Herring

Origin and Meaning: Herring is an English surname of occupational origin. The name is derived from the Middle English word "hering," which refers to the fish of the same name. This surname likely originated as a nickname for a fisherman or someone involved in the fishing industry.

Distribution and Popularity: The surname Herring is particularly concentrated in the southern counties of England, such as Kent, Sussex, and Hampshire. It is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086, indicating its early presence in English history. Over time, the name has spread beyond England and can be found in various parts of the world, particularly in former British colonies.

Notable Bearers:

  • Alfred Herring (1840–1890): A British artist known for his landscape paintings.
  • Nora Herring (1901–1983): A British actress who appeared in several films in the mid-20th century.
  • Thomas Herring (1693–1757): An Archbishop of Canterbury who held the position from 1747 until his death.

Variant Forms: Variants of the surname Herring include Harryng, Heryng, and Haryng.

Coat of Arms: The Coat of Arms for the Herring family typically features symbols relevant to the sea or fishing industry, such as fish or ships.

Famous Herring Family: The Herring family has been associated with various fields over the centuries, with members excelling in art, literature, and public service.

References:

  • Reaney, P. H., & Wilson, R. M. (1997). A Dictionary of English Surnames (3rd ed.). Oxford University Press.
  • Hanks, P., Coates, R., & McClure, P. (2016). The Oxford Dictionary of Family Names in Britain and Ireland. Oxford University Press.

There are approximately 4,857 people named Herring in the UK. That makes it roughly the 1,944th most common surname in Britain. Around 75 in a million people in Britain are named Herring.

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

  • Christopher
  • David
  • James
  • John
  • Mark
  • Michael
  • Paul
  • Peter
  • Richard
  • Robert

Female

  • Elizabeth
  • Emma
  • Jennifer
  • Louise
  • Margaret
  • Nicola
  • Patricia
  • Pauline
  • Philippa
  • Rebecca
  • Sarah
  • Susan

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