Shakespear

Overview:

Shakespear is a British surname of Old English origin, believed to be derived from the word “sceacan”, which means “to brandish or move quickly”. The name is thought to have originally been an occupational name for someone who was a spearmaker or wielded a spear in battle.

History:

The earliest recorded instance of the surname Shakespear dates back to the early 13th century in Warwickshire, England. The most famous bearer of the surname is undoubtedly William Shakespeare, the renowned playwright and poet, who hailed from Stratford-upon-Avon. Despite the spelling difference, William Shakespeare himself used multiple variations of his own surname, including “Shakspere” and “Shakespere”.

Distribution and Popularity:

The surname Shakespear has historically been most prevalent in the county of Warwickshire, particularly around the town of Stratford-upon-Avon. However, variations of the surname have been found throughout various parts of England and beyond.

Notable Individuals:

Apart from William Shakespeare, individuals with the surname Shakespear have made significant contributions in various fields such as literature, science, and the arts.

References:

The lineage and history of the Shakespear surname can be traced through parish records, census data, and historical documents. Genealogical societies and archives in the United Kingdom contain valuable information about the surname and its bearers.

In conclusion, the surname Shakespear is an illustrious and historic name that holds a prominent place in British culture and heritage.

There are approximately 103 people named Shakespear in the UK. That makes it one of Britain's least common surnames. Only around two in a million people in Britain are named Shakespear.

Typical given names associated with the surname

Male

  • Andrew
  • Christopher
  • David
  • Jason
  • John
  • Michael
  • Paul
  • Peter
  • Richard
  • Simon

Female

  • Amanda
  • Diane
  • Isla
  • Jane
  • Joanne
  • Michelle
  • Olivia
  • Shirley
  • Susanna
  • Tracey
  • 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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