MAYO
Mayo
Overview: Mayo is a surname of British origin, deriving from the Old English word "mæw," meaning gull or seagull. The name likely originated as a nickname for a person with seagull-like characteristics or behaviours. The surname Mayo has historical roots in various regions of the United Kingdom, with notable concentrations found in areas such as Cornwall and Yorkshire.
History: The Mayo surname has ancient origins, dating back to medieval times in Britain. It was originally a nickname used to describe a person's physical appearance or behaviour, specifically likening them to seagulls. Over time, this nickname evolved into a hereditary surname passed down through generations.
In the context of British history, individuals bearing the surname Mayo have been documented in various records, including census data, parish registers, and heraldic records. The name can be traced back to different regions of the country, with notable clusters found in Cornwall and Yorkshire.
Notable Individuals:
- Robert Mayo (1784–1864): An English clergyman and writer known for his works on education and social reform.
- Charles Mayo (1865–1939): A prominent British-American surgeon and co-founder of the Mayo Clinic in the United States.
- Jill Mayo (b. 1972): British actress known for her roles in contemporary theatre productions.
Variants: Variants of the Mayo surname include Maio, Mayoe, and Mayow. These variations may have emerged over time due to regional accents, dialects, and clerical errors in record-keeping.
Legacy: The Mayo surname continues to be borne by families across the United Kingdom and beyond. Descendants of individuals with the Mayo name can be found in various professions and walks of life, contributing to the rich tapestry of British society.
References:
- Reaney, P. H., & Wilson, R. M. (2008). A dictionary of English surnames. 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 4,694 people named Mayo in the UK. That makes it roughly the 2,010th most common surname in Britain. Around 72 in a million people in Britain are named Mayo.
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
- Andrew
- Christopher
- David
- James
- John
- Michael
- Paul
- Richard
- Robert
- Stephen
Female
- Ann
- Catherine
- Emma
- Gillian
- Jacqueline
- Julie
- Lisa
- Margaret
- Nicola
- Rebecca
- Sarah
- Sharon
- Susan
- Victoria
Similar and related surnames
Related and similar names are generated algorithmically based on the spelling, and may not necessarily share an etymology.