Kelso

Kelso is a Scottish and northern English surname derived from the town of Kelso in Scotland. The town of Kelso is located in the Scottish Borders region, near the border between Scotland and England. The surname Kelso is of habitational origin, denoting someone who either hailed from Kelso or lived near the town.

History

The surname Kelso dates back to medieval times and is believed to have originated in the Scottish Borders region. It is likely that the first bearers of the surname were individuals who either lived in or near the town of Kelso. Over the centuries, the surname Kelso has spread to other parts of Scotland and northern England.

Notable Individuals

  • Andrew Kelso: A Scottish artist known for his landscape paintings.
  • Emily Kelso: An English author famous for her historical novels set in the Scottish Borders.
  • David Kelso: A Scottish historian who specialises in Border history.

Variants

Variants of the surname Kelso include Kelsall and Kelson.

References

  • Reaney, P. H., & Wilson, R. M. (1997). A Dictionary of English Surnames. Oxford University Press.
  • Black, G. F. (1946). The Surnames of Scotland: Their Origin, Meaning, and History. New York Public Library.

The surname Kelso carries with it a rich history and is a proud symbol of the heritage of the Scottish Borders and northern England.

There are approximately 1,258 people named Kelso in the UK. That makes it roughly the 6,177th most common surname in Britain. Around 19 in a million people in Britain are named Kelso.

Surname type: Location or geographical feature

Origin: Celtic

Region of origin: British Isles

Country of origin: Scotland

Religion of origin: Christian

Language of origin: Gaelic

Typical given names associated with the surname

Male

  • Alexander
  • Andrew
  • Brian
  • David
  • James
  • John
  • Richard
  • Robert
  • Stephen
  • Thomas
  • William

Female

  • Alison
  • Angela
  • Carol
  • Deborah
  • Elizabeth
  • Fiona
  • Helen
  • Julie
  • Karen
  • Margaret
  • Mary
  • Nicola
  • Sandra
  • Sarah

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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