Sturge

Sturge is an English surname of medieval origins, believed to be of Anglo-Saxon descent. The name is derived from the Old English personal name "Stubbe," meaning "stump," and the word "erg," meaning "hut" or "shelter." The combination likely denoted someone who lived near a shelter or simple dwelling.

The first recorded instance of the Sturge surname dates back to the early 13th century in Norfolk, England. Over the centuries, the surname has spread across the British Isles and beyond, with notable concentrations in regions such as Yorkshire, Devon, and Gloucestershire.

Individuals bearing the surname Sturge have been involved in a variety of professions and endeavours throughout history, including farming, trade, military service, and academia. A prominent figure associated with the name is Joseph Sturge (1793–1859), a British Quaker and abolitionist who played a key role in the movement to end slavery in the British Empire.

Today, the Sturge surname continues to be found in England and other English-speaking countries, carried by individuals with diverse backgrounds and occupations. Notable modern-day bearers of the name have made contributions to fields such as medicine, politics, and the arts.

There are approximately 505 people named Sturge in the UK. That makes it one of Britain's least common surnames. Only around eight in a million people in Britain are named Sturge.

Typical given names associated with the surname

Male

  • Andrew
  • Anthony
  • David
  • John
  • Joseph
  • Mark
  • Michael
  • Nicholas
  • Paul
  • Peter
  • Shaun
  • Thomas

Female

  • Alison
  • Brenda
  • Claire
  • Deborah
  • Ep
  • Helen
  • Jean
  • Julie
  • Katharine
  • Kathryn
  • Rebecca
  • Sandra

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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