SEWARD
Seward
Origin and Meaning:
Seward is an Old English surname derived from the personal name 'Siward', which was common in Anglo-Saxon England. The name itself originates from the words "sige" meaning victory and "weard" meaning guardian or protector. Over time, 'Siward' evolved into the modern surname Seward.
Historical Significance:
The surname Seward has a rich history dating back to medieval England. One notable figure bearing this surname was William Seward, who served as a close advisor to King Henry VIII in the 16th century. The name also appears in various historical records, documenting the presence of the Seward family in different regions of the United Kingdom.
Distribution and Popularity:
The surname Seward is primarily found in England, particularly in regions such as Lincolnshire, Norfolk, and Suffolk. Over time, individuals bearing the surname have migrated to other English-speaking countries, contributing to its presence in countries like the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand.
Variants and Derivatives:
Variants of the surname Seward include alternative spellings such as Sewart or Siuart, reflecting different regional pronunciations and spelling variations over the centuries.
Famous Bearers:
Throughout history, several notable individuals have carried the surname Seward. One prominent figure is William Henry Seward, an American statesman who served as Secretary of State under Presidents Abraham Lincoln and Andrew Johnson in the 19th century. His diplomacy during a critical period in American history earned him widespread recognition.
Modern-Day:
In contemporary times, the surname Seward continues to be borne by individuals across various professions and walks of life. It serves as a lasting reminder of the historical legacy and heritage associated with this esteemed British surname.
There are approximately 2,904 people named Seward in the UK. That makes it roughly the 3,069th most common surname in Britain. Around 45 in a million people in Britain are named Seward.
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
- Richard
- Robert
Female
- Alison
- Ann
- Caroline
- Claire
- Elizabeth
- Emma
- Helen
- Karen
- Laura
- Linda
- Margaret
- Patricia
- Susan
Similar and related surnames
Related and similar names are generated algorithmically based on the spelling, and may not necessarily share an etymology.