MUSGRAVE
Musgrave
Overview
Musgrave is an English surname of Old Norse origin, derived from the Old Norse personal name "Asgrimr". The name Musgrave dates back to the time of the Anglo-Saxon tribes and has historical significance in British lineage.
Etymology and Origins
The surname Musgrave has its roots in the northern counties of England, particularly in the historic region of Cumberland, now part of Cumbria. The name is believed to have originated from the Middle English spelling "Muscroft," which means "mouse grove" or "mouse thicket." The term "Mus" meant "mouse," and "graf" or "grove" referred to a small wooded area or copse.
Historical Significance
The Musgrave family played a significant role in English history, particularly during the medieval and Tudor periods. The Musgraves were prominent landowners and nobles in the counties of Cumberland and Westmorland.
Sir Richard Musgrave, 1st Baronet of Tourin, County Waterford, Ireland, was a notable figure in Irish politics and history. The Musgrave Baronetcy was created in 1800 for his services to the British Crown.
Distribution and Modern-day Presence
The surname Musgrave is still present in various parts of England and the wider British Isles. Many individuals bearing the Musgrave surname can trace their ancestry back to the historic counties of Cumberland and Westmorland. Today, Musgrave families can be found across the United Kingdom and in other parts of the world, including the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand.
Coat of Arms
The Musgrave family crest typically features symbols such as a red shield with a gold fesse embattled between three gold griffins' heads erased. The crest signifies strength, courage, and nobility, reflecting the family's heraldic tradition.
Notable Individuals
- Sir Christopher Musgrave (c.1669–1721) – British politician and Member of Parliament.
- Hannah Musgrave (b. 1936) – British novelist and author, known for her works exploring themes of family and identity.
- Sir Philip Musgrave (b. 1954) – Baronet of Edenhall, Cumbria, England, and a prominent figure in modern British society.
References
- P.H. Reaney, Dictionary of English Surnames: Musgrave, Oxford University Press, 1997.
There are approximately 3,177 people named Musgrave in the UK. That makes it roughly the 2,849th most common surname in Britain. Around 49 in a million people in Britain are named Musgrave.
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
- Peter
- Richard
- Robert
Female
- Ann
- Christine
- Elizabeth
- Emma
- Jane
- Julie
- Lucy
- Margaret
- Mary
- Michelle
- Patricia
- Sarah
- Susan