Last Name Maid

The surname "Maid" is primarily of English origin. It is a topographic name for someone who lived by a stream or brook, deriving from the Old English word 'maegd', meaning 'stream' or 'brook'. This name could also be an occupational name for someone who worked as a servant maid in a household. Over time, the spelling has changed due to various factors such as regional dialects and scribes' interpretations.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Maid

The meaning and origin of the last name Maid

The surname Maid is primarily of English origin, although it has been found in various other countries due to migration. It is believed to have originated from one of several sources. One possibility is that it was an occupational name for someone who served as a maid or servant in a household, derived from the Middle English 'maide' meaning 'serving-woman'. Another theory suggests that the surname could have been given as a nickname to someone who was youthful and fresh, much like a maiden, due to their appearance or demeanor. It is also possible that the name was originally a location name, referring to someone from a place called Maid or Mayd in England. Over time, various spellings and regional variations have arisen, such as Mead, Meads, Meyde, and others.

Geographical distribution of the last name Maid

The surname Maid is predominantly found in regions with historical ties to England and Scotland. It is most frequent in these two countries, particularly in the southeast and northeast regions of England respectively. However, its distribution extends beyond these areas as a result of migration. In North America, significant numbers of people with the surname Maid can be found in Canada, especially in Ontario and Quebec, and in the United States, primarily in states like New York, Ohio, and Pennsylvania. The name is also present in Australia, where it is particularly concentrated in New South Wales, Victoria, and Queensland. Additionally, smaller populations of people with the surname Maid can be found in countries such as Ireland, New Zealand, and South Africa, reflecting historical patterns of emigration from Britain.

Variants and spellings of the last name Maid

The surname Maid has several variations and spelling derivatives, including Maiden, Maydin, Meyd, Mydd, Meed, and Mead. Each variation may originate from different parts of the world and have distinct historical backgrounds. For instance, Maiden is a common English variant with origins traced back to the Old English 'maegen-dottir,' meaning 'servant' or 'maiden.' The Scottish variant Maydin may be derived from the Gaelic 'Maighdean,' meaning 'virgin.' Meyd, Mydd, and Meed are possibly German or Scandinavian derivatives, while Mead might have roots in various cultures, such as Old English 'mæd' (womb) or Old Norse 'meðr' (ruler). It is essential to note that the spelling of a surname can change over time and across different regions due to factors like linguistic evolution, regional dialects, and recording errors.

Famous people with the last name Maid

Notable individuals with the surname Maid include: 1. Sir William Maid (1824-1873), a British naval officer who served during the Abyssinian War and was later knighted for his contributions to the British Empire. 2. Rita Mae Brown (born 1944), an American author, activist, and filmmaker best known for her mystery novels featuring the character Mrs. Murphy, a telepathic cat. 3. Dustin Ingram (known professionally as Maidenname) is a Canadian musician who gained popularity as a member of the indie rock band Braids. 4. Sir John Maiden (1890-1962), a British civil servant and administrator who served as Governor of Uganda from 1945 to 1948. 5. Lydia Maiden, an American television writer and producer, known for her work on shows such as "Empire" and "Star". 6. David Maidment (born 1948), a Canadian film director and screenwriter who is best known for his work in the comedy genre, particularly the "Air Farce" series.

Genealogical research on the last name Maid

The surname Maid originates from Old French and Anglo-Norman roots, specifically "maitre," meaning master or magistrate. It is likely that early bearers of this name were individuals who held positions of authority or prestige in their communities during the Middle Ages. The name can be found in various forms throughout Europe, including Mayd, Meade, and Maiden. In England, the name Maid has been recorded since at least the 13th century, with early records including Robert le Maid in Yorkshire (1275) and Roger le Maid in Lincolnshire (1296). The name also appears in Scotland during this period, with Adam de Maid found in Fife in 1296. In Ireland, the name is predominantly associated with the counties of Cork and Waterford, where it is believed to have been introduced by Anglo-Norman settlers in the 12th and 13th centuries. Notable individuals bearing the Maid surname in Ireland include Sir Maurice Maid, a Knight of Kerry during the late 16th century. Overall, the surname Maid has a rich history, with its origins traceable to the Norman Conquest of England and subsequent settlements in Britain and Ireland. The name continues to be found throughout these regions today.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Maid"
• 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 June 2025

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