SHERLOCK
Sherlock
Sherlock is a British surname that originates from medieval England. The name is of Old English origin, derived from the words 'scir,' meaning bright or fair, and 'loc,' referring to a lock of hair or a curl. Therefore, Sherlock is believed to mean 'bright-haired' or 'fair-haired.'
The surname Sherlock is most commonly associated with the famous fictional detective Sherlock Holmes created by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle in the late 19th century. The character of Sherlock Holmes has become a cultural icon and has given significant prominence to the surname Sherlock.
Throughout history, individuals bearing the surname Sherlock have been found across various regions of England, particularly in the counties of Yorkshire and Lancashire. The name has also been documented in Ireland, where it is believed to have been introduced during the Anglo-Norman invasion.
Notable individuals with the surname Sherlock have made contributions in various fields, including literature, academia, and politics. The surname continues to be present in contemporary British society, further perpetuating its legacy.
In conclusion, the surname Sherlock has a rich history and strong associations with intelligence and deduction, thanks in part to the enduring legacy of the fictional detective Sherlock Holmes.
There are approximately 4,632 people named Sherlock in the UK. That makes it roughly the 2,030th most common surname in Britain. Around 71 in a million people in Britain are named Sherlock.
Surname type: Location or geographical feature
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
- Robert
- Thomas
Female
- Anne
- Elizabeth
- Emma
- Helen
- Jane
- Janet
- Jennifer
- Margaret
- Mary
- Nicola
- Patricia
- Sarah
- Susan
Similar and related surnames
Related and similar names are generated algorithmically based on the spelling, and may not necessarily share an etymology.