Last Name Steele

The surname "Steele" has its origin in England and Scotland. It is derived from the Middle English word "stiel" or "stiele," which means "steel" in modern English. The name likely originated as an occupational name for someone who worked with or specifically made steel or as a nickname for someone with a strong or resilient personality. Over time, the surname Steele spread to different parts of the world through migration and colonization.

Race and Ethnicity of people with the last name Steele

The ethnic identity associated with the surname Steele also saw shifts within the same 10 year period, according to the Decennial U.S. Census data. The proportion of individuals identifying as White decreased from 80.39% in 2000 to 78.25% in 2010. Conversely, those identifying as Black increased from 14.94% to 15.60%. Additionally, there was a notable increase in the Hispanic category, rising from 1.71% to 2.43%, and similar growth in the Asian/Pacific Islander category, moving from 0.41% to 0.53%. There was also a rise in those identifying with two or more races, increasing from 1.47% to 2.02%, and a slight uptick in American Indian and Alaskan Native, from 1.08% to 1.15%.

	2000	2010	Change
White	80.39%	78.25%	-2.66%
Black	14.94%	15.6%	4.42%
Hispanic	1.71%	2.43%	42.11%
Two or More Races	1.47%	2.02%	37.41%
American Indian and Alaskan Native	1.08%	1.15%	6.48%
Asian/Pacific Islander	0.41%	0.53%	29.27%

Steele ancestry composition

NomOrigine computes an ancestry breakdown for each customer. People may have ancestry from just one population or they may have ancestry from several populations. The most commonly-observed ancestry found in people with the surname Steele is British & Irish, which comprises 52.7% of all ancestry found in people with the surname. The next two most common ancestries are French & German (24.3%) and Eastern European (4.0%). Additional ancestries include Scandinavian, Italian, Spanish & Portuguese, Ashkenazi Jewish, and Nigerian.

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ANCESTRY BREAKDOWN	COMPOSITION
British & Irish	52.7%
French & German	24.3%
Eastern European	4.0%
Other	19.0%

Your maternal lineage may be linked to Marie Antoinette

Because it is so dominant in the general European population, haplogroup H also appears quite frequently in the continent's royal houses. Marie Antoinette, an Austrian Hapsburg who married into the French royal family, inherited the haplogroup from her maternal ancestors. So did Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, whose recorded genealogy traces his female line to Bavaria. Scientists also discovered that famed 16th century astronomer Nicolaus Copernicus traced his maternal lineages to haplogroup H.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Steele

The meaning and origin of the last name Steele

The surname Steele is of English and Scottish origin and has several possible sources. One possibility is that it originated as an occupational name for someone who worked with steel, such as a steelworker or blacksmith, deriving from the Middle English word "stel" or "stele," meaning steel. Another possibility is that it was a locational surname for someone who lived near a place named Steele or Steel, derived from the Old English word "stigol" or "stiȝol," referring to a steep or sloping place. Additionally, Steele may have been a nickname for someone with a strong or resolute personality, deriving from the Middle English word "stel" or "stele," meaning firm or steadfast. As a surname, Steele has been recorded in England since at least the 13th century and is still fairly common today, particularly in Scotland and Northern England.

Geographical distribution of the last name Steele

The last name Steele has a widespread geographical distribution, with significant populations in various countries around the world. In the United States, the name is particularly common, with concentrations in states such as Texas, California, and Florida. Canada also has a notable number of individuals with the last name Steele, especially in the provinces of Ontario, Alberta, and British Columbia. In the United Kingdom, the name is most prevalent in England, particularly in the South East and South West regions. Australia, New Zealand, and South Africa also have sizeable populations of individuals with the surname Steele. Furthermore, due to the historical connections of the British Empire, the name can be found in other countries where the British influence was prominent, including India and Jamaica. Overall, the geographical distribution of the last name Steele spans across multiple continents, reflecting the dispersion of individuals with this surname throughout history.

Variants and spellings of the last name Steele

The last name Steele has several variations and spellings due to historical and geographical factors. One variation is Steeles, which adds an "s" to the end of the name, indicating a plural or possessive form. Other variations include Stell, which drops the final "e", and Stale, which substitutes the "e" for an "a". There might also be regional spellings such as Stiele, Stiell, or Stielle, representing phonetic adaptations or accents in different areas. Additionally, different cultures and languages might have their own versions of the name, like Stefano or Stelski. The variations could arise from migration patterns or changes introduced by immigrants. It is also worth noting that individuals may choose to alter the spelling of their last name for personal or aesthetic reasons. Overall, the variations and spellings of Steele reflect the diversity and dynamism of surnames through time and across different regions.

Famous people with the last name Steele

One prominent figure with the last name Steele is Michael Steele, an American political commentator and former chairman of the Republican National Committee (RNC). He made history in 2009 by becoming the first African American to hold this position in the RNC. Steele has been an influential voice in American politics, appearing regularly on television shows and offering his analysis on various current affairs. Another notable individual is Shelby Steele, an American author, documentary filmmaker, and senior fellow at Stanford University's Hoover Institution. Well-known for his works on race relations in the United States, Steele earned critical acclaim for his book "The Content of Our Character: A New Vision of Race in America." Recognized as an intellectual and commentator, he has contributed significantly to discussions on race, culture, and identity in America. These remarkable Steeles have left a lasting impact on their respective fields, showcasing their talents and thought-provoking insights.

Genealogical research on the last name Steele

The Steele surname has a deep history with origins traced back to medieval England. The name is derived from the Anglo-Saxon word "steall," meaning a foundation or base, suggesting an ancestral connection to construction or land ownership. The first recorded instance of the Steele surname can be found in the Domesday Book of 1086, listing Robert le Stele in Cambridgeshire. Over the centuries, the Steele family branched out across various regions, with notable occurrences in Scotland and Ireland. In Scotland, the name is associated with Clan Steel, known for their resilience and nobility. Some prominent figures bearing the Steele name include Sir Richard Steele, an influential writer and founder of the Tatler magazine in the 18th century, and Beverly Steele, a prominent biochemist and researcher in the 20th century. Today, the Steele name continues to thrive, with descendants residing in various parts of the world, upholding their ancestral legacy with pride.

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