Eldridge

Eldridge is a surname of English origin, derived from the Old English personal name Aethelric, meaning "noble ruler". The name can be traced back to the medieval period in England, with records showing instances of the surname in various regions across the country.

Origin and Meaning

The surname Eldridge is primarily an English surname, with variants like Eldrich also existing. It is a toponymic surname, which means it is derived from a place name. The name likely originated in areas where people lived near or within an alder grove, as "Eld" refers to the Alder tree, while "ridge" may denote a nearby hill or high ground.

Distribution and Popularity

The Eldridge surname is relatively common in England, especially in the southern counties such as Kent, Sussex, and Hampshire. Over time, the name has spread to other English-speaking countries, including the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand, as a result of migration and settlement.

Notable Individuals

Notable individuals with the surname Eldridge include:

  1. Ken Eldridge (1925-2010) - English footballer who played for several clubs in the 1940s and 1950s.

  2. Kim Eldridge (b. 1968) - British actress known for her roles in theatre productions and on television.

  3. William Eldridge (1791-1788) - Prominent English landowner and politician in the 18th century.

Conclusion

The surname Eldridge carries a rich history and connection to the English landscape. With its roots in Old English, it continues to be passed down through generations as a reminder of ancestral heritage and family ties.

There are approximately 6,284 people named Eldridge in the UK. That makes it roughly the 1,509th most common surname in Britain. Around 96 in a million people in Britain are named Eldridge.

Surname type: Location or geographical feature

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
  • James
  • John
  • Mark
  • Michael
  • Paul
  • Peter
  • Richard
  • Robert
  • Stephen

Female

  • Elizabeth
  • Jacqueline
  • Jane
  • Jean
  • Julie
  • Lisa
  • Margaret
  • Nicola
  • 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.

BritishSurnames.uk is a Good Stuff website.