Heald

Origin and Meaning: Heald is an English surname with origins in the northern counties of Yorkshire and Lancashire. The name is derived from the Old English word "hēafod," meaning "head" or "chief," and was likely used as a nickname for a leader or someone in a position of authority.

History: The Heald family has a long history in the region, with records dating back to the medieval period. They were primarily found in the rural communities of Yorkshire and Lancashire, where they were likely involved in agriculture or local governance.

Variants: Variants of the surname Heald include Healds, Healed, and Hild. Over the centuries, spelling variations may have arisen due to regional dialects or clerical errors in records.

Notable Individuals:

  • Benjamin Heald: A prominent 19th-century industrialist known for his contributions to the textile industry in Manchester.
  • Sarah Heald: A noted historian and author who specialised in the social history of Yorkshire.

Modern Distribution: Today, the surname Heald is relatively rare but can still be found in parts of Yorkshire and Lancashire, as well as in other regions of the UK and abroad where descendants of the Heald family have settled.

Coat of Arms: The Heald family crest features elements symbolising strength, leadership, and heritage, with a shield displaying traditional heraldic symbols associated with the surname's historical origins.

There are approximately 2,764 people named Heald in the UK. That makes it roughly the 3,238th most common surname in Britain. Around 42 in a million people in Britain are named Heald.

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
  • James
  • John
  • Michael
  • Paul
  • Peter
  • Richard
  • Robert

Female

  • Caroline
  • Elizabeth
  • Emma
  • Georgina
  • Joanne
  • Kathleen
  • Margaret
  • Patricia
  • Rebecca
  • Sarah
  • Stephanie
  • Susan
  • Victoria

BritishSurnames.uk is a Good Stuff website.