King

King is a common surname of English origin that is derived from the Old English word "cyning", which means a leader or ruler. The surname King is considered to be an occupational name, often given to someone who performed duties related to kingship or someone who served in the household of a royal family.

Origin

The surname King has ancient roots in England, dating back to the pre-7th century Anglo-Saxon period. It is believed that the surname may have originated as a nickname for someone who acted in a regal or noble manner.

Distribution

The surname King is widely distributed throughout the English-speaking world, particularly in the United Kingdom, the United States, Canada, and Australia. It is one of the most common surnames in English-speaking countries and has numerous variations, including Kings, Kingston, and Kingsley.

Notable People

  • Martin Luther King Jr. - American civil rights leader
  • Billie Jean King - American tennis player
  • B.B. King - American blues guitarist and singer
  • Stephen King - American author known for his horror novels
  • Carole King - American singer-songwriter

Cultural Significance

The surname King has been associated with royalty, power, and leadership throughout history. In various cultures, individuals with the surname King have been regarded with respect and authority. The surname has also been used in literature, film, and popular culture to signify characters of noble descent or high status.

Overall, the surname King carries a rich history and symbolism, reflecting themes of monarchy, leadership, and influence in the English-speaking world.

There are approximately 128,312 people named King in the UK. That makes it the 35th most common surname in Britain. Around 1,970 in a million people in Britain are named King.

Surname type: Status name

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
  • Robert
  • Stephen

Female

  • Christine
  • Elizabeth
  • Emma
  • Helen
  • Julie
  • Margaret
  • Mary
  • Nicola
  • Patricia
  • 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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