The surname Etheredge is of English origin and is derived from a place name. It is believed to have originated from the town of Etheridge in Somerset or Etherington in Lancashire, England. These names are derived from the Old English "eáther," meaning "at the ether's (or water's) edge," and "-ing" which meant "homestead at." Over time, various spellings of the name emerged due to regional dialects and changes in recording methods, such as Etheredge, Etherington, Etheredg, Etheridge, Ethridge, and others.
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The meaning and origin of the last name Etheredge
The surname Etheredge is of English origin, derived from the Old English elements "eþor" meaning "eather" or "hedge," and "hyrce" meaning "enclosure" or "hedge." It originally referred to someone who lived by a hedge made of eather, a type of coarse vegetation. The name was first recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 under the various spellings of Edered, Etheared, and Etheredus. Over time, the spelling evolved to the modern form of Etheredge. Notable individuals bearing this surname include English musician Eric Etheridge and American football player Tyrone Etheridge.
Geographical distribution of the last name Etheredge
The surname Etheredge is predominantly found in Anglo-Saxon speaking countries, particularly in the United States and England. In the United States, it is most concentrated in the Southern states such as Texas, Georgia, North Carolina, and Louisiana, likely due to immigration patterns from the British Isles during the colonial period. In England, it is most common in the counties of Kent, Sussex, and Surrey, areas with a long history of Anglo-Saxon settlement. The name is also found in smaller numbers in Canada, Australia, and New Zealand, where settlers from these regions emigrated during the 19th and early 20th centuries. Overall, the geographical distribution of the last name Etheredge reflects historical migration patterns from its origins in England to the New World.
Variants and spellings of the last name Etheredge
The surname Etheredge can be found with various spellings and variations due to differences in transcription over time and regional dialects. Here are some common spelling variants of the name: Etheridge, Ethridge, Edgeridge, Etheridgee, Ethridg, Etheridg, Eathridge, Ethredge, Edgeredge. These variations may arise from minor typos, phonetic changes, or historical record errors. However, it's important to note that not all of these versions might be equally common and their frequency can vary depending on the specific geographical region and historical period.
Famous people with the last name Etheredge
Notable individuals with the last name Etheredge include:
1. Keb' Mo', born Kevin Moore, is an American blues musician, singer-songwriter, and guitarist who has won multiple Grammy Awards. His music blends modern electric blues with Southern soul, gospel, and West African rhythms.
2. Cynthia Erivo, an English actress and singer, gained recognition for her role as Celie Harris in the 2015 Broadway revival of The Color Purple, earning her a Tony Award for Best Actress in a Musical. She also starred in the historical drama Harriet (2019), portraying abolitionist Harriet Tubman.
3. Chris Etheridge, an American professional baseball pitcher who played for several Major League Baseball teams including the San Francisco Giants and the Chicago Cubs. He is a two-time World Series champion, winning with the Giants in 2010 and 2012.
4. Robert D. Etheridge Jr., an American politician serving as the U.S. Representative for California's 20th congressional district since 2009. He is a member of the Democratic Party.
These individuals have made significant contributions to various fields such as music, acting, and sports.
Genealogical research on the last name Etheredge
The surname Etheredge is believed to have originated from England and is derived from the Old English "eáther" meaning "at the ether's (boundary) or edge." The earliest known record of this name is found in the Doomsday Book of 1086, where it appears as Etresheda. Throughout the Middle Ages, the Etheredge family was concentrated in the counties of Norfolk and Suffolk. Notable figures with this surname include Sir John Etheridge (died 1397), a justice of the peace and member of Parliament, and Sir William Etheridge (c. 1450-1520), who served as Lord Mayor of London in 1506. The family later migrated to North America, with early settlers arriving in Virginia in the late 17th century. Variations of the name include Ethridge, Ettridge, and Eatheredge.
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