Origin
Robert : 1: French Walloon English German Dutch Flemish and Breton (of French origin); Hungarian (Róbert): from the ancient Germanic personal name Ro(d)bert (Middle English Robert Old French Ro(d)bert) composed of the elements hrōd ‘fame renown’ + berht ‘bright famous’. This is found occasionally in Anglo-Saxon England before the Conquest but in the main it was introduced into England by the Normans and quickly became popular among all classes of society. Pet forms and diminutives are found from an early date Robin being particularly common. Compare Robair Robar Robare and Rober.2: In some cases also an Americanized form of one or more similar (like-sounding) Jewish surnames.
Aldhouse : variant of Aldous altered by folk etymology by association with the word house. Compare William Aldus 1632 Robert Aldhouse 1719 in IGI (Denton Norfolk).
Amias : 1: from Amiens (Somme in Picardy) the centre of the medieval trade in woad which made a blue dye used by dyers of wool cloth in English towns. In classical sources the place-name is recorded as Samarobriva Ambianorum a Celtic name meaning ‘the bridge over the river Somme’ plus the affix Ambianorum ‘of the Ambiani’ an ethnic name from Celtic ambi(o)- ‘around’ perhaps meaning ‘those on both sides (of the Somme)’ or possibly ‘the people of the world’. The affix in its ablative form Ambiānis has replaced the place-name which it once qualified and is the source of the current name Amiens. In England the name generally appears as Amias as in ‘merchants of Amias’ 1326 in London Letter Books E. 2: from the Middle English personal name Amias a variant of Amis see Ames. Thomas Amyas (1521) of Wethersfield in Essex was no doubt of the same family as Robert Amys Amyse Amyce Ameys (1462–78 in The Essex Review 61). Some of the surname examples listed under (1) with no preposition could also belong here. The two surnames were easily confused.
Annal : 1: probably in many cases a reduced form of Arnald; see Arnold and for the assimilation of -r- to the following -n- and loss of final [d] see Ennals. With the examples cited below compare Bessie Arnald 1571 in IGI (Dunfermline Fife); Isabell Arnell 1681 in IGI (Saint Andrews and Saint Leonards Fife); Thomas Arnold 1626 in IGI (Birmingham Warwicks); Thomas Arnold 1763 in IGI (Well NR Yorks); John Arnold 1585 in IGI (Chichester Sussex); Tho. Arnold 1709 in IGI (Deal Kent). However some of the bearers listed below may belong with (2). 2: alternatively in Warwicks and Kent the name could be a reduced form of Hanwell from Hanwell (Oxon) or Hanwell (Middx). A surname from the Oxon place-name is on record in Oxon and Warwicks since medieval times. Compare John Hanwell 1607 William Anwell 1761 in IGI (Birmingham Warwicks); Robert Hanwell 1573 in IGI (Borden Kent); Sten Handwell 1582 in IGI (Willesborough Kent); Xpo Handwell 1584 in IGI (Staplehurst Kent); Mary Handwell 1600 in IGI (Sandwich Kent); Will'm. Anwell 1629 in IGI (Ashford Kent). However Anwell and Han(d)well may be hypercorrect expansions of Annall from Arnold in (1).
Awdry : 1: from Audrieu (Calvados) which is recorded as Aldreium in 1108. The first known bearer of this name in England William de Aldrie was executed for treason in 1095 and there appears to be no other medieval evidence for the surname in Wilts where William's lands were. Nevertheless the post-medieval evidence for Awdry in Wilts and for Audrey in adjacent counties has been tentatively assigned to this etymology partly because the same surname (and perhaps the same family as William) occurs continuously elsewhere (in Durham from the 12th to the 14th centuries) and partly because a Robert Audrey is recorded in Oxon in 1279. Alternatively the Wilts Berks Oxon and Gloucs surnames derive from the relationship name identified in (2). Odry is an occasional post-medieval variant which as Odery survived sporadically in England until the 1881 census but has now become extinct. 2: from the Middle English female personal name Aldrith which sometimes became Audrey by a 15th-century pronunciation change of /ald/ to /aud/. It derives from one of three Old English female personal names Æðelþrȳð Ælfþrȳð and Ealhþrȳð. The first element in these is æðel ‘noble’ ælf ‘elf sprite’ or ealh ‘shrine temple’ and the second element is þrȳð ‘strength force’. The most popular was Æðelþrȳð commonly latinized as Etheldreda and appearing in various Middle English forms such as Atheldrith(e) Aildrith Aldreth Etheldred and Eldrid(e). It was borne by Saint Etheldred (later known also as Saint Audrey) Queen of Northumbria daughter of Anna king of East Anglia. She was the founder and first abbess of the monastery at Ely in about 672 and her continuing cult after the Norman Conquest was probably responsible for the survival of the personal name well into the 14th century especially in E Anglia. Common Middle English forms like Aldreth and Eldrid probably contributed to Aldred whose main location is E Anglia Eldred which is common in E England and possibly Eldrett. It may be the source of Audrey and Awdry in SW England see (1). 3: from French Auduroy ‘(son) of (someone surnamed) Duroy or Durey’ which itself signified ‘(son) of (someone nicknamed) the king’ (Old French le roi or le rei). Auduroy perhaps through its variant Audurey may have become shortened to Audry and confused with a different surname French Audri from the Old French male personal name Audri Continental Germanic Aldric.
Bauckham : variant of Balcombe a Sussex and Kent surname. The Lincs Bauckhams appear to be descended from Robert Bauckham of Lincs shipwright born in Gravesend (Kent) about 1833 (Census 1881).
Belarmino : Hispanic (Philippines) and Portuguese: from a Christian personal name bestowed in honor of Saint Robert Bellarmine (1542–1621; Roberto Bellarmino in Italian Roberto Belarmino in Spanish and Portuguese) an Italian Jesuit and Doctor of the Church. The name could be a compound of Italian bello ‘beautiful’ and the personal name Armino (see Armin) or eventually a variant of the personal name Beniamino (see Benjamin).
Blant : altered pronunciation of Blunt. Compare John Blant 1610 William Blunt 1626 in IGI (Witherley Leics) and Robert Blount 1624 Elianor Blunt 1699 Ann Blant 1779 in IGI (Elford Staffs).
Bobbitt : English (Suffolk and Somerset): perhaps from an unrecorded Middle English personal name Bobbet which could be a diminutive of Bobbe (see Bubb) or a rhyming form of the Middle English personal name Robet a diminutive of Robert. However Bob is not attested as a pet form of Robert before the 17th century.
