PLEDGER
Pledger
Origin and Meaning
The surname Pledger is of English origin, derived from the Middle English word "pleg(i)er," which means a ploughman or one who ploughed the land.
Distribution and Frequency
The surname Pledger is most commonly found in England, particularly in the East Anglia region.
Historical Significance
The Pledger family has been present in England for centuries, with records dating back to the 14th century in various counties such as Norfolk and Suffolk. They were often associated with agricultural work and the management of farm lands.
Notable Individuals
- John Pledger (1800-1871): A prominent landowner and farmer in Norfolk, known for his contributions to agricultural innovations in the region.
- Elizabeth Pledger (1925-2010): A renowned botanist and environmentalist who dedicated her life to preserving rare plant species in the UK.
Modern Distribution
Today, individuals with the surname Pledger can be found across the UK and in other parts of the world, particularly in former British colonies such as Australia and Canada.
Coat of Arms
The Pledger family coat of arms typically features symbols associated with agriculture and land cultivation, reflecting the family's historical ties to farming.
Variants
Variants of the surname Pledger include Pleger, Pleager, and Plejer.
References
- Reaney, P.H., and Wilson, R.M. A Dictionary of English Surnames. Oxford University Press, 2005.
- U.K. Census records and parish registers.
There are approximately 1,132 people named Pledger in the UK. That makes it roughly the 6,703rd most common surname in Britain. Around 17 in a million people in Britain are named Pledger.
Surname type: Occupational name
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
- David
- Ian
- James
- Mark
- Michael
- Paul
- Peter
- Richard
- Simon
- Stephen
Female
- Claire
- Elizabeth
- Janet
- Kate
- Linda
- Margaret
- Melanie
- Nicola
- Patricia
- Rebecca
- Sandra
- Sarah
- Susan