Street

Street is an English surname of Anglo-Saxon origin, derived from the Middle English word "street" or "stret," meaning a paved road or way. The surname is thought to have originally been used to describe someone who lived near a road or had some association with a main thoroughfare.

Origins

The Street surname is among the oldest in England, with documented instances dating back to the medieval period. It is primarily found in the southern and western regions of England, where ancient roads and streets would have been more common. The name likely originated as a topographic surname for someone living near a prominent street or road.

Variations

Over the centuries, the spelling of the Street surname has evolved, leading to various regional and phonetic variations. Some common variants include Streat, Strete, and Streeter.

Notable Individuals

  • Anthony Street (1802–1888): An English portrait painter known for his detailed and realistic works.
  • Loretta Street (b. 1956): British actress famous for her roles in numerous British television series.
  • William Strete (c. 1310–1361): Medieval Englishman who served as a scholar and professor at the University of Oxford.

Popularity

The Street surname remains relatively common in England and has also spread to other English-speaking countries through immigration and migration. As of recent data, it ranks as the 2,548th most common surname in England.

References

  • Reaney, P. H., & Wilson, R. M. (1997). A Dictionary of English Surnames. Oxford University Press.
  • Hanks, P., Coates, R., & McClure, P. (2016). The Oxford Dictionary of Family Names in Britain and Ireland. Oxford University Press.

The Street surname holds a place of historical significance within British genealogy and continues to be passed down through generations, preserving a connection to the country's ancient roadways and urban landscapes.

There are approximately 12,570 people named Street in the UK. That makes it the 718th most common surname in Britain. Around 193 in a million people in Britain are named Street.

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

  • Andrew
  • Christopher
  • David
  • James
  • John
  • Mark
  • Michael
  • Paul
  • Peter
  • Richard

Female

  • Christine
  • Elizabeth
  • Emma
  • Jane
  • Jennifer
  • Karen
  • Laura
  • Margaret
  • Mary
  • Nicola
  • Rebecca
  • Sarah
  • Susan

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