Old

Old is a locational surname of English origin, deriving from the Old English word "ald," meaning old. It is likely to have initially been used to denote someone who lived in a place called "Old" or referred to a person who was elderly or wise within the community.

The Old surname is recorded in various forms throughout history, including Olde, Auld, and Ould. The earliest instances of the surname Old can be traced back to the 13th century in various regions in England. Over time, the surname has spread across the United Kingdom and beyond, particularly to countries with historical connections to Britain.

Individuals bearing the surname Old have played diverse roles in society, ranging from agricultural workers to prominent figures in politics, literature, and the arts. The distribution of the surname across different social classes and professions reflects its prevalence across the British Isles.

Variants of the Old surname can be found in Scotland, Ireland, and other English-speaking countries due to migration patterns and historical ties. Today, the surname Old continues to be passed down through generations, maintaining a link to the shared history and heritage of those who bear this distinctive family name.

There are approximately 2,222 people named Old in the UK. That makes it roughly the 3,858th most common surname in Britain. Around 34 in a million people in Britain are named Old.

Surname type: Nickname

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

  • Anthony
  • Christopher
  • David
  • James
  • John
  • Michael
  • Peter
  • Richard
  • Robert
  • Stephen
  • William

Female

  • Alexandra
  • Amanda
  • Catherine
  • Claire
  • Elizabeth
  • Emma
  • Julie
  • Margaret
  • Mary
  • Patricia
  • 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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