The surname "Guild" is of English origin and derives from various sources. One possible origin is from a nickname for a merchant, craftsman, or tradesman who was a member of a guild, an organization of artisans, merchants, or traders. Another possible origin is a topographic name for someone who lived near a building or enclosure belonging to a guild. The Old English words "gyld" or "gilde" mean "a guild, society, or association." It's also possible that the surname Guild could be a habitational name for someone from one of several places named with these Old English words, such as Guilden Morden in Cambridgeshire and Guildford in Surrey.
Learn more about the origin of the last name Guild
The meaning and origin of the last name Guild
The surname Guild originates from the Middle English word "gild," which means a guild or a society for craftsmen or traders. The name was often given as a nickname to someone who belonged to such a guild, indicating their profession or social status. Over time, the spelling evolved into Guild. It is a common surname in England and other English-speaking countries, particularly in areas with strong historical connections to crafts or trades guilds. Notable individuals with this surname include Sir Robert Guild (1580-1643), an English explorer, and Henry Guild (1892-1971), an American chemist who contributed to the understanding of the structure of DNA.
Geographical distribution of the last name Guild
The surname Guild is predominantly distributed in English-speaking countries due to its Anglo-Saxon origins. Historically, it's most frequently found in England, particularly in the counties of Yorkshire and Lancashire. However, over time, emigration waves have dispersed the name globally. In North America, significant concentrations of Guilds can be found in the United States, especially in the northeastern states like Massachusetts, New York, and Pennsylvania, as well as in Canada, particularly in Ontario and Quebec. In Australia, Guild is a less common but present surname, with notable populations in New South Wales and Victoria. Additionally, there are smaller communities of individuals with the surname Guild in countries such as Ireland, Scotland, and South Africa, reflecting historical migrations and colonization patterns.
Variants and spellings of the last name Guild
The surname Guild has multiple variations and spellings due to historical spelling changes and regional differences over time. Some common variants include Gild, Gyld, Guyld, Guilde, and Gyle. These variations can be found across various countries such as England, France, and the Netherlands. Another variation is Gelder or Jelder, which may have originated from the Dutch name for Gelderland, a province in the Netherlands. The name's origins are believed to be Old English, derived from the word "gyld," meaning "payment" or "reward." These variations demonstrate the rich history and diverse usage of the surname Guild throughout Europe.
Famous people with the last name Guild
The Guild family has produced several notable figures in various fields. One of the most recognized is Sir Arthur Gould-Adams (1927-2021), a British ornithologist and conservationist who was instrumental in preserving the birdlife of Africa. In the world of art, Edward Augustus Guild (1843-1909) was an English Pre-Raphaelite painter known for his detailed and allegorical works. In the realm of literature, British author Richard Gilder Guild (b. 1942) has written over 60 books, including children's literature, biographies, and historical fiction. Lastly, American musician David Gould (b. 1957), also known as DJ D-Wreck, is a record producer who has worked with artists such as Jay-Z, Notorious B.I.G., and Mary J. Blige. These individuals represent the diverse accomplishments of those bearing the surname Guild.
Genealogical research on the last name Guild
The surname Guild originated from Old English and Anglo-Saxon roots, specifically 'gyld' which means 'payment' or 'tribute'. It is believed to have been an occupational name for someone who collected taxes or a nickname for someone generous.
The earliest recorded instance of the name in England can be traced back to the 13th century. Some of the prominent families bearing this surname include the Guild family of Yorkshire and the Guild family of Lincolnshire, both dating back to the late medieval period.
Over time, variations of the name emerged due to spelling inconsistencies in old records. These include Guil, Gilde, and Gild. The name spread to other English-speaking regions during the colonization of North America, with notable settlements in Virginia, Massachusetts, and Rhode Island.
Notable individuals bearing the surname Guild include John Guild, a 17th-century English clergyman, and Sir James Chadwick Guild, a prominent British engineer who made significant contributions to the field of aeronautical engineering.
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