SHERIFF

Origin and etymology In historic texts In the 1881 census Distribution map

Sheriff

The surname Sheriff is of Old English origin, deriving from the Middle English word "shire-reeve," meaning a royal official responsible for maintaining law and order within a shire or county. The title of Sheriff dates back to medieval times when the position was one of great influence and authority.

Individuals bearing the surname Sheriff are believed to have descended from ancestors who held the prestigious position of Sheriff in their respective localities. The duties of a Sheriff included enforcing laws, collecting taxes, and overseeing legal matters within a shire.

The surname Sheriff is most commonly found in the United Kingdom and is often associated with individuals of English or Scottish descent. Over time, the name has spread to other English-speaking countries, particularly former colonies of the British Empire.

Notable individuals bearing the surname Sheriff have made significant contributions in various fields, including law, politics, business, and the arts. The name Sheriff continues to be passed down through generations, preserving the legacy of those who once held the esteemed title of Sheriff in medieval England.

There are approximately 1,723 people named Sheriff in the UK. That makes it roughly the 4,760th most common surname in Britain. Around 26 in a million people in Britain are named Sheriff.

Surname type: Status 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

Alan
Andrew
Brian
Christopher
David
James
John
Mark
Michael
Paul
Peter
Stephen

Female

Amanda
Anne
Claire
Emma
Fatmata
Jill
Joanne
Margaret
Patricia
Sarah
Sheila
Susan

Similar and related surnames

Related and similar names are generated algorithmically based on the spelling, and may not necessarily share an etymology.