The surname Strait is of Old English origin and is derived from a geographical location. Specifically, it is believed to have originated as a topographic surname for someone who lived near a narrow body of water or a strait.
The term "strait" comes from the Old English word "stræt," meaning "narrow passage" or "channel." Over time, this geographical name was used as a surname by individuals living near bodies of water with this characteristic.
There are several prominent families with the Strait surname in various parts of the world, including England, Scotland, and the United States. One notable family is the Straits of Mackinac family from Michigan, whose ancestors were early settlers in the region.
Learn more about the origin of the last name Strait
The meaning and origin of the last name Strait
The surname Strait is of Old English and Old Norse origin, derived from the geographical term "strait." In Old English, "street" or "stræt" meant a narrow channel between two lands, while its Old Norse counterpart was "straumr," meaning a swift flowing water. The surname Strait emerged as a topographic name for someone who lived near or by a strait, a narrow sea channel, or a river with fast-flowing waters. Over time, various spellings of the name have evolved, such as Straite, Straith, and Strait, reflecting changes in pronunciation and spelling conventions over different periods and regions. The surname Strait is notably common in Scotland and England.
Geographical distribution of the last name Strait
The last name Strait is primarily distributed across various regions due to historical migration patterns and English settlements. A significant number of individuals bearing the surname Strait are found predominantly in English-speaking countries such as England, Scotland, Wales, Ireland, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and the United States. In England, the highest concentrations can be found in the counties of Kent, Essex, and Suffolk, areas with historical connections to Norman or Anglo-Saxon settlers. In North America, significant populations reside in states like Virginia, Pennsylvania, and New York in the U.S., as well as Ontario and Quebec in Canada. Strait is also a common surname in Scotland, particularly in the Lowlands, with the highest concentration found around Edinburgh and Glasgow. In Ireland, the name can be traced to Anglo-Norman settlements, mainly in Ulster.
Variants and spellings of the last name Strait
The surname Strait has several variations and spellings, some of which include Straite, Strait, Strait-Jourdan, and Straith. These differences may be due to historical transcription errors or regional dialects. In the United States, the most common spelling is Straight, while in England, Strait is more prevalent. The name Strait is believed to have originated from a geographical location, likely referring to a narrow body of water separating two larger bodies. It can be traced back to Old French origins and is associated with occupations related to sailing or shipping.
Famous people with the last name Strait
Mark Strait, an American country music singer and songwriter, is perhaps the most renowned individual with the surname Strait. Known as "The King of Country," Strait has sold over 90 million albums worldwide, earned numerous awards including multiple Grammy Awards, and holds the record for the longest number-one debut by a solo artist on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart for his song "Go Rest High on That Mountain." Another notable figure with the name Strait is Chris Strait, a former professional American football player who played as an offensive lineman for the San Francisco 49ers in the National Football League. In addition, David Freeman Straight was an influential architect and designer, best known for his work on the Enchanted Hills Retreat for the blind in California.
Genealogical research on the last name Strait
The surname Strait, originating from Old English, is believed to have derived from various geographical locations named "Strate" in Anglo-Saxon England. Some of these places include Stratford-upon-Avon and Stratton in the Midlands, as well as Stratton in Cornwall and Straiton in Ayrshire, Scotland. The name may also have been a topographic surname for someone who lived near a narrow passage or strait in a river or coastline. The earliest known record of the name dates back to the Domesday Book of 1086, where Willelmus de Strata and Rodulfus de Strata are mentioned. Over time, the spelling evolved from Strate to Straite and eventually Strait by the 14th century in England and Scotland. Notable individuals with the surname include American naval officer John Strait (1782-1850) and British artist Richard Strait (1923-2016).
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