Flinders

Origin Flinders is a surname of English origin, derived from a locational name. It is most commonly associated with the English explorer Matthew Flinders, known for his circumnavigation of Australia and the popularisation of the name.

Meaning The name Flinders is believed to have originated from Old Norse or Old English words, possibly meaning "a shallow place" or "land bordering water".

History The earliest recorded instance of the Flinders surname dates back to the 14th century in Yorkshire, England. The name became more widespread over the centuries, with notable bearers such as Matthew Flinders, who played a significant role in mapping the Australian coastline in the early 19th century.

Distribution The Flinders surname is fairly rare, with concentrations found in regions historically associated with seafaring, such as coastal areas and port towns in England. The name also has a presence in former British colonies like Australia and Canada, owing to the legacy of famous figures like Matthew Flinders.

Famous Bearers One of the most famous bearers of the Flinders surname is Matthew Flinders (1774–1814), the esteemed navigator and cartographer who explored and mapped parts of Australia. His contributions to Australian geography and exploration have immortalised the Flinders name in Australian history.

Contemporary Significance In contemporary times, the Flinders surname continues to be associated with exploration, adventure, and seafaring endeavours, reflecting the legacy of famous figures like Matthew Flinders. While not as common as some other English surnames, the name Flinders retains its historical and cultural significance, especially in regions with maritime connections.

There are approximately 816 people named Flinders in the UK. That makes it roughly the 8,637th most common surname in Britain. Around 13 in a million people in Britain are named Flinders.

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

  • Andrew
  • David
  • Gary
  • John
  • Malcolm
  • Mark
  • Matthew
  • Michael
  • Paul
  • Peter
  • Phillip
  • Richard
  • Stephen

Female

  • Emma
  • Jacqueline
  • Jane
  • Joanne
  • Julie
  • Louise
  • Margaret
  • Marilyn
  • Patricia
  • Paula
  • Penelope
  • Sally
  • Samantha
  • Sarah
  • Tracy

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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