Hedge

The surname Hedge is of English origin and is a locational surname derived from the Old English word "hecg", meaning a boundary or fence made of living plants or trees. The name suggests an individual who lived near or worked with hedges.

Origins

The surname Hedge likely originated in the east of England, where hedge lanes and boundaries were commonly used in agricultural and land management practices. It is first recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as "Atte Heg", indicating a person residing near a hedgerow or boundary.

Variants

Variants of the surname Hedge include Hedges and Hedger, each reflecting different regional pronunciations and spellings over time.

Distribution

The surname Hedge is most prevalent in southern England, particularly in counties like Kent, Sussex, and Surrey, reflecting the historical prominence of hedgerows and agricultural practices in those areas.

Notable Individuals

  • William Hedge (1772-1845): English clergyman and theological writer known for his works on Christian theology and philosophy.
  • Sarah Hedges (b. 1980): British artist known for her landscape paintings inspired by the rural countryside of England.

Modern Significance

In modern times, the surname Hedge continues to be found predominantly in England, though migration and genealogical research have led to its presence in other English-speaking countries.

References

  • Reaney, P. H., & Wilson, R. M. (1991). A dictionary of English surnames. Psychology Press.
  • Hanks, P., Coates, R., & McClure, P. (2016). The Oxford dictionary of family names in Britain and Ireland. Oxford University Press.

There are approximately 973 people named Hedge in the UK. That makes it roughly the 7,533rd most common surname in Britain. Around 15 in a million people in Britain are named Hedge.

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
  • Nicholas
  • Paul
  • Peter
  • Robert
  • Stephen

Female

  • Barbara
  • Emma
  • Judith
  • Julie
  • Margaret
  • Mary
  • Nicola
  • Patricia
  • Ruth
  • 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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