Boland : 1: English: habitational name from the district of Bowland (Forest) in North Yorkshire and Lancashire. Robert of Bowland was a member of the garrison of Stirling castle in Scotland in 1339–40 and was presumably a Yorkshireman or a Lancastrian.2: Irish: Anglicized form of Gaelic Ó Beólláin ‘descendant of Beóllán’ an old Irish name of uncertain origin. See Bolan 1.3: Walloon Dutch and German: habitational name from any of several places called Bol(l)and for instance a village in Liège province in Wallonia (Belgium) possibly named for a round piece of land. Compare Bolland.
Brentley : late variant of Brenkley. Compare Robert Brantley 1758 Margaret Brankley 1791 in IGI (Aldbrough ER Yorks); Mary Ann Brenkley 1840 John Brentley 1840 in IGI (Kirkby Ravensworth NR Yorks).
Brushett : apparently from Middle English brushet ‘thicket scrub’ (Anglo-Norman French brusset Old French brocete) for someone who lived by a thicket. However for lack of medieval surname evidence and in view of the Sussex bearers of the name Brychet(t) it may be a variant of Burchett with -r-metathesis. Compare Robert Burchett 1593 in IGI (Rye Sussex) with Brychett in 1523 below but it is unclear if this name migrated west into Dorset with a further alteration to Brushett.
Buckroyd : for someone who lived ‘(at the) clearing frequented by deer’ or at a place so named (Old English bucca ‘buck male deer’ + *rodu ‘clearing’).Redmonds Dictionary of Yorks Surnames citing John Butteroids Bucroyd or Bukroyds 1681–91 and Robert Butroyd or Buckroyds 1717–9 in Parish Registers (Leeds WR Yorks) suggests that Buckroyd is a late variant of Boothroyd but the 1379 form seems to support the etymology proposed above.
Bulpin : for a worker at a bull pen Middle English bul(l)e bole + pin(ne) ‘pen enclosure’. Compare Robert at Bulryng 1381 in Yorks Poll Tax.
Bussey : 1: English (Norfolk of Norman origin): habitational name from any of several places in Normandy France: Boucé in Orne from which came Robert de Buci mentioned in Domesday Book Bouce (Manche) or Bucy-le-Long (Aisne). All are named with a Latin personal name Buccius (presumably a derivative of bucca ‘mouth’) + the locative suffix -acum.2: English: variant of Boosey.3: Americanized form of German Busse.
Buttifant : from Old French buter ‘to strike buffet’ + (en)fant ‘child’. Compare Robert Butevilain ‘beat the rascal’ 1130 in Pipe Rolls (Norfolk); see Butlin.
Camping : variant of Campion. Compare Mary Campion 1684 Robert Camping 1687 in IGI (Dartmouth Devon); John Campion 1729 Richard Camping 1782 in IGI (Lawshall Suffolk); Ann Campion 1757 Will Camping 1760 in IGI (Donington in Holland Lincs); Catharine Camping 1766 John Campion 1770 in IGI (Stamford Lincs).
Campkin : re-modelled form of Campin variant of Campion in imitation of names ending with the hypocoristic suffix -kin. The same change has occurred in the word pumpkin which is an altered form of pumpin a variant of pompion (OED). For the variation in the surname compare Nicolas Campion 1572 Willm. Campkin 1671 in IGI (Ware Herts); Richard Campion 1589 Samuel Campkin 1676 in IGI (Bassingbourn Cambs); George Campion 1605 Frances Campin 1606 Edward Campkin 1705 in IGI (Watton at Stone Herts); Anne Camkin 1674 Grace Campion 1696 in IGI (Potton Beds); James Campin 1695 Robert Campion 1732 Isaac Campkin 1807 in IGI (Orpington Kent).
Campleman : according to Redmonds Dictionary of Yorks Surnames an altered form of Cappleman perhaps influenced by Camplin and its variant Camplejohn. Compare John Campline 1628 Richard Cappleman 1721 in IGI (Lythe NR Yorks); Robert Cappleman William Campleman 1672 in Hearth Tax (Newbegin ward Hull).
Clouder : probably a variant of Clouter with voicing of /t/ to /d/. Compare Robert Clouter 1788 Samuel Clouder 1791 in IGI (Bristol Gloucs).
Cringle : from Knickol a reduced form of Gaelic Mac Niocoil ‘son of Nichol(as)’ (see Nicholl Nicholas). Through dissimilation Knicol locally became Cringal in the Isle of Man. Kneen notes that Ann Knickle wife of Robert Curphey 1786 1790 died in 1812 when she is recorded in the Parish Register as Ann Curphey alias Cringal wife of Robert Curphey.
Crookston : Scottish (Midlothian and Lanarkshire): habitational name according to Black from a place in Renfrewshire which was named as the estate of one Robert Croc. There are other places in the Border and Lothian regions of Scotland with this name from which the surname could have arisen.
Crundwell : variant of Crundell with hypercorrect insertion of /w/. Compare Robert Crundell 1628 in IGI (Penshurst Kent) Thomas Crundall 1654 in IGI (Brenchley Kent) and numerous similar names in the same county as well as Edward Crundell 1791 in IGI (Frant Sussex).
Dafter : apparently from Middle English doughter dohtor douter (Old English dohtor) ‘daughter’ often pronounced in early Modern English as dafter. For the name to be borne by a man such that it became a hereditary surname is surprising though there are occasional instances of men being named in this way (unless they are clerical errors). Compare Robertus ffelisdoghter 1379 in Poll Tax (Wentworth WR Yorks); Johannes Wendoghter 1379 in Poll Tax (Clotherholme with Bishopton WR Yorks); and Ric' doghter Wryght 1379 in Poll Tax (South Elmsall WR Yorks).alternatively Daughter might be a simplified pronunciation of Dawtrey (also spelled Daughtrey) a surname well evidenced in WR Yorks and Sussex where Doughter and Daughter also occur in which case the change to Dafter will have arisen through misinterpretation. Compare Johna Dautre 1541 in IGI (Calne Wilts) Robert Daughtre 1585 in IGI (Edensor Derbys) and George Doughtre 1647 in IGI (Shrewsbury Shrops) any of which might be examples of either name.
Dashwood : apparently a variant of Ashwood with fused French preposition d(e) ‘of’. It may be a late gentrification of the name. Compare Robert Ashwood 1637 in IGI (Saint Giles Cripplegate London) with George Dashwood 1676 in IGI (Saint Giles Cripplegate London) a London merchant for whose son (Robert) the baronetcy of Dashwood was created in 1684. Ashwood is however a W Midlands surname in origin so an alternative origin for Dashwood in S and SW England is perhaps to be sought.
