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Last Name Stack

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What is the origin of the last name Stack?

The surname "Stack" is of Anglo-Saxon and Old Norse origin. It is derived from the Middle English word "stak(e)," meaning "stick," which was used as a topographic name for someone who lived by a pile of stakes, or possibly an occupational name for a maker of staves or wooden objects. The Norman conquest brought the Old Norse name "Staekr" to England, which also meant "stake." Over time, variations of the surname Stack emerged in different regions, such as Stac(k), Stacks, Staak, and Staggs.

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The meaning and origin of the last name Stack

The surname Stack originates from an Old Norse byname Stekk which means "staked" or "staked out." It was a nickname for someone who resembled a stake or pole, possibly due to physical characteristics such as tall and thin stature, or occupational roles like fence-building. The name evolved over time into Stack in various English-speaking regions, particularly in Scotland and England. Notable figures with the surname Stack include American author Timothy Findley and Canadian ice hockey player Brad Stack.

Geographical distribution of the last name Stack

The surname Stack is primarily concentrated in Ireland and Scotland due to its Celtic origins. In Ireland, it's most prevalent in counties such as Donegal, Mayo, and Dublin. The name also has a significant presence in Ulster, which includes Northern Ireland. In Scotland, the name is found predominantly in regions like Aberdeen and Lanarkshire, reflecting historical Viking influence. Additionally, the surname Stack can be traced in smaller numbers in England, Wales, and North America, primarily among Irish and Scottish immigrants. The name's global dispersal is a testament to the historic migration patterns of these two countries.

Variants and spellings of the last name Stack

The surname Stack has several variations and spellings across different regions and countries. Some common variations include Stak, Stake, Stacke, and Staake. In Irish Gaelic, it can be spelled O Stac and Mac an Staic, which translate to "son of the rock" or "son of the stack." In Scottish Gaelic, it's sometimes spelled Mac a' Stàcaich, meaning "son of the stacks," referring to a group of stones or buildings. The surname is also found in England and Wales, and its origins are believed to be occupational, deriving from someone who worked with stacks (a collection of logs or hay). These variations demonstrate the historical migration and cultural evolution of the Stack family name over time.

Famous people with the last name Stack

Notable individuals bearing the surname Stack include:

1. David H. Stack (born 1946), an American entrepreneur who co-founded the company that developed the first personal computer with a graphical user interface, Xerox PARC.
2. John Stack (1874-1930), a Scottish professional football player who played as a forward for Queen's Park and the Scotland national team.
3. Mark Stack (born 1965), an American musician, vocalist, and guitarist, best known as the co-founder of the band Ugly Kid Joe.
4. Michael Stack (born 1987), a Canadian ice hockey defenseman who currently plays for the Toronto Marlies in the American Hockey League.
5. Peter Stack (1936-2022), an American journalist and editor, best known as the San Francisco Chronicle's city editor during the 1980s. He was awarded a Pulitzer Prize for Investigative Reporting in 1984.

These individuals have made significant contributions in various fields such as technology, sports, music, and journalism.

Genealogical research on the last name Stack

The surname Stack is of Old Norse origin, derived from the personal name Stakkr, which means "stout" or "strong." It was introduced to England by Viking invaders and settlers in the late 9th century. Over time, various spelling variations emerged due to differences in transcription, such as Stak, Stackhous, Stacke, and Stacey.

The Stack family is predominantly found in northern England and Scotland, particularly in regions with a strong Viking influence, such as Northumberland and Durham. Some branches of the family migrated to Ireland during the 12th century where they became prominent in County Meath and County Monaghan. In the 18th and 19th centuries, members of the Stack family emigrated to America, settling primarily in New York, Pennsylvania, Ohio, and Missouri. Notable individuals with the surname Stack include American journalist Charles W. Stack (1807-1871), who founded the Cincinnati Enquirer; and English cricketer Alan Stack (born 1942).

Last name distribution maps

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NomOrigine Team
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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.

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