GREENFIELD
Greenfield
Greenfield is a surname of English origin that derives from the elements green, meaning grassy or covered in verdant leaves, and field, referring to an area of land. The name likely originated as a topographic surname, denoting someone who lived near or on a green field.
Origins and Distribution
The surname Greenfield is believed to have originated in various places in England, with notable concentrations in counties such as Yorkshire, Lancashire, and Kent. It is considered to be of Anglo-Saxon origin, dating back to at least the Middle Ages. Over time, individuals bearing the surname Greenfield have dispersed to other parts of the UK as well as to countries such as the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand.
Notable Individuals
Several individuals with the surname Greenfield have made significant contributions in various fields. These include:
- Felicia Greenfield (b. 1983), British actress known for her work in theatre and television.
- Jacob Greenfield (1895–1972), English poet and author of several acclaimed collections of poetry.
- Catherine Greenfield (b. 1970), British biologist recognised for her research in the field of marine biology.
- Miles Greenfield (1922–2005), English historian who specialised in medieval studies and published numerous scholarly works.
Legacy
The surname Greenfield continues to be passed down through generations, contributing to the rich tapestry of British family names. Those carrying the name today often have diverse occupations and reside in various parts of the world, maintaining a connection to their ancestral heritage.
References:
- P.H. Reaney, A Dictionary of English Surnames (Oxford University Press, 2005).
- N. Redmonds, A Dictionary of Yorkshire Surnames (North Pomfret, 1973).
There are approximately 6,181 people named Greenfield in the UK. That makes it roughly the 1,534th most common surname in Britain. Around 95 in a million people in Britain are named Greenfield.
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
- Andrew
- David
- James
- John
- Mark
- Michael
- Paul
- Peter
- Richard
- Robert
Female
- Claire
- Elizabeth
- Emma
- Helen
- Jacqueline
- Jane
- Jill
- Karen
- Margaret
- Michelle
- Rebecca
- Sarah
- Susan
Similar and related surnames
- Granfield
- Granville
- Grandfield
- Carnfield
- Cornfield
- Cranefield
- Cranfield
- Cronfield
- Gramfield
- Granfell
- Granfelt
- Gransfield
- Granvel
- Granvell
- Greefield
- Greenchields
- Greenfeild
- Greenfeld
- Greenfell
- Greenfields
- Greensfield
- Greenville
- Grenfell
- Grenfield
- Grenvell
- Grenvill
- Grenville
- Greyfield
- Grimfield
- Grinfeld
- Grinfield
- Groeneveld
- Groenevelt
- Groenveld
- Groenvold
- Gronvold
- Grunfeld
- Grunfield
- Grunvald
- Kornfeld
- Kronfeld
Related and similar names are generated algorithmically based on the spelling, and may not necessarily share an etymology.