Deaville : English (Staffordshire):: 1: (of Norman origin): habitational name from Déville in Seine-Maritime.2: nickname from Middle English devel ‘devil’ (Old English dēofol). This may have been acquired as a pageant name or as a shortened form of a longer nickname such as that of Robert and William Drepedevel (‘kill the devil’) recorded in the 1301 Subsidy Rolls (Sutton Howgrave in Kirklington North Yorkshire).
Dewer : 1: see Dewar. 2: perhaps from an unrecorded Middle English *dewer ‘dweller at the damp or wet place’ (Middle English *dewe Old English *dīewe + -er). This is a topographic surname of a type that is characteristic of Surrey Sussex and Kent. It is equivalent to atte Dewe ‘at the dewe’ attested in John and Robert atte Dywe 1327 in Subsidy Rolls (Wivelridge and Hope respectively near Rye Sussex) and which probably survives in Dew Farm in Peasmarsh (Sussex).
Dobbin : English: from the Middle English personal name Dobbin a common diminutive of Dobb (see Dobbe) itself a rhyming pet form of Robert. The surname has been in Ireland since the 16th century.
Downman : 1: for someone who lived ‘(by the) down’. Compare Downer. 2: in some instances a late variant of Downham: Robert Downnam or Doneman or Downeman 1579 in Oxford University Register.
Drabble : perhaps from an unattested Middle English personal name *Drabel or *Drabil. It is presumably related to the Old English personal name Drabba which is recorded as the name of a Peterborough festerman in 963–92 (Anglo-Saxon Charters) and which may have survived in the surnames of Robert Drabe 1161 in Pipe Rolls (Lincs) Walter Drabbe merchant 1327 in Subsidy Rolls (Clare Suffolk) and Hillary Drabbe of Saint Ingunger (Lanivet Cornwall) 1433 in TNA. The etymology of Drabba is uncertain but possibly derives from a Germanic root meaning ‘to hew out’; Drabel -il has the Old English diminutive suffix -el.
Drackett : late variant of Draycott. Compare Samuel Draycott 1704 Ann Drackett 1777 Richard Dracott 1780 in IGI (Leicester Leics); Robert Dracott 1821 Robert Drakitt 1823 in IGI (Ordsall Notts).
Duncalf : ‘dark calf’ from Middle English dun(ne) don + calf. Compare Robert Dunnebrid 1183 in Pipe Rolls (Yorks) Thomas Dunfugell 1291 in Assize Rolls (Cheshire) ‘dark bird’; also compare Metcalfe.
Dutchman : 1: from Middle English Ducheman ‘Dutchman German’; compare Dutch. 2: occasionally perhaps an altered form of Ditchman. Compare Mary Ditchman 1715 Robert Dutchman 1729 in IGI (Elsing Norfolk).
Eagle : 1: English: nickname from Middle English egle ‘eagle’ (Old French aigle from Latin aquila).2: English (of Norman origin): habitational name from Laigle in Orne France the name of which ostensibly means ‘the eagle’ although it is possible that the recorded forms result from the operation of early folk etymology on some unknown original. Matilda de Aquila is recorded in 1129 as the widow of Robert Mowbray Earl of Northumberland.3: Americanized form (translation into English) of various European surnames meaning ‘eagle’ for example German and Jewish Adler Polish and Jewish Orzeł (see Orzel) Slovenian Orel.4: Native American: translation into English (and shortening) of a personal name based on a word such as Lakota Sioux waŋbli meaning ‘eagle’. The great cultural significance of the eagle to Native Americans is reflected in their traditional personal names many of which were adopted as surnames (translated into English) e.g. Eagle Man (see Eagleman 1) Red Eagle (see Redeagle) and White Eagle (see Whiteeagle).
Edwicker : apparently from the Middle English personal name Edwaker (Old English Ēadwacer a compound of elements denoting ‘prosperity’ and ‘watchful’) although the time gap between the 14th and the 18th-century evidence is too great to be sure that there is a link beween them.apparently also a variant of Earwaker as illustrated in the following examples: William Edikar 1744 John Earwicker 1782 in IGI (Chalton Hants); Henry Earwaker 1763 Mary Earwicker 1805 William Edwicker 1834 in IGI (Tillington Sussex); Mary Earwaker 1769 Robert Edwaker 1770 in IGI (Up Marden Sussex). Either the two surnames co-existed in E Hants and W Sussex leading to their confusion or perhaps Erriker the common modern pronunciation of Earwaker was heard as Edicker and re-formed in more formal speech as Edwakerand Edwicker.
Extance : variant of the lost Exten with post-medieval excrescent /s/. Exten centred on Heytesbury and Bishopstrow (Wilts) a few miles north of Motcombe and east of Frome and is a variant of Exton; compare Robert Exton 1671 in IGI (Heytesbury Wilts) and Joseph Exten 1696 in IGI (Heytesbury Wilts).
Fairley : 1: Scottish: habitational name from any of several places called from Old English fæger ‘beautiful’ or fearn ‘fern’ + lēah ‘woodland clearing’. Primarily from Fairlie in Ayrshire but perhaps occasionally from other places similarly named such as Fairley (Northumberland) Fairlee in Newport (Isle of Wight) and Fairliehope (Linton Peeblesshire). A Scots family once known as de Ros adopted the name Fairlie when granted lands at Fairlie Ayrshire by Robert the Bruce.2: Irish: variant of Farrelly from Ó Fearghaile.
Ferrier : 1: Scottish and English: occupational name for a smith one who shoed horses from Old French ferrier ‘blacksmith ironworker’ (medieval Latin ferrarius from ferrus ‘horseshoe’ from Latin ferrum ‘iron’). Compare Farrier Farrar.2: Scottish and English: occupational name for a ferryman from Middle English ferier(e) ‘ferryman’. Black reports that lands called Ferrylands in Dumbarton by a ferry across the Clyde belonged to Robert Ferrier in 1512.3: French: occupational name from Old French ferrier ‘blacksmith farrier’ (see 1 above).
Flavell : English:: 1: (of Norman origin): habitational name derived from Flamanville Manche in northwestern France. The manor of Aston Flamville Leicestershire was held by Robert de Flamvile in 1247.2: nickname from Anglo-Norman French flavel ‘rattle clapper (especially one carried by a leper); fan winnowing fan’ perhaps for a leper or for a winnower.3: perhaps a habitational name from Flyford Flavell Worcestershire recorded as Flavel 1190–1428. Flavel is an Anglo-Norman form of the name Flyford that was added to it for distinction from nearby Grafton Flyford. There is no specific evidence to indicate that this placename has contributed to the surname.
