Race

Race is an English surname of occupational origin, deriving from the Old French word "rasse," which means "painter" or "one who paints and dyes." The name might have been used to describe an ancestor who worked as a painter or a person who applied colours to cloth or leather.

The surname Race has been found predominantly in various regions of England, such as Yorkshire, Lancashire, and Derbyshire. Over time, individuals bearing the name of Race have spread across the United Kingdom and different parts of the world.

Notable individuals with the surname Race include:

  • David Race (1932–2011): A British journalist and broadcaster known for his work on BBC Radio 2.
  • Christopher Race (b. 1985): An English artist renowned for his contemporary paintings and installations.
  • Sarah Jane Race (b. 1978): A British novelist celebrated for her works of historical fiction.

The surname Race continues to be passed down through generations, enriching the diverse tapestry of British family names.

There are approximately 3,001 people named Race in the UK. That makes it roughly the 2,993rd most common surname in Britain. Around 46 in a million people in Britain are named Race.

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

  • Alan
  • Andrew
  • David
  • James
  • John
  • Michael
  • Paul
  • Robert
  • Stephen
  • Steven

Female

  • Angela
  • Anne
  • Elizabeth
  • Emma
  • Gillian
  • Joanne
  • Margaret
  • Mary
  • Michelle
  • Nicola
  • Rebecca
  • Samantha
  • 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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