Last Name Armitage

The last name "Armitage" is of English origin. It is derived from a place name referring to a village called "Armetage" or "Hermatige" in West Yorkshire, England. The name is believed to have Old Norse roots, with "armr" meaning "arm" and "tún" meaning "enclosure" or "farmstead." Over time, the spelling of the name evolved to "Armitage." The surname "Armitage" is relatively common in the United Kingdom and can be found in various English-speaking countries.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Armitage

The meaning and origin of the last name Armitage

The surname Armitage is of English origin and has several possible meanings. The most common interpretation suggests that it is a locational surname derived from the combination of the Old English elements "eorð," meaning "earth" or "land," and "hecg," meaning "edge" or "border." This combination, "eorðhecg," refers to a dwelling or settlement located on the edge or border of a cultivated area or close to a plowed field. Over time, "eorðhecg" evolved into "Armitage" through linguistic changes.

Another possible origin of the surname Armitage is derived from the Old Norse name "Ormarr." In this case, "Armitage" would be a patronymic surname, meaning "son of Ormarr." However, this origin is less common than the locational one.

The Armitage surname has a long history in England and can be traced back to the medieval era. It is most commonly found in the West Yorkshire region, particularly around Huddersfield. Some notable individuals with the last name Armitage include the poet Sir Simon Armitage and the actor Richard Armitage.

Geographical distribution of the last name Armitage

The last name Armitage has a varied geographical distribution, with its origins primarily in England. It is a surname of English origin that can be traced back to Yorkshire and the surrounding areas. Armitage is derived from the Old French word "hermitage," meaning a hermit's dwelling or a secluded place. This suggests that the name may have been associated with individuals who lived near or in hermitages during medieval times. Today, the surname can still be found predominantly in England, particularly in regions like West Yorkshire, East Riding of Yorkshire, and Lancashire. However, due to migration and global dispersal, Armitage can also be found in other parts of the world, including the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. The name's presence in these countries is likely a result of English settlers and their descendants who carried the surname with them as they moved to new territories over the centuries.

Variants and spellings of the last name Armitage

The last name Armitage can have a few variations and alternate spellings. Some of the variations include Armitige, Armitag, Armaitage, Armitagee, and Armatage. These variations might have originated from different regions or due to changes in pronunciation or spelling over time. It is not uncommon for surnames to have different spellings, especially when records were not meticulously maintained in earlier centuries. These variations could also be a result of migration or individuals modifying the spelling to suit their personal preference. However, despite the different spellings, individuals with these variations still share the same general origin and history associated with the Armitage name. It is worth noting that the exact variations of a last name may vary depending on historical records, personal records, and individual family traditions.

Famous people with the last name Armitage

One famous Armitage is Richard Armitage, a renowned British actor known for his roles in both television and film. He gained immense popularity for his portrayal of the character Thorin Oakenshield in Peter Jackson's "The Hobbit" trilogy. Armitage has also displayed his acting skills in acclaimed television series such as "North and South" and the spy drama "Spooks." Another notable figure with the last name Armitage is Dame Margaret Armitage, an esteemed British art historian and curator. She is widely respected for her extensive knowledge and contributions to the field of art, specializing in British art of the 19th and 20th centuries. Her expertise has led her to curate numerous exhibitions and write several influential books on art history. Both Richard Armitage and Dame Margaret Armitage have made significant contributions to their respective industries, leaving an indelible mark on the world.

Genealogical research on the last name Armitage

The Armitage surname has deep roots with origins in England. It is believed to have derived from a place name, Armitage, a village in Staffordshire, England. In Old English, the name was pronounced as "Eormod's enclosure," suggesting that it may have been the dwelling place of an individual named Eormod. The Armitage family can be traced back to the medieval era, as they were recorded in various historical documents. They were landowners and prominent members of their local communities. Over time, the Armitage surname spread beyond its place of origin, and descendants of the family migrated to other parts of England and eventually to different corners of the world. Today, individuals with the last name Armitage can be found in various countries, with a notable presence in the United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, and the United States, where they have continued to preserve the family name and its historical heritage.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Armitage"
• Global distribution of the surname on Forebears.io
• Wikipedia Article

About the author :

NomOrigine Team
Passionate about genealogy, name history, and linguistics, we have been analyzing the origins of names for over 3 years. Our content is based on verified historical, etymological, and statistical data.
Last updated : 11 April 2025

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