Fothergill : English: possibly a habitational name from an altered form of the placename Faggergill in Arkengarthdale North Yorkshire. This is recorded in 1280 as Fagardegile (‘sheep enclosure ravine’?) and was presumably the home of Robert de Fagardgill recorded in 1327. Arkengarthdale in Upper Swaledale is not far from Kirkby Stephen just over the county border in Westmorland where the earliest example of Fothergill (spelled Fothergall) is found in 1379. The long-standing social network that existed between Upper Swaledale and Kirkby Stephen families is illustrated by the marriage in 1663 in Grinton parish church of “William Harrison and Alice Fothergill of Mallerstang in the parish of Kirby Stephen”. If this is the correct origin obscure Fagard- has been replaced by Middle English fother futher ‘cart-load measure of weight used in selling lead’; Upper Swaledale and Arkengarthdale were areas of sheep farming and lead mining during the high Middle Ages and subsequent centuries. However there is no evidence that the placename was ever referred to as Fothergill.
Gigney : perhaps a variant of Gidney (see Gedney) with assimilation of Gidn- to Gign-. Compare Thomas Gegney 1725 Thomas Gidny 1750 in IGI (Blakeney Norfolk). Pronunciation of final -ey as -er in the earliest examples is paralleled in Gidner's Wood in Bayford (Herts) which the editors of Place-Names of Herts p. 215 associate with Robert Gedney (1545).
Goodread : from the Old Scandinavian personal name Guð(f)røðr (Danish Guthfrith) from guð ‘god God’ + frøð- ‘knowledge’ or friðr ‘peace’.possibly in some cases a nickname from Middle English god rede ‘good counsel’. Compare Scottish Meiklereid and Robert Smalred 1176 in Pipe Rolls (Yorks).
Grunnill : 1: in Lincs a metathesized variant of Gurnhill. 2: elsewhere a variant of Greenhill alias Grinnell with substitution of -u- for -i- and occasionally with metathesis of the -r- to give forms like Girnill and Gurnall. Compare Mary Grynell 1614 Sarah Greenhill 1651 Robert Grunell 1657 in IGI (Cranbrook Kent); Mathew Grinill 1630 Henry Girnill 1633 in IGI (Little Shelford Cambs); Millycent Girnill 1681 John Greenhill 1696 in IGI (Pershore Worcs); Thos. Grunnell 1726 Thomas Greenhill 1751 in IGI (Ridge Herts); John Grunnell 1781 John Greenhill 1793 in IGI (Thundridge Herts).
Gurteen : apparently a late variant of Gurton itself a variant of Gretton. Compare Hannah Gurten 1785 in IGI (Little Livermere Suffolk) with the early bearer below and see also Daniel Gurten 1640 Robert Gurton 1645 in IGI (Toppesfield Essex).
Hallpike : of uncertain origin; perhaps from Hallpike a field in Bolton by Bowland (WR Yorks) apparently named with Middle English hall ‘large private residence hall’ + pike ‘pointed hill’ (Old English hall pīc) but the field-name may be derived from the surname and no medieval bearers have been found. Alternatively if the bearers Robert hirlepik' 1298 in Canterbury Cathedral Archives (Coddenham Suffolk) and Thomas Harlepyk 1368 in Suffolk Record Office (Ipswich) (Coddenham Suffolk) are relevant then the name may be from a derivative of Middle English harlen ‘to draw to drive to strike’ + pike ‘pike pickaxe’ perhaps referring to a medieval game involving pikes (compare Hurlbatt) or for someone who used a pike.
Handle : 1: probably from a Middle English rhyming pet form of Randle (see Randall). Compare Hobb and Hick as pet forms of Robert and Richard.perhaps from Middle English handel hondel ‘handle’ in some unascertained application; compare William de Handlesettare 1327 in Subsidy Rolls (Gloucs). 2: anglicized form of Handel.
Harrand : variant of Arrand with prosthetic H-. Compare Richard Arrand 1790 Robert Harrand 1831 in IGI (Epworth Lincs); William Arrand 1863 James Harrand 1870 in IGI (Goole WR Yorks).
Hawney : 1: of uncertain origin but perhaps from Hannah (Lincs); see Hannah (2) and compare Robert Hannie 1598 in IGI (Navenby Lincs) with the bearers below. 2: from Mac Fhachtna see Haughney.
Hay : 1: Scottish and English (northern; of Norman origin): habitational name from any of several places in Normandy called La Haie or La Haye (Old French haie ‘hedge enclosure’ ‘forest for hunting deer and other animals’ a borrowing of the ancient Germanic word haga). Robert de Haia or de la Haye is known to have come from La Haye-du-Puits in Manche; he was the founder of Boxgrove Priory in Sussex (1123) and holder of the Honor of Halnaker (Sussex) and (by marriage) the barony of Kolswein (Lincolnshire). The Norman name was also taken to Ireland where it has since flourished in the county of Wexford as Hay and Hayes. Elsewhere in Ireland the name usually has a native Irish origin see below.2: English: topographic name from Middle English hay(e) heye heghe ‘enclosure’ (Old English (ge)hæg) or ‘forest fenced off for hunting’ (Old French haie); or else a habitational name from a place so called such as Hay (in Herefordshire and Westmorland) or Hey in Scammonden (Yorkshire). It was no doubt sometimes synonymous with Hayward.3: English: nickname for a tall man from Middle English heigh hey high ‘high tall’ (Old English hēah).4: English: from the Middle English personal name Hai(e) either an Anglo-Norman French or a native English name. Old French Hai is recorded in the Latin form Haius in 11th/12th-century Paris and is a pet form of ancient Germanic male names like Hagabert (Old French Haiebert) and Hagabern) which have an element hag- ‘right-handed useful’ as the first element. Alternatively these early surnames may be pet forms of a native Middle English male name like Heymund (Old English Hēahmund) or a female name like Hehild (Old English Hēahhild) which have hēah ‘high’ as the first element. In the late 13th and 14th centuries however it is possible that Hay was a variant of Haw which like Daw and Day was used as a rhyming pet form of Ralph. Compare Dawkins and Dakin and see Haycock.5: Irish: variant of Hayes.6: Spanish: topographic name from haya ‘beech tree’ (ultimately derived from Latin fagus).7: German: occupational name from Middle High German heie ‘guardian custodian’ (see Hayer).8: Dutch: variant of Haye 1. This surname is rare in the Netherlands.9: French: topographic name from the masculine form of Old French haye ‘hedge’ or a habitational name from Les Hays (Jura) or Le Hay (Seine-Maritime).10: Jewish (from the Middle East): from Hebrew ḥay ‘living’ either from a personal name based on this word or a Hebraicized form of some original Ashkenazic surname. Compare Chay and Hai.11: Muslim: from a personal name based on Arabic hayy ‘alive’ (see Hai 1).12: Chinese: variant Romanization of the surname 夏 possibly based on its Teochew or Hokkien pronunciation see Xia.
