Shortt

Shortt is a notable British surname that has origins in the medieval period. The surname is believed to derive from the Old English word 'sceort', meaning short, and was likely used as a nickname for someone of small stature.

The earliest recordings of the surname can be traced back to the county of Somerset in the West Country of England during the 13th century. Over the centuries, the name spread to other parts of the country, with concentrations found in areas such as Yorkshire, Lancashire, and London.

The Shortt family has been associated with various professions and trades, including farmers, craftsmen, and merchants. Some individuals bearing the surname have achieved notable accomplishments in fields such as academia, the arts, and public service.

One prominent figure with the surname Shortt was Sir Thomas Jones Shortt, a distinguished British surgeon and medical historian who made significant contributions to the field of medicine in the 19th century. Another notable individual was Emily Shortt, a renowned British poet known for her evocative verse and insightful reflections on nature.

Today, the surname Shortt is relatively uncommon but continues to be borne by families across the United Kingdom and in British communities around the world. The name serves as a reminder of the rich history and diverse heritage of the British Isles.

References:

  • Reaney, P.H., & Wilson, R.M. (2011). A Dictionary of English Surnames. Routledge.
  • Hanks, P., Coates, R., & McClure, P. (2016). The Oxford Dictionary of Family Names in Britain and Ireland. Oxford University Press.

There are approximately 970 people named Shortt in the UK. That makes it roughly the 7,547th most common surname in Britain. Around 15 in a million people in Britain are named Shortt.

Origin: Celtic

Region of origin: British Isles

Country of origin: Ireland

Religion of origin: Christian

Language of origin: Gaelic

Typical given names associated with the surname

Male

  • David
  • James
  • John
  • Joseph
  • Mark
  • Michael
  • Patrick
  • Paul
  • Peter
  • Stephen
  • William

Female

  • Aideen
  • Caroline
  • Catherine
  • Dinah
  • Elizabeth
  • Frances
  • Joanne
  • Julie
  • Kathleen
  • Margaret
  • Mary
  • Sarah
  • Susan
  • Victoria

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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