OSWALD
Oswald
Overview
Oswald is a medieval English surname of Old Norse origin. It is derived from the given name 'Osvaldr', combining the elements 'ás', meaning 'god', and 'valdr', meaning 'rule'. The name was first recorded in England after the Norman Conquest of 1066. The Oswald surname is predominantly found in the northern regions of England, particularly in Yorkshire and Northumberland.
Historical Significance
The surname Oswald holds historical significance as it is associated with several notable individuals throughout British history. One prominent figure bearing the surname was Saint Oswald, a 7th-century Northumbrian king who played a significant role in the Christianisation of the Anglo-Saxon kingdoms.
Distribution and Popularity
The Oswald surname remains relatively common in modern-day Britain, with a concentration of bearers still residing in the regions where the name originated. Famous bearers of the Oswald surname include Lee Harvey Oswald, the assassin of President John F. Kennedy, and British actor Tom Oswald.
Coat of Arms
The Oswald family crest features a shield with elements symbolising strength, wisdom, and nobility. The crest may also include motifs such as a lion, representing courage, or a stag, symbolising swiftness and agility.
Variants
Variants of the Oswald surname include Osvald, Osswald, and Ousley. These variations reflect the evolution of the surname over time and its adaptations across different regions.
There are approximately 1,783 people named Oswald in the UK. That makes it roughly the 4,632nd most common surname in Britain. Around 27 in a million people in Britain are named Oswald.
Surname type: From given name or forename
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
- Richard
- Robert
- Stephen
- Thomas
- William
Female
- Caroline
- Claire
- Elizabeth
- Helen
- Janet
- Jean
- Julie
- Linda
- Margaret
- Mary
- Sharon
- Susan