METCALF
Metcalf
Origin: English
Meaning: The surname Metcalf is of Old English origin, derived from the personal name "Maetel," meaning "measurer" or "tournament," combined with the Old Norse word "kalfr" which translates to "calf." This surname likely referred to someone who was a calf-herder or had a connection to measuring tournaments or events.
History: The Metcalf surname is ancient and dates back to medieval times in England. The name is particularly concentrated in Northern England, with counties such as Yorkshire having a significant Metcalf presence. Early records of the surname include John de Metecalf in the Yorkshire Poll Tax of 1379.
Variants: Variants of the Metcalf surname include Metcalfe, Metcalfe, Metcalf, and Metcalph.
Famous Metcalfs:
- Laurie Metcalf: A renowned American actress of English descent, known for her performances in theatre, film, and television.
- Thomas Metcalfe: An English botanist and geologist known for his contributions to natural sciences in the 19th century.
References:
- Reaney, P. H., & Wilson, R. M. (1997). A Dictionary of English Surnames. Oxford: Oxford University Press.
- Hanks, P., Coates, R., & McClure, P. (2016). The Oxford Dictionary of Family Names in Britain and Ireland. Oxford: Oxford University Press.
There are approximately 6,172 people named Metcalf in the UK. That makes it roughly the 1,536th most common surname in Britain. Around 95 in a million people in Britain are named Metcalf.
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
- Anne
- Caroline
- Christine
- Elizabeth
- Helen
- Julie
- Karen
- Lisa
- Margaret
- Mary
- Michelle
- Sarah
- Susan
Similar and related surnames
Related and similar names are generated algorithmically based on the spelling, and may not necessarily share an etymology.