THORPE
British Surname: Thorpe
Origin of the Name: Thorpe is a British surname of Old Norse origin. It is derived from the Old Norse word "þorp" which means village or hamlet. The name was initially used as a topographic name for someone who lived in or near a village.
Historical Significance: The surname Thorpe has a long history in England, and it is believed to have originated in the Anglo-Saxon period. People bearing this surname were commonly found in various parts of England, particularly in the East Anglia region.
Distribution and Popularity: The surname Thorpe is relatively common in England and other English-speaking countries. It has spread beyond its English origins to be found in other parts of the world due to migration and colonization.
Famous Individuals:
- Jim Thorpe (1888-1953): An American athlete and Olympic gold medalist known for his achievements in track and field, football, and baseball.
- Jeremy Thorpe (1929-2014): A British politician who served as the leader of the Liberal Party in the UK.
Variants and Derivatives: Variants of the surname Thorpe include Thorp, Thorpp, and Torp. These variations may be found in different regions and periods of history.
Coat of Arms: The Thorpe family coat of arms typically features traditional heraldic symbols such as shields, crests, and mottoes. These symbols may vary depending on the specific lineage of the family.
Modern Usage: In modern times, the surname Thorpe continues to be used as a family name by individuals around the world. It is a reminder of the rich history and cultural heritage of the British Isles.
References:
- Reaney, P.H., and Wilson, R.M. A Dictionary of English Surnames. Oxford University Press, 1997.
- Hanks, P., and Hodges, F. A Dictionary of Surnames. Oxford University Press, 1988.
There are approximately 24,014 people named Thorpe in the UK. That makes it the 344th most common surname in Britain. Around 369 in a million people in Britain are named Thorpe.
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
Typical given names associated with the surname
Male
- Andrew
- Christopher
- David
- James
- John
- Michael
- Peter
- Richard
- Robert
- Stephen
Female
- Angela
- Emma
- Jean
- Julie
- Karen
- Margaret
- Mary
- 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.