GIDDY
Giddy
Origin and Meaning
Giddy is a surname of English origin. It is derived from the Old English personal name 'Gydi', which means "valuable" or "precious".
Distribution and Frequency
The surname Giddy is relatively uncommon in the United Kingdom. It is most prevalent in the southwestern region of Cornwall, where the name has historical roots.
Historical Significance
The Giddy family is known for its contributions to English society. One of the prominent members of this family was Sir Samuel Stephens Giddy (1780–1839), a politician and banker who served as a Member of Parliament for the county of Cornwall. He was also appointed as a director of the Bank of England.
Variants and Derivatives
Variants of the Giddy surname include Gidney, Giddey, and Gidd(e)s. These variations may have emerged through regional dialects and phonetic changes over time.
Famous Individuals
Notable individuals bearing the surname Giddy include:
- Sir Samuel Stephens Giddy (1780–1839): English banker and politician.
- Henry Gidney: A contemporary artist known for his abstract paintings.
Modern Day
In modern times, the Giddy surname continues to be carried by individuals mostly in Cornwall and some parts of the United Kingdom. The name's historical significance and unique etymology make it an intriguing part of British surnames.
There are approximately 402 people named Giddy in the UK. That makes it one of Britain's least common surnames. Only around six in a million people in Britain are named Giddy.
Typical given names associated with the surname
Male
- Andrew
- Christopher
- Daniel
- David
- James
- John
- Jonathan
- Mark
- Martin
- Mike
- Paul
- Richard
- Robert
Female
- Camilla
- Claire
- Dorothea
- Elizabeth
- Helen
- Jayne
- Kay
- Rebecca
- Sarah
- Susan
Similar and related surnames
Related and similar names are generated algorithmically based on the spelling, and may not necessarily share an etymology.