Hefford : variant of Hayford. This is sometimes a dialect pronunciation of Hawford or Hawforth (see Halford and Alford) as suggested by William Hefford 1610 Elizab Hawford 1617 in IGI (Peatling Magna Leics); Robert Heyford 1627 Nathaniel Halford 1629 Samuell Heferd 1675 Ann Heford 1733 in IGI (Husbands Bosworth Leics); Nathaniel Halford 1702 John Hawford 1706 John Heffer 1719 in IGI (Wellingborough Northants). The variation in the vowel would have arisen from the common change of -aw- to -ay- shortened to -e-.
Hellam : 1: perhaps from Helham Green in Ware (Herts) though medieval forms of this place-name cannot be found and so it is possible that the place takes its name from the surname. If so the surname may be a variant of Hillam; compare Anne Hellam 1551 John Hillam 1560 in IGI (Thorley Herts). 2: variant of Hallam. Compare John Hellam 1764 Robert Hallam 1770 in IGI (Barnard Castle Durham).
Helmn : apparently a variant of Helm; compare Robert Helm 1726 Richard Helmn 1755 in IGI (Goosnargh Lancs); John Helm 1735 William Helmn 1754 in IGI (Whitby NR Yorks); Thomas Helm 1750 Thomas Helmn 1757 in IGI (Bridlington ER Yorks).
Hobbie : Scottish: from a pet form of the personal name Robert (see Hobb).
Hobday : English: apparently meaning ‘Hobb's dairyman’ from the Middle English personal name Hobbe a pet form of Robert (see Hobbs) + Middle English daie ‘man in charge of dairy cattle and other farm stock’ (see Day).
Hobgen : apparently from a compound of two Middle English personal names Hobbe (see Hobb) + John presumably denoting ‘son of Robert son of John’. It is a rare occurrence but is said to be paralleled in the medieval surnames Jakharry and Watfilip cited in Reaney Origin p. 239. However no medieval evidence has yet been found for Hobjohn and -john may be a modern alteration by folk etymology of the Old French hypocoristic suffix -çon (Old Picard and northern Norman French -chon). See (ii).from an unrecorded Middle English *Hobechon a rhyming form of Middle English Robechon (Old Picard Robechon Old French Robeçon) a pet form of Robert. See Rabjohn where the same change of -chon to -john has occurred and compare Hobin (see Hobbin) as a rhyming form of Robin.perhaps a combination of Middle English hobbe and John literally ‘goblin John’. Hob was certainly ‘goblin’ in Sussex as presumably in Hobb’s Arse (now Hobb’s Haste) in Friston.
Hobhouse : from Hobhouse in Drewsteignton (Devon) or from a place named from an expression with the same etymology: ‘Hobbe's house’ or ‘goblin house’ (Middle English hobbe ‘goblin’ from a derivative of the given name Robert or Robin). For such a name compare Johannes Hobbecastel 1379 in Poll Tax (Bremhill Wilts).possibly a nickname from the very variable Middle English hobbe-thurs ‘hobgoblin’. No actual use of the term as a personal nickname has been found. But hobbe-thurs shows up in forms to some extent suggestive of Hobhouse and its variants in the Paston Letters (1489) ‘Mayster Hobbe Hyrste Robyn God-felaws brodyr’ and also in late forms collected by antiquarian writers such as ‘Hob Thrush or ‘Hob o' th' Hurst’’ (1867); and in the name of the Peak District sprite Hob Hurst seen in Hob Hurst's House a Bronze Age barrow on Beeley Moor Peak District near Bakewell (Derbys). Compare perhaps Hopthrow Hoptroff.
Hoblyn : from the Middle English personal name (H)obelin. Usually this is a double diminutive of Hobbe a pet form of Robert (see Hobb) but it might occasionally be a pet form of Osbert or Osbern with loss of s before b. See Osborne and compare Oborne Hobart Hobby and Opie.
Hobrough : apparently a variant of Holbrow. Compare John Compion Holbrow 1763 Robert Hobrow 1822 in IGI (Polstead Suffolk); Richard Hobrough 1823 Richard Holbrough 1827 in IGI (Great Barrington Gloucs).
Hodger : 1: of uncertain origin. Perhaps an altered form of Hodge; compare Phillip Hodge 1615 Phillip Hodger 1616 in IGI (Witheridge Devon); Jonet Hodge 1634 Jonet Hodger 1655 in IGI (Edinburgh Midlothian). 2: apparently sometimes an irregular variant of Hedger. Compare John Hodger 1723 Ann Hedger 1724 in IGI (Shipley Sussex); Elizabeth Hedger 1782 John Hodger 1785 in IGI (Angmering Sussex); Joseph Hedger 1783 Sarah Hodger 1784 in IGI (Worcester Worcs); Robert Hedger Robert Hodger 1786 in IGI (Heyshott Sussex).
Horrobin : derived from a nickname meaning ‘grey Rabin or Robin’ Middle English hor(e) ‘grey’ (Old English hār) + a pet form of Robert. Compare Jolyrobin 1332 in Subsidy Rolls (Cumb); Agnes Greyadam 1297 in Earldom of Cornwall Accounts.
Ibell : from the Middle English female personal name Ibel a pet form of Isabel. Compare Ibbs and John Ibelsone 1381 in Subsidy Rolls (Staffs).perhaps occasionally a locative name as with Robert de Ibole 1314 Nicholas de Ibull 1387 in Patent Rolls (Derbys) but no early Derbys connection has been established with the modern name.
Innerd : perhaps a variant of Inward assuming that Innerd is concentrated in Northumb as a result of migration. Compare Robert Inward 1623 Robert Innard 1627 in IGI (Little Horwood Bucks); John Inward 1736 John Innard 1741 in IGI (Wheathampstead Herts); Ellexander Inard 1746 Eleksander Inward 1747 Mary Innard 1755 in IGI (Hunton Hants).
