Last Name Meade

The last name "Meade" has multiple origins and can be of both English and Irish origin. 1. English Origin: Meade is derived from the Old English word "mead," meaning meadow. It could have been a locational surname given to someone who lived near a meadow or had an association with a meadow. 2. Irish Origin: Meade is also an anglicized form of the Irish surname "Ó Miadhaigh," meaning son of Miadhach. Miadhach is a personal name derived from the Irish word "miadh," meaning honor or proud. The Meade family in Ireland has Norman origins and settled in County Cork. It's worth noting that, due to migration and intermingling of populations over time, individuals with the last name "Meade" can be found in various parts of the world today.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Meade

The meaning and origin of the last name Meade

The surname Meade is of English and Irish origin. In England, it is derived from the Old English word "maed," meaning "meadow." The name likely originated as a topographic surname for someone who lived near or in a meadow. In Ireland, the name has Gaelic roots and is derived from the Gaelic word "méid," which means "beyond measure" or "excessive." This Irish variant of Meade is primarily found in the province of Munster. Over time, variations of the name emerged, including Meads and Meader. The Meade surname can be found in historical records throughout England and Ireland, suggesting various individuals and families bearing the name. Today, descendants of Meade can be found across the globe, particularly in English-speaking countries like the United States and Canada, where many individuals bear this surname.

Geographical distribution of the last name Meade

The last name Meade has a diverse geographical distribution, with its highest concentration found in the United States, particularly in the northeastern region. In this area, states such as New York, Pennsylvania, and Massachusetts have significant populations of individuals with the surname Meade. The name is also relatively common in the southern states of Texas, Florida, and Georgia. Outside of the United States, the surname Meade can be found in the United Kingdom, specifically in England and Ireland, where it has historical roots. Additionally, smaller populations of Meades can be found in Canada, Australia, and New Zealand, as well as other English-speaking countries. The dispersion of the Meade surname across various regions implies its wide migration patterns throughout history, attributing to its prominent presence in different parts of the world.

Variants and spellings of the last name Meade

The last name Meade has several variations and spellings, highlighting the rich diversity and history of the name. Some common variations include Mead, Meede, Mede, and Meada. These variations may have originated from different regions or family branches over time. Additionally, alternative spellings such as Meaid, Meed, and Meedh can also be found, showcasing further individualization and possible linguistic adaptations. The variations and spellings of the last name Meade have likely developed due to migration, linguistic changes, or transcription errors throughout history. This diversity often brings about unique family stories and lineages, adding an element of intrigue and fascination to the name. Whether spelled Meade, Mead, Meede, Mede, or any of the other variations, this surname continues to carry its history and legacy, connecting individuals to their ancestral journeys and heritage.

Famous people with the last name Meade

One famous individual with the last name Meade is General George Gordon Meade. He was a career military officer and is best known for his role as commander of the Union Army during the Battle of Gettysburg in the American Civil War. Meade's strategic decisions and leadership skills contributed to the Union's victory in that crucial battle, which is often considered a turning point in the war. Despite enduring criticism and controversies during his career, Meade's efforts in Gettysburg solidified his place in history as a prominent figure in American military history. Another well-known personality with the last name Meade is the American television anchor and journalist, Robin Meade. She gained fame as the lead news anchor for HLN's morning show, "Morning Express with Robin Meade." Her engaging and personable hosting style has earned her numerous awards and accolades in the field of broadcast journalism. With her impactful presence and versatile talents, Meade has become a familiar face in American households, making her an influential figure in the realm of television news media.

Genealogical research on the last name Meade

The surname Meade is of English and Irish origin. In England, it is derived from the Middle English word "mede," meaning meadow, and would have been a topographic name for someone who lived near a meadow. In Ireland, the surname originates from the Gaelic name "Ó Miadhaigh," meaning son of Miadhach, which is derived from "miadh," meaning honor. The earliest recorded instance of the Meade surname dates back to the13th century in Lincolnshire, England. Over time, different branches of the Meade family emerged and established themselves in various parts of England and Ireland. Notably, the Meade family became prominent in County Cork, Ireland, where Richard Meade, a military officer, was created Earl of Clanwilliam in the 18th century. The surname Meade has since spread across the world, particularly to the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand, due to migration and settlement. Researchers studying the genealogy of the Meade name can trace numerous lineages and connect with descendants who have diverse family backgrounds and stories.

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Meade"
• 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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