Sarsfield

The surname Sarsfield holds historical significance within British and Irish history, particularly associated with the great families of Ireland. This surname is of Anglo-Norman origin, derived from the Old French words "serre", meaning "to lock", and "feld", meaning "open country or pasture", suggesting a connotation of a secure field or property.

The most famous bearers of the surname Sarsfield are the descendants of Patrick Sarsfield, 1st Earl of Lucan, an Irish Jacobite nobleman who played a significant role in the Williamite War in Ireland during the late 17th century. Sarsfield is remembered for his bravery and valour in various battles, notably the Siege of Limerick in 1690.

The legacy of the Sarsfield name is intertwined with Irish history, with many notable figures bearing this surname over the centuries, asserting their influence on the political, military, and social landscape of Ireland. Despite its Irish origins, the surname has also been found in British records, reflecting the shared histories of the two nations.

Overall, the surname Sarsfield signifies a rich tapestry of ancestral connections, military achievements, and cultural heritage, making it a name of historical importance in both British and Irish contexts.

There are approximately 666 people named Sarsfield in the UK. That makes it one of Britain's least common surnames. Only around ten in a million people in Britain are named Sarsfield.

Surname type: Location or geographical feature

Origin: Celtic

Region of origin: British Isles

Country of origin: Ireland

Religion of origin: Christian

Language of origin: Gaelic

Typical given names associated with the surname

Male

  • Christopher
  • David
  • Ian
  • James
  • John
  • Kevin
  • Mark
  • Michael
  • Patrick
  • Philip
  • Richard
  • Simon
  • Stephen

Female

  • Catherine
  • Claire
  • Elizabeth
  • Helen
  • Jacqueline
  • Jane
  • Janet
  • Joanne
  • Lisa
  • Margaret
  • Mary
  • Sharon
  • 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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