Southey

Origin

Southey is a surname of English origin, derived from the Old English word "sūth", meaning 'south', and the word "ē ġe", which means 'district'. Thus, the name could have possibly originated from someone living or originating from the southern district.

History

The Southey surname has a long history dating back to medieval times in England. The name has been recorded in various regions across the country. Famous bearers of the surname include the renowned English poet Robert Southey (1774–1843), who was appointed Poet Laureate in 1813.

Distribution

The distribution of the Southey surname has been predominantly found in England, particularly in regions such as the West Country. Over time, individuals with the Southey surname have migrated to other English-speaking countries, such as Australia, Canada, and the United States.

Notable Individuals

  • Robert Southey (1774–1843): An acclaimed English poet and historian who served as Poet Laureate from 1813 until his death.
  • Richard Southey (1919–2008): A British Royal Navy officer who served during World War II and later became the Commander-in-Chief Fleet of the Royal Navy.

There are approximately 865 people named Southey in the UK. That makes it roughly the 8,270th most common surname in Britain. Around 13 in a million people in Britain are named Southey.

Typical given names associated with the surname

Male

  • Andrew
  • Darren
  • David
  • Ian
  • John
  • Matthew
  • Michael
  • Paul
  • Peter
  • Philip
  • Robert
  • Tom

Female

  • Amanda
  • Anna
  • Christine
  • Elizabeth
  • Emma
  • Jean
  • Margaret
  • Nicola
  • 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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