Halls

Origin and Meaning:
Halls is a surname of English origin, derived from the medieval English word "hall," meaning a large building or residence. It is an occupational surname given to someone who lived or worked in a hall.

Distribution:
The surname Halls is most commonly found in England, particularly in the counties of Norfolk, Suffolk, and Essex. However, it has also spread to other parts of the United Kingdom and the English-speaking world.

History:
The surname Halls has ancient roots in England, dating back to the medieval period. It is believed to have originated in East Anglia, where the name was associated with manorial dwellings and administrative centres. Over the centuries, individuals bearing the surname Halls have been recorded in various historical documents, such as parish registers, census records, and land deeds.

Notable Individuals:

  • Sir Peter Halls (1930–2017): Renowned British theatre director and founder of the Royal Shakespeare Company.
  • Linda Halls (b. 1955): British artist known for her contemporary sculptures and installations.

Variants:
Variants of the surname Halls include Hall, Halle, and Holl.

Coat of Arms:
The Halls family coat of arms features traditional heraldic symbols such as shields, crests, and mottoes. The specific design may vary depending on the branch of the family.

Popularity:
As of recent records, the surname Halls is moderately common in the United Kingdom and other English-speaking countries. It has maintained a presence in genealogical records and family history studies.

References:

  • Hanks, P., Coates, R., & McClure, P. (2016). "The Oxford Dictionary of Family Names in Britain and Ireland." Oxford University Press.
  • Reaney, P. H., & Wilson, R. M. (1997). "A Dictionary of English Surnames." Oxford University Press.

The surname Halls is a testament to England's rich history and cultural heritage, with each individual bearing it adding to its legacy through their own stories and achievements.

There are approximately 4,337 people named Halls in the UK. That makes it roughly the 2,162nd most common surname in Britain. Around 67 in a million people in Britain are named Halls.

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
  • Christopher
  • David
  • John
  • Mark
  • Michael
  • Peter
  • Robert
  • Simon
  • Stephen

Female

  • Christine
  • Claire
  • Emma
  • Jane
  • Julie
  • Linda
  • Lisa
  • Margaret
  • Nicola
  • Patricia
  • Rebecca
  • Sarah
  • Susan

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