Last Name Flint

The surname Flint is of Old English origin, derived from the word "flinte," meaning a smooth flat pebble, stone, or flint. It was originally used as a nickname for someone who lived near a source of flint stones, had a distinctive appearance resembling flint, or perhaps worked with flint in some capacity. The name may also be derived from the Old Norse "Fljót," meaning river, and served as a topographic surname for someone who resided by a river with pebbly banks. Over time, various spellings of the surname emerged due to regional dialects and scribal errors during the Middle Ages. Some of these spellings include Flintoff, Flintham, and Fleetham.

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The meaning and origin of the last name Flint

The surname Flint originates from Old English and Old Norse roots, with variations such as Flinth and Fleinvatn recorded in medieval England and Scandinavia respectively. The name is derived from the Old English word "flind" or Old Norse "flinn," meaning 'flint' or 'cobblestone.' This surname was often given to individuals who lived near a place where flint could be found, or to people who had a particular occupation related to flint, such as flint-knapper (a person who made tools from flint). Over time, the spelling of the name has evolved due to phonetic changes in English and migrations. Today, Flint is a common surname in many parts of the English-speaking world.

Geographical distribution of the last name Flint

The surname Flint is predominantly distributed across several regions in England and Scotland, suggesting its historical origins from these countries. In England, the highest concentration of individuals bearing the name Flint can be found in counties such as Cheshire, Lancashire, Cumbria, and Northumberland, reflecting potential Viking or Norman influences. In Scotland, the Orkney Islands exhibit a high frequency of the name, possibly due to Norse settlements. The distribution of the surname Flint also extends to Ireland, particularly in County Donegal, which may be linked to historical migration from Scotland. In North America, areas with significant populations include Pennsylvania, Maryland, and Virginia in the United States, likely due to British immigration during colonial times. In Australia, Flint is most common in New South Wales and Victoria, primarily due to convict transportation and later immigration from England and Ireland.

Variants and spellings of the last name Flint

The surname Flint has several variants and spellings due to regional dialects, transcription errors, and family traditions over time. Some common variations include Flinte, Flinte, Vlint, Flintt, and de Flint (when used as a prefix). In some cases, it can also be found as Fleance or Fleynte, particularly in Scotland where the name originated. Additionally, there may be slight spelling differences due to the influence of local languages in regions where English was not the primary language, such as Flindt in Scandinavian countries or Flintz in German-speaking areas. The variations and spellings provide insight into the history and geographical dispersal of families with this surname.

Famous people with the last name Flint

Notable individuals with the surname Flint include:

1. Richard Flint (born 1962), British businessman who was the CEO of British American Tobacco from 2017 to 2019.

2. Ava Leigh Flint (born 1945), an American actress, best known for her roles in movies such as "The Hustler" and "Lilith."

3. Rita Flint (born 1967), a Canadian retired ice hockey player who competed at the 1998 Winter Olympics.

4. Michael Flint (1937-2015), an American artist known for his works in ceramics, painting, and printmaking.

5. Emily Flint (born 1965), a Canadian author who writes historical fiction set in Europe during the late Middle Ages.

6. Tim Flint (born 1970), an English former footballer who played as a midfielder for teams such as Sunderland and Bolton Wanderers.

These individuals have made significant contributions to various fields including business, entertainment, sports, and arts.

Genealogical research on the last name Flint

The surname Flint originated from Old English and Old Norse roots, with variations such as Flinth, Flinthe, Fleynte, and Vlinthe appearing throughout history. The name is believed to have been derived from a nickname for someone who worked with flint, a hard type of rock used for making tools or weapons. The earliest recorded instances of the surname Flint can be traced back to England in the 12th century. Over time, the name spread to other parts of Europe and eventually reached North America with early settlers. Notable figures bearing the name include Sir Richard Flint, an English knight, and Samuel Flint, a signer of the Mayflower Compact. The distribution of the surname Flint is most concentrated in England, Scotland, Wales, Ireland, and the United States today.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Flint"
• 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 : 27 July 2025

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