

Male

  • Andrew
  • Christopher
  • George
  • James
  • John
  • Kevin
  • Michael
  • Paul
  • Richard
  • Robert
  • Stephen
  • William

Female

  • Catherine
  • Elizabeth
  • Emma
  • Helen
  • Jean
  • Karen
  • Linda
  • Mary
  • Patricia
  • Sarah
  • Susan

Similar and related surnames

Related and similar names are generated algorithmically based on the spelling, and may not necessarily share an etymology.

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