Surname North - Meaning and Origin
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Q. North
read moreNorth: What does the surname North mean?
The last name North is of English and Scottish origin and it is a topographic name that reflects the geographic location of where someone lived or came from. It was typically given to individuals who lived towards the north side of a settlement, region, or town. Over time, it evolved into a surname carried down generations. North can also possibly be a translation of a surname with a similar meaning from a different language. The name is believed to have derived from the Old English term "norþ," meaning "north." However, like many surnames, the exact origin can be difficult to determine due to historical migrations and the evolution of language. The name carries a sense of direction, strength, and steadfastness, good qualities to be associated with. Notable people with this surname include British philosopher and statesman Roger North, American Civil War general Oliver North, and Hollywood actress North West.
Order DNA origin analysisNorth: Where does the name North come from?
The last name North is most commonly found in the United States. According to the US Census Bureau, North is the 4,630th most common surname in the country, with approximately 38,283 people bearing the name. Most Norths in the US are concentrated in North Carolina, followed by Texas, Pennsylvania, Wisconsin, and Kentucky.
In North Carolina, the surname is even more common, ranking the 148th most popular surname in the state. Other states where North has more than 500 people are Ohio, Indiana, Minnesota, and Louisiana.
The United Kingdom also has a strong presence of Norths. However, North is much less common there, ranking only as the 4,983rd most popular surname in the UK. Scotland, Wales, and England all have a low concentration of the name North, each having fewer than 500 Norths living there.
Outside of the US and the UK, North is also common in Canada, New Zealand, South Africa, and Australia. Of the four, Canada has the highest concentration of Norths, with 387 people living there with the last name.
Overall, North is most predominant in the United States, although it is also common in other areas around the world.
Variations of the surname North
The surnames North and Northe are variants of the same origin. The two are used interchangeably, however the Northe spelling is considered more formal. North is also sometimes spelled Norths, Northeys, or Northell, but it is not as common. Other variations of the name include Norreath, Norther, Northey, Norte, and Nortje.
North is a relatively common surname and it has even been used as a given name. In Dutch, North means “north” and it can also be seen combined with other words such as in the surname Northam.
North is derived from Old English and refers to someone who was born, lived, or worked in a northern part of a town or district. The North family was associated with the village of Northe in East Riding of Yorkshire, England, during the 12th century. The family was notable for producing members of the upper class, including Thomas North who served as a Privy Councillor and Clerk of the Privy Seal to King Henry VII. As a result, many members of the North family moved out of the village to other parts of England in search of bigger and better opportunities.
The North name can also be somewhat linked to Norsemen—Vikings—who invaded Britain, giving it the name Northeim and Northey. During the Norman Conquest of 1066, the North family also had its share of members who fought against the Conquest, such as the Norman knight, Robert de Northeim.
Today, there are many different branches of the North family living all over the world. It is a name that is associated with a rich history.
Famous people with the name North
- Cynthia North, American stuntwoman
- Josh North, Canadian diplomat
- RJ North, British pianist
- Paul North, Canadian rower
- Jordan North, British TV presenter
- John C. North, American educator
- Clive North, Australian actor
- Charlie North, English footballer
- Kerri North, English author
- Ernie North, Canadian boxer
- John William North, British politician
- Robert North, American radio and TV personality
- Rob North, English motorcycle constructor
- Leslie North, English journalist
- Benedict North, American sculptor
- Alexander Daniel North, American actor
- Robert K. North, American singer
- Bruce North, Australian theatrical impresario
- Thomas North, English actor
- Dorothea North, German Nazi concentration camp guard