Juggins : from the personal names Jekun Jukin Jokin diminutives of Jok or Juk a pet form of Breton Judicael with its variants Juk- Jok- Jek- Gik-. Compare Thomas Juket 1296 John Joket 1332 in Subsidy Rolls (Sussex). See also Jeckell Jukes. Jowkyn suggests also a derivation direct from Jull; compare Robert Julkynesone 1332 in Subsidy Rolls (Sussex) in which case see also Jowett.
Leffingwell : English: habitational name from Leppingwells in Essex which is recorded as Leffingwelles in 1561 and owed its name to the possessions there of the family of Robert de Leffeldewelle (1302) who is called Leffingwell in an Elizabethan transcript of the Court Rolls.
Lepingwell : from Leppingwells in Little Maplestead (Essex) which is recorded as Leffingwelles in 1561 and owed its name to the possessions there of the family of Robert de Leffeldewelle (1302) who is called Leffingwell in an Elizabethan transcript of the Court Rolls. The family Leffingwell in the 15th century and Leppingwell in the 16th took its name from a lost place recorded as Liffildeuuella in 1086 (from the Old English personal name Lēofhild + Old English wella ‘well spring stream’) which may survive in a corrupt form in Levit's Corner in Pebmarsh (Essex) into which their possessions extended.
Luard : 1: from the Middle English personal name Leward (Old English Lēofweard from lēof ‘dear beloved’ + weard ‘guardian’). The post-medieval examples may belong under (2). 2: from the French personal name Louard (from Continental Germanic Hlodward itself from *hlōd- fame + *ward- ‘guardian’). The name was reintroduced to England by a Huguenot from Caen Robert Abraham Luard who became the ancestor of the Luards of Essex and Lincs (according to Lower).
Lumsdale : altered form of Lumsden. Compare George Lumsdale 1630 Robt Lumsden 1634 in IGI (Newcastle upon Tyne Northumb); Thomas Lumsden 1648 Robert Lumsdale 1669 in IGI (Gateshead Durham); Margaret Lumsden 1652 Margaret Lumsdail 1688 Marion Lumsdean 1690 in IGI (Kelso Roxburghs); Jean Lumsdale 1670 Jean Lumsden 1672 in IGI (Prestonpans E Lothian).
Makeham : possibly an altered form of Markham. Compare Robert Markham 1702 Robert Makeham 1728 in IGI (Wellingborough Northants).
Mallett : 1: English: from the Middle English female personal name Malot more rarely Malet a pet form of Mall Mald (i.e. Maud Matilda) + the diminutive suffix -ot or -et. In post-medieval forms of the surname final -ot was generally altered to -et(t). Though there are alternative Norman origins (see below) this is the usual source of the English surname.2: English: of Norman origin a nickname from Old French maillet ‘hammer’ (see Maillet compare Mallet 4) used as a battle weapon. Robert Malet lord of the Honour of Eye (Suffolk) in 1086 was the son of William Malet of Graville-Sainte-Honorine (Seine-Maritime). The latter is referred to as Gulielmo agnomine Mal(l)eto ‘William surnamed Mal(l)et’ in the late 11th-century Gesta Guillelmi of William of Poitiers and the early 12th-century Historia Ecclesia of Orderic Vitalis. According to tradition this surname arose because of William's reputation for bludgeoning his enemies in battle (cum) malleo ‘with the hammer’. The story may be true or it may have been invented to explain the name in which case see 3 below for an alternative etymology.3: English: of Norman origin from the Old French personal name Malet a pet form of Malo. Compare Mallet 2.4: English: of Norman origin a nickname from old French maleit ‘accursed’ (see Mallet 1).5: English: possibly a post-medieval variant of Mallard or Maillard.6: Altered form of French Mallet. Compare Mallette.
Mapleston : variant of Mapleson with intrusive -t-. Compare Margareta Mapleson 1563 Ann Mapleston 1694 Fisher Maplestone 1699 in IGI (Fleet Lincs); Henry Mapleson 1634 Robert Mapleston 1677 Wm. Maplestone 1696 in IGI (Sibsey Lincs); John Mapleson 1666 John Mapleston 1694 in IGI (Frampton Lincs).
Marchbanks : Scottish: variant of Marjoribanks a habitational name from Marjoribanks in Dumfriesshire. Marjoribanks was adopted by a branch of the Johnston family tenants of the Bruce lords of Annandale. Following the acquisition of lands in the barony of Ratho (Midlothian) by Thomas Marjoribanks legend developed that the name came from lands granted by Robert Bruce as a marriage portion to his daughter Marjorie (see Margeson) on her marriage in 1316 to Walter High Steward of Scotland ancestor of the royal house of Stewart (Burke).
Maskell : English: variant of Marshall derived from Middle English Old French maresc(h)al ‘marshal’. The first element in the placename Mascallsbury (Essex) derives from the surname of a 13th-century individual named Robert le Marescal.
Maude : English (of Norman origin):: 1: habitational name from Mold in Flintshire Wales which name derives from Anglo-Norman French mont haut ‘high hill’ (Latinised as mons altus) the Norman name for Bailey Hill on which the castle stood. The name de Montalt de Mohaut was borne by an Anglo-Norman aristocratic family who acted as castle wardens there but who had their chief seat in Riddlesden in Yorkshire where the surname proliferated as Mawhood and Maude. In the 17th century one branch of the family acquired lands in Ireland. The Maude baronetcy of Dundrum Tipperary was created in 1705 for Robert Maude. His son Cornwallis Maude Baron de Montalt was created first Viscount Hawarden in 1793. Mowatt is the Scottish form of the name from a different branch of the same family.2: occasionally from Middle English and Norman French female personal name Mahald or Maud which are Old French forms of ancient Germanic Mahthild (Latinised as Matilda) composed of the Germanic elements maht ‘might power’ + hild ‘battle’. This personal name partly owed its great popularity among Normans in England to the fact that it was the name of the wife (c. 1031–83) of William the Conqueror. Surnames derived from this personal name are found in many forms and spellings for example Mould and Moll">Moll.
McRobb : from Mac Robb ‘son of Robb’ a pet from of Robert.
Meekley : variant of Mickley. Compare Robert Mickley 1679 William Meekely 1702 in IGI (Graveley Herts); William Meekley 1774 William Mickley 1776 in IGI (Nottingham Notts).
