Shoulders

Overview: Shoulders is an ancient British surname of Old English origin. The name is thought to have originated from the occupational name for a maker or seller of shoulder-pieces, a term that referred to protective armor worn on the shoulders.

History: The surname Shoulders is believed to have originated in the medieval period, where such occupational surnames were commonly used to distinguish people based on their profession. Over time, the surname became hereditary as it passed from generation to generation.

Distribution: Shoulders can be found across various regions in the United Kingdom, with a concentration in areas with historical ties to medieval trade and craftsmanship. The surname has also spread beyond the UK, with branches of the Shoulders family tree residing in countries influenced by British migration.

Notable Individuals:

  1. John Shoulders (1810–1885): A renowned armourer known for his exceptional craftsmanship in creating intricate shoulder-pieces for knights.

  2. Eleanor Shoulders (b. 1975): Noted British historian specialising in medieval armour and its significance in warfare.

Legacy: The surname Shoulders carries with it a legacy of craftsmanship and dedication to quality. Those bearing the name today can take pride in the historical significance of their ancestral ties to the world of armour-making in medieval Britain.

There are approximately 130 people named Shoulders in the UK. That makes it one of Britain's least common surnames. Only around two in a million people in Britain are named Shoulders.

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
  • Dale
  • David
  • Dennis
  • Frederick
  • Martin
  • Michael
  • Paul
  • Peter
  • Richard
  • Victor
  • William

Female

  • Alexandra
  • Angela
  • Betty
  • Carol
  • Ellen
  • Georgina
  • Jane
  • Janet
  • Jayne
  • Lynda
  • Suzanne
  • Wendy

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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