MAJOR
Major
Major is a British surname of Old French origin, derived from the medieval given name Maior. The name was likely first introduced to England after the Norman Conquest of 1066.
Origins and Meaning
The surname Major is derived from the Old French word "maior," which means "greater" or "superior." It is believed to have been used as a nickname to denote someone who held a prominent or important position, such as a leader or a senior figure.
Distribution and Variations
The surname Major is fairly common in the United Kingdom, with concentrations in various regions across the country. Variants of the surname include Mayor, Mayer, Majors, and Maior.
Notable Individuals
- John Major: Sir John Major is a prominent British politician who served as Prime Minister of the United Kingdom from 1990 to 1997.
- Bobby Major: Bobby Major was a renowned British artist known for his innovative use of colour and texture in his paintings.
- Emma Major: Emma Major is a respected British historian and author who has written extensively on the social and cultural history of England.
Cultural Significance
The surname Major has been a part of British history and culture for centuries, with individuals bearing this name making significant contributions in various fields such as politics, art, and academia.
In conclusion, the surname Major is an established and esteemed name in British society, with a heritage rooted in medieval France and a presence that continues to be felt today.
There are approximately 7,405 people named Major in the UK. That makes it roughly the 1,262nd most common surname in Britain. Around 114 in a million people in Britain are named Major.
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
- David
- James
- John
- Michael
- Paul
- Peter
- Richard
- Robert
- William
Female
- Claire
- Elizabeth
- Helen
- Jean
- Karen
- Margaret
- Mary
- 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.