NORTH
North
Origin and Meaning:
The surname North is of English origin, derived from the Old English word "norð" meaning 'north'. It is a topographic name for someone who lived to the north of a settlement, or a regional name for someone who had migrated from the north.
History:
The surname North dates back to feudal times in England, where it was first recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086. The North family has ancient roots in various regions of England, including Yorkshire, Norfolk, and Devon. Over the centuries, the surname has spread beyond the British Isles to other English-speaking countries.
Variants:
Variants of the surname North include Northe, Noth, Norden, and Norcott.
Famous Bearers:
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Christopher North (1795–1854): Scottish author, poet, and professor of English literature.
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Oliver North (born 1943): American political commentator and retired United States Marine Corps lieutenant colonel.
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Samuel North (1808–1863): English landscape painter known for his romantic depictions of the English countryside.
Modern Usage:
The surname North is relatively common in English-speaking countries, especially in the United Kingdom, the United States, Canada, and Australia. Despite its simple and geographically inspired origin, the name North continues to be a popular surname, reflecting a sense of heritage and historical significance for many bearers.
References:
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Hanks, P., et al. (2002). The Oxford Dictionary of Family Names in Britain and Ireland. Oxford University Press.
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Reaney, P. H., & Wilson, R. M. (1991). A Dictionary of English Surnames. Oxford University Press.
There are approximately 17,495 people named North in the UK. That makes it the 504th most common surname in Britain. Around 269 in a million people in Britain are named North.
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
- Peter
- Richard
- Robert
- Stephen
Female
- Claire
- Elizabeth
- Emma
- Julie
- Lisa
- Margaret
- Mary
- 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.