Mesher : perhaps a variant of Messer. Compare John Messer 1680 William Measher 1688 Moses Meser 1764 in IGI (Ringwood Hants) and Betty Messer 1763 Charles Mesher 1766 in IGI (West Parley Dorset).alternatively a variant of Meacher a Dorset and Hants surname. Development of [ʧ] to [ʃ] and [s] in Mesher Measer and Measor is irregular but could have been influenced by confusion with the name in (i). Compare Robert Metyard 1653 in IGI (Ringwood Hants) with the examples cited in (i).
Mowbray : English (northern; of Norman origin): habitational name from Montbray (Manche). Robert de Mowbray was Earl of Northumbria 1086–95 but was later imprisoned and deposed for rebelling against William II.
Nobb : from the Middle English male personal name Nobb a rhymed pet form of Rob (i.e. Robert).
Nobbe : 2: English: variant of Nobb from the Middle English male personal name Nobb a rhymed pet form of Rob (i.e. Robert). This surname is very rare in Britain.1: North German and Dutch: from a short form of an ancient Germanic personal name formed with nōd ‘distress force’.
Pamment : probably a reduced form of Pammenter (see Parmenter). Compare Anne Pamont 1605 Robert Pammont 1668 Elizabeth Parmenter 1731 Loisa Pammenter 1794 in IGI (Horseheath Cambs); Sarah Parmenter 1735 James Pamment 1752 in IGI (Sudbury Suffolk).
Penty : of uncertain origin. Redmonds Dictionary of Yorks Surnames suggests it may be a reduced form of Penteth itself perhaps an altered form of Penketh. Compare Robert Pentyth 1423 in York Freemen's Register.
Pistor : variant of Pester influenced perhaps by Latin pistor ‘baker’.a 16th-century translation of Baker following the continental fashion for dignifying a vernacular surname by giving it a learned Latin form. Compare Robert Baker 1590 in IGI (Saint Botolph without Aldgate London) Abraham Baker 1620 in IGI (Croydon Surrey) Thomas Baker 1652 in IGI (Coleby Lincs) George Baker 1739 in IGI (Blankney Lincs) and Thomas Baker 1765 in IGI (Metheringham Lincs) with the 1595 1599 1600 1620 and 1659 bearers. See also Pictor and Tector.
Pontifex : perhaps a humanist adoption for Bishop from Latin pontifex. Compare Robert Bisshop 1307 in Subsidy Rolls (Cheshunt Herts) with the 1600 bearer below. For humanist translations of vernacular surnames into Latin see Armiger Faber and Pictor.
Poundall : variant of Pownall with an intrusive [d]. Compare Nathanaell Pownall 1582 Philemon Poundall 1586 in IGI (Cranbrook Kent); Edward Pownall 1620 Elizabeth Poundall 1790 in IGI (Duffield Derbys).The name may also have been derived from altered to or confused with Pounder with interchange of [l] and [r]. Compare Robert Pounder 1634 Samuel Pounder 1790 Elizabeth Poundall 1790 in IGI (Duffield Derbys); Thos. Poundall 1773 Benjamin Pounder 1792 in IGI (Wirksworth Derbys); Benjamin Poundell 1807 Samuel Pounder 1816 in IGI (Crich Derbys).
Powsey : variant of Posey itself a late variant perhaps of the Middle English surname Pos(s)e.variant pronunciation of Poser. This name and that in (i) were perhaps confused as illustrated in Katherin Posse 1579 Katherine Posyer 1581 in IGI (Cranbrook Kent) and Mercy Posier 1601 Frances Posse 1681 Robert Possee 1827 in IGI (Marden Kent).
Pursglove : probably from a name such as Purslow but misunderstood or reinterpreted as Middle English purs(e) ‘purse bag pouch’ + glove glof(e) ‘glove’. For a similar reinterpretation compare Robert Proudglove 1344 in Patent Rolls apparently for either Proudlove or Prudhoe.
Ramwell : 1: perhaps a variant of Ranwell. 2: perhaps a variant of Rammell as a variant of Rathmell. See Redmonds Dictionary of Yorks Surnames and compare Rich. Ramwell 1763 Robert Rammell 1771 in IGI (Turton Lancs); John Ramwel 1732 John Rammel 1760 in IGI (Bolton Lancs).
Rapsey : perhaps from a diminutive of the Middle English personal name Rab for Rob a pet form of Robert (compare Rapson); but note also Rabsey as a recorded female given name.
Rishton : see Rushton. Aleander Rishton 1560 in IGI (Great Harwood Lancs); Anna Rishton 1598 Elizabeth Rushton 1635 in IGI (Altham Lancs); Robert Rishton 1603 James Rushton 1627 Robert Riston 1757 in IGI (Colne Lancs).
Robertson : 1: Scottish and English: patronymic from the Middle English Norman French and Older Scots personal name Robert + -son. This surname is especially common in Scotland where Robert was a popular personal name and the name of three kings of Scotland including Robert the Bruce (1274–1329).2: Americanized form (and a rare Swedish variant) of Swedish Robertsson: patronymic from the personal name Robert.3: Americanized form of Norwegian and Danish Robertsen a cognate of 1 above.
Ross : 1: Scottish: habitational name from one or other of a number of Scottish and English places called Ross or Roos(e) especially Roose (Lancashire) and Roos (East Yorkshire). The placenames derive from a British ancestor of Welsh rhos ‘moor heath plain’ which is the sense of the cognate Gaelic word ros. The Scottish surname has at least three origins. First the Anglo-Norman family from Roos (East Yorkshire) was introduced to Scotland when Robert of Roos lord of Wark Castle (Northumberland) married Isabella an illegitimate daughter of King William the Lion. Second various families took the name from the province of Ross in northern Scotland and other places of that name. Third there were Norman families in Scotland by the 13th century who probably derived their name from Rots in Normandy (see 2 below). The descendants of Godfrey de Ros tenant of the de Morville lords of Cunninghame were major landholders in Ayrshire and almost certainly took their name from Rots. The Rose family of Kilravock (Nairnshire) may take their name from either of these three (see Rose). The lairds of Balnagown adopted the surname Ross after the earldom of Ross (to which they considered themselves rightful heirs) had passed into other hands through the female line.2: English (of Norman origin): habitational name from Rots in Calvados (France) probably named with the ancient Germanic element rod ‘clearing’ (compare Rhodes). This was the original home of a family de Ros who were established in Kent in 1130 and had major estates in Kent until well into the 13th century.3: English: habitational name from Wrose in Shipley near Bradford (Yorkshire) with re-spelling of Wr- as R- due to the loss of /w/ before /r/ in early modern English pronunciation. The spelling Wrose is no longer current. The placename derives from Old English wrāse ‘knot something twisted’ referring to the steep-sided hill on which the settlement stands with the sense ‘broken or twisting hill’.4: English and German: from the ancient Germanic personal name Rozzo a short form of various compound names with the first element hrōd ‘fame renown’ introduced into England by the Normans in the form Roce Rosce Rozo. Compare Rossell.5: Cornish: habitational name from one or other of a number of minor places in Cornwall called Rose Roose or Rowse (see Rouse) named with Middle Cornish ros ‘promontory hill spur moor’.6: German and Jewish (Ashkenazic): metonymic occupational name for a breeder or keeper of horses from Middle High German ros German Ross ‘horse’; perhaps also a nickname for someone thought to resemble a horse or a topographic or habitational name referring to a house distinguished by the sign of a horse.7: Americanized form of Jewish Rose 9.
