Scarth

Origin Scarth is a surname of Old Norse origin, derived from the personal name Skarthi. The name is believed to have been brought to England by Scandinavian settlers during the Viking Age.

Distribution The surname Scarth is primarily found in the northern counties of England, especially in Yorkshire and Lincolnshire. It is relatively rare compared to more common surnames in the region.

Notable Individuals

  • William Scarth Moorsom: A prominent British naval officer who served during the Napoleonic Wars and the War of 1812.
  • Sir Alexander Scarth: A notable Scottish physician and public health reformer.

Etymology The name Scarth is thought to come from the Old Norse word 'skarth' which means 'cleft' or 'rift', possibly referring to a geographic feature like a gap in the landscape.

Variants Variants of the surname Scarth include Skarth and Skarthi. Over time, the spelling and pronunciation of the name may have evolved, leading to various regional variations.

Historical Significance The Scarth surname has a long history in Britain, with records of individuals bearing this name dating back centuries. The presence of this surname in the north of England indicates the lasting influence of Scandinavian settlement in the region.

Modern Use While Scarth is not a particularly common surname, there are still individuals who bear this name today, particularly in the historical areas where the name has its roots.

There are approximately 803 people named Scarth in the UK. That makes it roughly the 8,740th most common surname in Britain. Around 12 in a million people in Britain are named Scarth.

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

  • Andrew
  • Brian
  • Christopher
  • David
  • Ian
  • James
  • John
  • Jonathan
  • Martin
  • Paul
  • Robert
  • Thomas

Female

  • Amy
  • Ann
  • Carol
  • Dorothy
  • Elizabeth
  • Jayne
  • Joanne
  • Julie
  • Margaret
  • Mary
  • Sarah
  • Susan
  • Victoria
  • Vivien

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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