SLADE
Slade is a surname of purely English origin, recorded as early as the mid‑thirteenth century. The name derives from the Old English word slæd, meaning a valley or a dell, and is therefore primarily a topographic designation. It would have been applied to a person living in or near a valley, or occasionally to someone associated with a valley in a figurative sense, such as being sheltered or secluded.
In addition to its valley interpretation, the same word has been used in the south of England to describe a strip of agricultural land set aside within a woodland. A person who worked on or lived in such an area could be described as a slader, a variant form that may have contributed to the formation of the surname.
Some instances of the name show a locational origin from placenames called Slade or Slad in Devonshire, Somerset, or Gloucestershire. Here the surname would have been taken by individuals who came to another area from one of those villages, identifying them as “of Slade.”
Historical records provide specific examples of bearers of the name. In 1306 the charter rolls of Middlesex record a Reginald atte Slade; in 1327 the Suffolk rolls mention a Walter in the Slade. Church registers further document marriages, such as Joan Slader's wedding to Thomas Mitchell at St Clements Church in Hastings on 3 December 1570, and Roger Slade's marriage to Joyse Lapyngton at St Margaret's in Westminster on 3 October 1574. Other entries list Alice Slade, who married Thomas Kynnaston on 23 November 1579 at St Peter's in Cornhill, and Philadelphia Slader, who married Edward Salmon at St Gregory's near St Paul's on 23 May 1606.
The earliest extant spelling of the family name appears to be that of Sabern de la Slade, dated 1255. He was a witness at the assize court of Essex during the reign of King Henry I I, a period historically referred to as "The Frenchman" (1169 – 1272). This record confirms not only the medieval presence of the surname but also its engagement in the legal and civic life of England.
Thus, the surname Slade has a well documented history rooted in England's geography and society. Its meaning, linked to valleys or woodland strips, and its appearance in diverse historical documents testify to its longevity and significance within the British Isles.
Typical given names associated with the Slade surname
Male
- Andrew
- Christopher
- David
- James
- John
- Mark
- Michael
- Paul
- Peter
- Richard
Female
- Elizabeth
- Emma
- Jane
- Julie
- Karen
- Margaret
- Mary
- Nicola
- Patricia
- Rebecca
- Sarah
- Susan
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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Did you know?
According to a survey carried out by Democracy Club, politicians and candidates with the surname Slade are most likely to say that their favourite biscuit is a Chocolate covered ginger nut.
There are approximately 10,480 people named Slade in the UK. That makes it the 885th most common surname in Britain. Around 161 in a million people in Britain are named Slade.
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
Famous people named Slade
- Chris Slade - Welsh rock drummer
- Henry Slade - Rugby union player
- David Slade - Film and television director
- Russell Slade - Football manager
- Heather Slade-Lipkin - Musician (1947 to 2017)
- Julian Slade - Musician (1930 to 2006)
- Ben Slade - Educator, education commentator and former children's TV presenter
- Edmond Slade - Royal Navy admiral (1859 to 1928)
- Adrian Slade - Politician
- Steve Slade - Football player
- Charlie Slade - Football player and manager (1891 to 1971)
- William Slade - Tug of war competitor (1873 to 1941)
- Sir John Slade, 1st Baronet - General (1762 to 1859)
- Ian Slade - Welsh lawn and indoor bowler
- Felix Slade - Art collector (1788 to 1868)
- Donald Slade - Football player (1888 to 1980)
- Doug Slade - Cricketer
- Elizabeth Slade - High Court judge
- Marcus Slade - Army general (1801 to 1872)
- Billy Slade - Cricketer
Names and descriptions courtesy of Wikipedia, and may contain errors. This is not intended to be an exhaustive list of every famous person with this name.