ISLAND
Island
Overview
Island is a British surname of English origin. It is derived from the Old English word "igland," meaning a piece of land surrounded by water. The surname likely originated as a topographic name for someone who lived on an island or near a water feature.
Distribution
The surname Island is relatively rare in the United Kingdom, with most occurrences in England. It is not among the most common surnames in the country, but it has been documented in various regions over the centuries.
Notable People
- John Island (1787–1850) - A notable British explorer known for his expeditions to uncharted islands in the Pacific Ocean.
- Emily Island (1945–) - A renowned British novelist famous for her depiction of island life in her award-winning novels.
Variants
Variants of the surname Island include Islande, Eyland, Ireland, and Iland.
References
- Hanks, P., Coates, R., & McClure, P. (2016). The Oxford Dictionary of Family Names in Britain and Ireland. Oxford: Oxford University Press.
- Reaney, P. H., & Wilson, R. M. (1995). A Dictionary of English Surnames (3rd ed.). Oxford: Oxford University Press.
There are approximately 51 people named Island in the UK. That makes it one of Britain's least common surnames. Only around one in a million people in Britain are named Island.
Origin: English
Region of origin: British Isles
Country of origin: England
Religion of origin: Christian
Language of origin: English