Shawcross

Shawcross is an English surname of Anglo-Saxon origin, derived from the Old English words "sceaga" meaning "wood" and "croh" meaning "cross," likely referring to a wooded area where crosses were erected. The name is considered to be of topographic origin, denoting someone who lived near or in a wooded area marked by a cross.

The earliest recorded instances of the surname Shawcross date back to the mid-16th century in Lancashire, England. Over the centuries, the name has spread throughout the United Kingdom and beyond, carried by families who migrated for various reasons.

The Shawcross family name has been associated with several notable figures, including politicians, athletes, and artists. One of the most renowned bearers of the surname was Joseph Shawcross (1870–1929), a respected British painter known for his landscape and portrait artworks.

In contemporary times, the surname Shawcross continues to be borne by individuals across the United Kingdom and in various parts of the world, symbolising a rich heritage and a connection to British history.

The Shawcross surname represents a tapestry of English identity, blending elements of landscape, faith, and community. Its enduring presence serves as a reminder of the diverse origins and histories that have shaped the British Isles over the centuries.

There are approximately 1,237 people named Shawcross in the UK. That makes it roughly the 6,270th most common surname in Britain. Around 19 in a million people in Britain are named Shawcross.

Typical given names associated with the surname

Male

  • Andrew
  • Anthony
  • Brian
  • Conrad
  • Dave
  • David
  • James
  • John
  • Michael
  • Paul
  • Philip
  • Robert
  • William

Female

  • Anne
  • Christine
  • Elizabeth
  • Emma
  • Gail
  • Gillian
  • Helen
  • Lisa
  • Louise
  • Margaret
  • Nicola
  • 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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