Samples: A British Surname

Samples is a British surname of medieval origin, believed to have been derived from the Old French word 'sengle', meaning 'burnt land'. The name may have originated as a nickname for someone who lived on or near scorched land, or it could have been associated with someone who historically worked in agriculture, particularly in tending to burnt or cleared fields.

The surname Samples has been found in various historical records across different regions of the United Kingdom, with concentrations in areas such as Yorkshire, Lancashire, and Essex. Over time, bearers of the surname Samples have spread to other parts of the British Isles and beyond as a result of migration and emigration.

Individuals with the surname Samples have been noted in a range of historical documents, including census records, parish registers, and legal documents, offering insights into their occupations, residences, and familial connections. As with many surnames, variations in spelling and pronunciation have occurred over the centuries, leading to the development of different branches of the Samples family.

Today, the surname Samples continues to be borne by individuals across the United Kingdom and in various countries around the world, reflecting the enduring legacy of the medieval origins of the name and the diverse journeys taken by its bearers through the annals of history.

There are approximately 211 people named Samples in the UK. That makes it one of Britain's least common surnames. Only around three in a million people in Britain are named Samples.

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

  • Adam
  • Alan
  • Christopher
  • David
  • Gareth
  • George
  • Heath
  • John
  • Mark
  • Richard
  • Roger
  • Steven

Female

  • Allie
  • Carol
  • Debbie
  • Deborah
  • Julie
  • Karen
  • Kerry
  • Lynn
  • Michelle
  • Norma
  • Paula
  • Sharon
  • Shirley
  • Stephanie
  • 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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