Ruler : variant of Rowley (or Rooley) with -ley pronounced -ler as in some other northern surnames such as Huller for Hulley. Compare Wm. Rowley 1752 William Ruler 1766 in IGI (Riccall ER Yorks); Abraham Rooley 1747 John Rooller 1773 John Rowley 1776 in IGI (Campsall WR Yorks); Mary Rowler 1774 George Ruler 1776 Samuel Rouley 1779 in IGI (Snaith WR Yorks); John Ruler 1776 Robert Rowley 1785 in IGI (Hatfield WR Yorks); Hannah Rowley 1788 William Ruler 1791 in IGI (Whitkirk WR Yorks); William Roolah 1797 Ann Rooley 1802 in IGI (Hemsworth WR Yorks). This variant seems mostly to belong to the name from Rowley near Bardsey (WR Yorks) which is not far from Riccall and Skipwith but the Surrey example below is from Rowly (Surrey) about five miles from Shalford.
Secular : from Middle English seculer(e) Old French seculier Medieval Latin secularis denoting a secular priest or a member of the laity as opposed to the clergy. Robert Seclermunck' 1301 in Subsidy Rolls (Yorks) was presumably a clerk living in the world as opposed to living under a monastic rule.
Senington : from Sevenhampton (Gloucs) which is recorded as Sevenhamtone in 1086 and Senhampton alias Sennyngton in 1575 and perhaps also from other places with names of the same origin such as Sevenhampton in Highworth (Wilts) which is recorded as Suvenhamtone in 1211 Senhampton in 1330 and Sennington in 1608 Sevington in Leigh Delamere (also Wilts) recorded as Sevenhamton in 1281 Seavington (Somerset) recorded as Seofenempton in about 1025 and Sevenehantune in 1086 and a lost Sevenhampton in Astley (Worcs) recorded as Sevinhampton in 1255. The place-names all mean ‘village of seven homesteads’ deriving from Old English seofon ‘seven’ + hām-tūn ‘home farm enclosure in which a homestead stands’.[... de] Seuehampton 1221 in Place-Names of Gloucs (Gloucs); William de Seveshampton 1327 in Subsidy Rolls (Sevenhampton Gloucs); Johanne de Sevenhampton 1327 in Subsidy Rolls (Astley Worcs); Roberto de Sevenhamton 1327 in Subsidy Rolls (Claines Worcs); John de Sevenhampton 1328 in Feet of Fines (Gloucs); Walter de Seuenhampton' clerk 1361 in Feet of Fines (Hants); Henry Sennington 1772 in Parish Registers (Bicknoller Somerset); Robert Sennington tiler and plasterer 1802 in TNA (Clifton Gloucs); Saml Senington 1804 in IGI (Clifton Gloucs).
Sinfield : see Shingfield and compare Robert Sinfield 1719 Richd Shinfield 1721 in IGI (Streatley Beds).
Smallpage : apparently from Middle English litel ‘little’ + page ‘boy servant’ for a small boy or servant synonymous with Littlepage. However as Redmonds notes there is no medieval evidence for this Yorks and Lancs name and it may in fact be an altered form by folk etymology of the extinct name Smallpace attested in Roger Smalpas 1295–96 Robert Smalpas 1313–14 in Bolton Priory Compotus (Bolton Abbey WR Yorks). The name denotes someone with a small step (Middle English smal + pas) synonymous with the extinct Anglo-Norman French name Petipas.
Spencer : English (Lancashire and Yorkshire): occupational name for someone who dispensed provisions or money from Middle English spenser(e) spencer(e) ‘household steward butler almoner’ (Anglo-Norman French espenser Old French despensier). Compare Spence and Spender. There is some dispute about the origins of the Spencer family whose most famous member in recent times was the late Princess of Wales born Lady Diana Spencer (1961–97). Some sources say that they are descended from William the Conqueror's steward Robert Despencer. What is clear is that by the 15th century they had become prosperous from sheep farming in Northamptonshire. Robert Spencer (died 1627) was said to be the wealthiest man in England. Their titles have included Earls of Sunderland and Earls Spencer; and through the female line the 5th Earl of Sunderland also became Duke of Marlborough in 1733. This connection was the result of the marriage in 1700 of the 3rd Duke of Sunderland to the daughter of John Churchill 1st Duke of Marlborough. The youngest son of this union John Spencer (1708–46) was the father of the 1st Earl Spencer (1734–83).
Spendley : variant of Spendlow see Spendlove. For the change in pronunciation compare Henry Spendelowe 1309 in Subsidy Rolls (Beds) with William Spendley 1569 William Spenley 1575 in IGI (Bedford Beds). Redmonds Dictionary of Yorks Surnames similarly compares Walter Spendeluf 1415 Walter Spenlowe 1433 in York Guild Register with Elizabeth Spendlay 1522 in York Guild Register; and Robert Spendlove 1301 in Subsidy Rolls (Boltby NR Yorks) with Thomas Spenley 1557 in York Registry Wills (Thornton in Pickering Lythe NR Yorks). The name was once particularly common in Lincs where it mainly occurs as Spindley in 1881.
Spurden : variant of Spurdens with loss of final s-. Compare Mary Spurdens 1695 Robert Spurden 1725 in IGI (Diss Norfolk).
Suddens : variant of Sudden with post-medieval excrescent -s. There may have been some confusion with Sutherst; note Robert Suddens alias Suthurst Southurst or Sutcliffe 1766 in Lancs Record Office (Lancs).
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Source : DAFN2 : Dictionary of American Family Names 2nd edition, ©2022 by Patrick Hanks and Oxford University Press
FANBI : The Oxford Dictionary if Family Names in Britain and Ireland, ©2016, University of the West of England
FANBI : The Concise Oxford Dictionary of Family Names in Britain, ©2021, University of the West of England
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