PORTERFIELD
Porterfield
Porterfield is a British surname with historical roots that can be traced back to Scotland. The name is of territorial origin, derived from the lands of Porterfield in the county of Renfrewshire.
History
The Porterfield family is believed to have been a prominent clan in Renfrewshire, Scotland, from as early as the 12th century. The name likely originated from the combination of "porter," referring to a gatekeeper or one who carried things, and "field," denoting an area of land. Over the centuries, the Porterfield name has spread beyond Scotland to other parts of the United Kingdom and the world.
Notable Individuals
Several notable individuals have carried the surname Porterfield, including:
- Dr. William Porterfield (1696–1771): A Scottish anatomist and physiologist.
- George Porterfield (d. 1648): A Scottish Covenanter who was executed for his resistance against the imposition of bishops in the Scottish church.
- Graham Porterfield (b. 1980): A contemporary artist known for his innovative use of mixed media.
Modern Distribution
Today, individuals with the surname Porterfield can be found across the United Kingdom and in various countries where Scottish descendants have settled, including the United States, Canada, and Australia. The name's historical significance in Scotland and its spread to other regions make it a symbol of Scottish heritage and identity.
There are approximately 327 people named Porterfield in the UK. That makes it one of Britain's least common surnames. Only around five in a million people in Britain are named Porterfield.
Surname type: Location or geographical feature
Origin: Celtic
Region of origin: British Isles
Country of origin: Scotland
Religion of origin: Christian
Language of origin: Gaelic
Typical given names associated with the surname
Male
- Alexander
- Conway
- David
- Fraser
- James
- John
- Lee
- Mark
- Matthew
- Neil
- Robert
- William
Female
- Agnes
- Ann
- Annamaria
- Caroline
- Catherine
- Claire
- Diana
- Donna
- Elizabeth
- Margaret
- Mary
- Sarah
- Susan
- Williamina
Similar and related surnames
Related and similar names are generated algorithmically based on the spelling, and may not necessarily share an etymology.