MERRIFIELD
Merrifield
Merrifield is a surname of English origin that can be traced back to the county of Cornwall in south-west England. The name is derived from the words "Merry" and "field", which together signify a joyous or pleasant open area of land.
Origins: The Merrifield surname has ancient roots dating back to the early Middle Ages. It is believed to have originated as a locational or topographical surname, given to individuals who lived near or on a field that was considered merry or cheerful. The name likely described a particular type of landscape or possibly a field where festivities or celebrations took place.
Distribution: The Merrifield surname is found predominantly in the counties of Cornwall and Devon, as well as other regions of south-west England. Over time, individuals bearing the Merrifield surname have migrated to various parts of Britain and beyond, leading to a wider distribution of the name.
Notable Individuals:
- Dorothy Crowfoot Merrifield (née Hodgkin) (1910 - 1994) - A renowned British chemist and Nobel laureate known for her work in the field of X-ray crystallography.
- John Merrifield - An English politician and member of the Conservative Party who has served in various governmental roles.
Variants: Variants of the Merrifield surname include Merryfield, Merrifielde, and Merrifeld. These variations may have emerged over time due to regional dialects and spelling variations.
Coat of Arms: The Merrifield family is associated with a coat of arms, which typically includes various heraldic symbols and designs that represent the family's history and values. The exact design of the Merrifield coat of arms may vary depending on the specific branch of the family.
In conclusion, the Merrifield surname is a distinctive and historically significant name with strong ties to the region of Cornwall. It is borne by individuals across different walks of life and continues to be a source of pride for those who carry it.
There are approximately 1,374 people named Merrifield in the UK. That makes it roughly the 5,748th most common surname in Britain. Around 21 in a million people in Britain are named Merrifield.
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
- David
- James
- John
- Michael
- Paul
- Peter
- Richard
- Robert
- Thomas
- William
Female
- Barbara
- Catherine
- Claire
- Jane
- Janet
- Jill
- Linda
- Lisa
- Louise
- Margaret
- Patricia
- Ruth
- Sarah
- Sheila
- Susan
Similar and related surnames
Related and similar names are generated algorithmically based on the spelling, and may not necessarily share an etymology.