STIRRUP
Encyclopedia Entry: Stirrup
Overview
Stirrup is a British surname of English origin, derived from the Middle English word "sterop" or "styrip," which itself came from the Old English word "stigra," meaning a mounting block for a horse.
History
The Stirrup surname is believed to have originated in medieval England, possibly as an occupational surname for someone who made or sold stirrups for horses, or for someone who had a connection to horses. In the Middle Ages, horses played a significant role in daily life, transportation, and warfare, making names associated with horsemanship quite common.
Distribution
The surname Stirrup is relatively rare, with most occurrences found in historic English counties such as Lancashire, Cheshire, and Yorkshire. Over time, however, individuals bearing the Stirrup surname have migrated to other parts of the United Kingdom and around the world, contributing to the global spread of the name.
Variants
Surname variants and alternative spellings of Stirrup include Stareop, Sterrup, and Styrrop. These variations may have emerged due to factors such as regional accents, dialects, or changes in spelling conventions over the centuries.
Famous Individuals
Notable individuals with the surname Stirrup include:
- John Stirrup: Example
- Sarah Stirrup: Example
Legacy
Today, individuals with the surname Stirrup can be found across the United Kingdom and in various countries worldwide. The name serves as a reminder of England's equestrian heritage and the importance of horses in shaping the culture and society of the British Isles.
There are approximately 898 people named Stirrup in the UK. That makes it roughly the 8,037th most common surname in Britain. Around 14 in a million people in Britain are named Stirrup.
Typical given names associated with the surname
Male
- Andrew
- Colin
- David
- James
- John
- Matthew
- Michael
- Paul
- Peter
- Robert
- William
Female
- Amanda
- Claire
- Deborah
- Elizabeth
- Helen
- Jane
- Jennifer
- Julie
- Karen
- Louise
- Margaret
- Mary
- Sarah