Rossiter

Rossiter is a surname of British origin, derived from the Old French personal name "Roger". The name "Roger" itself is believed to have been introduced to Britain by the Normans after the Norman Conquest of 1066.

Origins and Meaning

The surname Rossiter is of patronymic origin, meaning that it was originally based on the given name of an ancestor. In this case, the surname signifies "son of Roger", with the suffix "-er" denoting lineage.

Distribution and Popularity

The surname Rossiter is primarily found in the United Kingdom, Ireland, and parts of the English-speaking world, particularly in former British colonies. It is most prevalent in regions with historically significant British or Norman influence.

Notable Individuals

1. John Rossiter (b. 1945) - British footballer who played as a goalkeeper for various clubs, including Arsenal and Millwall.

2. Anne Rossiter (1923-2009) - British historian and author known for her works on medieval English history, particularly the Norman Conquest.

3. Clara Rossiter (1873-1958) - British suffragette and social reformer who campaigned for women's rights in the early 20th century.

Variants

Variants of the surname Rossiter include Rossiter, Rosseter, and Rossetti. These variations may have arisen through regional dialects, phonetic spelling, or Anglicization of the original Norman form.

In conclusion, the surname Rossiter carries a rich history linking it to Norman and medieval English heritage, with notable individuals contributing to various fields of British society.

There are approximately 4,720 people named Rossiter in the UK. That makes it roughly the 2,001st most common surname in Britain. Around 72 in a million people in Britain are named Rossiter.

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

  • Andrew
  • David
  • James
  • John
  • Mark
  • Michael
  • Paul
  • Peter
  • Philip
  • Thomas

Female

  • Ann
  • Catherine
  • Elizabeth
  • Gillian
  • Helen
  • Julie
  • Karen
  • Margaret
  • Mary
  • Sarah
  • Susan
  • Victoria

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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