Gamble

Origin and Meaning

Gamble is a British surname of Old Norse and Anglo-Saxon origin. It derives from the Old Norse personal name "Gamall", meaning "old", or the Anglo-Saxon personal name "Gamal", also signifying "old". The name likely started as a nickname for an elder individual.

Distribution and Popularity

The surname Gamble is widely distributed throughout the United Kingdom, with particularly high concentrations in regions such as Northern Ireland and parts of England. In the 1881 UK Census, approximately 4,000 individuals carried the Gamble surname.

Variants and Derivatives

Variants of the surname Gamble include Gamball, Gambol, and Gambell, among others. These variations may have arisen due to regional accents, spelling variations, or evolving naming conventions over time.

Notable Individuals

  • Sir James Gamble: A prominent figure in British colonial administration, Sir James Gamble served as the Governor of Bombay Presidency in the mid-19th century.
  • Sarah Gamble: Renowned British artist known for her innovative use of mixed media and abstract forms in contemporary art.
  • John William Gamble: A respected scholar of British history, John William Gamble authored several important works on medieval England.

Historical Significance

The surname Gamble has a long history in the British Isles, with records tracing back to medieval times. Individuals bearing this surname have been involved in various fields, including politics, art, academia, and commerce, contributing to the cultural tapestry of Britain.

Coat of Arms

The Gamble family coat of arms typically features heraldic symbols such as lions, crosses, and fleurs-de-lis, representing attributes such as courage, faith, and nobility. These symbols reflect the ancestral heritage and values of the Gamble lineage.

In conclusion, the surname Gamble holds significant historical and cultural importance within Britain, with a diverse range of individuals bearing this name making their mark in various fields over the centuries.

There are approximately 8,667 people named Gamble in the UK. That makes it roughly the 1,093rd most common surname in Britain. Around 133 in a million people in Britain are named Gamble.

Surname type: Nickname

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
  • James
  • John
  • Mark
  • Michael
  • Paul
  • Robert
  • Stephen
  • William

Female

  • Caroline
  • Claire
  • Elizabeth
  • Emma
  • Helen
  • Jane
  • Julie
  • Karen
  • Margaret
  • Mary
  • 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.

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