Shore

Origin and Meaning
Shore is a British surname of Anglo-Saxon origin, derived from the Old English word "scir," meaning "bright" or "clear." The surname likely originated as a topographic name for someone who lived by the seashore or a person who resided near a clear, bright area of water.

Early Bearers
The first recorded instance of the Shore surname appears in the Domesday Book of 1086, where a family bearing the name is noted in various locations across England. Over the centuries, the surname has been documented in various forms, including Shores, Shor, and Shorres.

Distribution and Variants
The surname Shore is found predominantly in England, particularly in regions near coastlines or bodies of water. Variants of the surname seen over time include Shores, Shoreman, and Shoresman.

Famous Individuals
Several notable individuals have borne the surname Shore, including:

  • Jane Shore (1445-1527) - Renowned English royal mistress to King Edward IV during the 15th century.
  • Dinah Maria Mulock Craik (neĆ© Shore) (1826-1887) - Esteemed English writer and poet known for works such as "John Halifax, Gentleman."

Modern Significance
In contemporary times, the surname Shore remains prevalent across the United Kingdom and can be found in various sectors of society. The name continues to evoke associations with the seaside and themes of brightness and clarity.

There are approximately 5,447 people named Shore in the UK. That makes it roughly the 1,741st most common surname in Britain. Around 84 in a million people in Britain are named Shore.

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
  • Christopher
  • David
  • James
  • John
  • Michael
  • Paul
  • Richard
  • Robert
  • Stephen

Female

  • Elizabeth
  • Emma
  • Gillian
  • Helen
  • Joanne
  • Judith
  • Julie
  • Lesley
  • Margaret
  • Nicola
  • Patricia
  • Samantha
  • Sarah
  • Susan

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