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Last Name Skidmore

What is the origin of the last name Skidmore?

The last name Skidmore is of English origin. It is derived from a place name, specifically from the village of Skidmore in Warwickshire, England. The name is believed to be derived from the Old Norse words "skith" or "skid," meaning "a stick of wood" or "timber," and "mor," meaning "bog" or "moor." Therefore, Skidmore can be interpreted to mean "a bog or moor with timber or firewood." The name Skidmore was originally associated with individuals living near or working in the area of Skidmore village. Over time, as people migrated and surnames were adopted, it became a hereditary surname.

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Learn more about the origin of the last name Skidmore

The meaning and origin of the last name Skidmore

The surname Skidmore has an English origin and its meaning can be interpreted as "shelter at the foot of a hill" or "protection near a steep slope." The name is derived from the Old English words "scyttel" which means "protection" and "mor" which means "hill" or "moor." In the Middle Ages, individuals were often named after the location they resided in or were associated with. The Skidmore surname likely belonged to someone who lived near or sought shelter at the bottom of a hill or a steep slope, hence acquiring the name. Over time, the surname Skidmore could have been passed down from generation to generation, earning its status as a hereditary family name. Today, descendants of those with the surname Skidmore can be found in various parts of the world, particularly in English-speaking countries.

Geographical distribution of the last name Skidmore

The last name Skidmore is primarily found in the United Kingdom and the United States, but it also has some presence in other English-speaking countries. In the UK, Skidmore is most commonly found in England, particularly in the counties of Essex, Kent, and Warwickshire. In the United States, the surname is spread out across the country, with notable concentrations in states such as Texas, Ohio, California, and West Virginia. Skidmore is more prevalent in the southern and eastern regions of the US. It is worth noting that Skidmore is not a widely distributed surname globally, and its presence is predominantly limited to English-speaking countries with historical ties to the UK. However, due to migration and globalization, individuals with the Skidmore last name can also be found in other parts of the world, albeit in smaller numbers.

Variants and spellings of the last name Skidmore

The last name Skidmore may have a few variations and alternate spellings. Some common variations include Skidemore, Skidmor, Skidmer, Skidamore, and Skidmare. These variations often arise due to regional accents, dialects, or different spellings adopted by individuals over time. The name itself is of English origin, with the prefix "skid" referring to a plank used for dragging or sliding heavy objects. The suffix "more" suggests a swampy or marshy land area, indicating that the name may have originally referred to someone living near such a place. As with many surnames, variations and spellings can evolve as families migrate, records are written or transcribed differently, or individuals anglicize or alter their name for various reasons. Therefore, when researching the Skidmore surname, it is important to consider these variations to ensure comprehensive exploration of historical records and family connections.

Famous people with the last name Skidmore

Skidmore is not a widely recognized last name in the realm of famous people. However, there have been individuals with the surname Skidmore who have made notable contributions in their respective fields. One such person is David Skidmore, an accomplished musician and composer. He is a member of the renowned ensemble Third Coast Percussion, which has received numerous accolades for their innovative musical performances. David Skidmore's compositions have been showcased in prestigious venues across the globe, including the Kennedy Center and the Sydney Opera House. Another notable figure bearing the Skidmore surname is Christopher Skidmore, a British politician and historian. He has served as a Member of Parliament and has held ministerial positions in the UK government. Skidmore has also authored several historical books, focusing on medieval and Tudor history. These individuals, although not widely celebrated, have made their mark in their respective fields of music and politics, bringing recognition to the Skidmore name.

Genealogical research on the last name Skidmore

The surname Skidmore is of English origin and is derived from a locational name, referring to someone who resided in or near the village of Skidmore. The village is believed to have been located in either Yorkshire or Shropshire, both in England. The name itself is a combination of the Old Norse elements "skith" meaning "rift" or "cleft" and "mor" meaning "moor" or "marsh". Over time, variations of the surname evolved including Skidmore, Skidmor, and Skidmorre. Genealogical research on the Skidmore surname reveals that it has spread across various regions. In the United States, several early immigrants with the Skidmore name arrived in colonial times. Some notable individuals with the Skidmore surname include Civil War soldier Colonel George Skidmore, whose descendants settled in Kentucky, and acclaimed author Russell Skidmore, known for his works on American history. Today, the Skidmore name continues to be found in various countries, with individuals tracing their ancestry back to England, as well as other regions where Skidmores have migrated over time.

Sources & References

About the author :
NomOrigine Team
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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