MEAD

Origin and etymology In historic texts In the 1881 census Distribution map

Mead

The surname Mead is of Anglo-Saxon origin, derived from the Old English word 'meadow', indicating someone who lived near or worked in a meadow. The name is of topographical origin, suggesting an individual who resided in an area characterised by grassy meadows. It is one of the many surnames derived from nature and landscape features that were common in medieval England.

The name Mead has been recorded in English records since at least the 12th century, making it an ancient and established surname with a long history in the British Isles. Variants of the name include Meade and Meads. The Mead surname is prevalent in various regions of England, with concentrations in counties such as Devon, Kent, and Sussex.

Throughout history, bearers of the surname Mead have been involved in a wide range of professions and endeavours, reflecting the diverse occupations of individuals in English society. The name has spread beyond the borders of the British Isles, particularly to regions with historical ties to the United Kingdom, such as North America and Australia.

Like many surnames, Mead has evolved over time, with different branches of the family adopting various spellings and forms of the name. Genealogical research into the history of the Mead surname continues to uncover connections between different branches of the family and shed light on the lives of individuals who bore this name over the centuries.

In contemporary society, the Mead surname can be found among people of various backgrounds and professions, reflecting the diverse and multicultural nature of modern Britain. Many individuals with the surname Mead continue to take pride in their heritage and ancestral connections, contributing to the rich tapestry of British surnames and family histories.

There are approximately 12,297 people named Mead in the UK. That makes it the 735th most common surname in Britain. Around 189 in a million people in Britain are named Mead.

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

  • Angela
  • Christine
  • Elizabeth
  • Emma
  • Helen
  • Julie
  • Karen
  • Margaret
  • Patricia
  • Rebecca
  • 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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