Shead

Overview: Shead is a British surname with a long history that can be traced back to medieval times. The origin of the name is believed to be of Anglo-Saxon descent, derived from the Old English word "scead," which means "boundary" or "shelter."

History: The earliest recordings of the Shead surname date back to the 13th century in England. The name was likely used to denote someone who lived near a boundary or shelter, or possibly as a descriptive nickname for someone who provided shelter to travellers.

Over the centuries, the Shead surname spread across England and Scotland, often carried by families who were involved in agriculture or had ties to the land. Variants of the name, such as Shed, Sheed, or Shade, could also be found in different regions.

Distribution: Today, the surname Shead is relatively uncommon, with the majority of individuals bearing the name residing in the United Kingdom. The name can also be found in other English-speaking countries, such as the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand, often as a result of migration.

Famous Bearers: Notable individuals with the surname Shead include:

  • Thomas Shead (1784–1862): An English businessman and philanthropist known for his contributions to education and social welfare.
  • Margaret Shead (1910–1999): A Scottish artist renowned for her landscape paintings inspired by the rugged beauty of the Scottish Highlands.

Legacy: The Shead surname has endured through the ages, passed down through generations as a link to ancestral roots and family heritage. Today, individuals carrying the name continue to honour their legacy and contribute to diverse fields and communities.

There are approximately 1,012 people named Shead in the UK. That makes it roughly the 7,318th most common surname in Britain. Around 16 in a million people in Britain are named Shead.

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
  • Christopher
  • Colin
  • David
  • Graham
  • James
  • John
  • Mark
  • Peter
  • Richard
  • Robert
  • William

Female

  • Amanda
  • Anna
  • Barbara
  • Carmen
  • Denise
  • Hannah
  • Janet
  • Janine
  • Julie
  • Karen
  • Laura
  • Margaret
  • Nicola
  • Sarah
  • Susan

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