Last Name Stride

The surname "Stride" is of English origin. It is derived from the Old English word "strīd," which means "a stripe, mark, or trace." In medieval times, this surname was often used to describe a person who had a distinctive physical feature like a scar or birthmark that resembled a stripe or mark. Over time, it could also have been used to denote someone who lived near a road or path that was marked by a stripe. The name could also be occupational for someone who was a strider in the sense of a long distance runner. As with many surnames, its use spread as people migrated and settled in new areas, leading to variations in spelling such as Stride, Straight, or Strait.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Stride

The meaning and origin of the last name Stride

The surname Stride originates from Old English, specifically derived from the Middle English word "strida," which means 'to stride' or 'a step.' It was primarily a locational name, referring to someone who lived by a place where there were long strides or steps, such as a steep path or hill. Alternatively, it could have been a topographical name for someone who lived in a long and narrow clearing between trees, characterized by wide strides while traversing. Over time, the spelling of the surname has evolved from Strida to Stride, reflecting the phonetic changes in English over centuries. Today, the Stride surname is most prevalent in England and Wales, but its descendants can be found worldwide due to migration and colonization.

Geographical distribution of the last name Stride

The surname Stride has its origins primarily in England and Scotland, with significant concentrations historically found within these two countries. In England, it is most prevalent in the counties of Yorkshire, Lancashire, Lincolnshire, and Northumberland, reflecting a strong presence in the northern regions. In Scotland, the name appears predominantly in the central belt, particularly around the city of Glasgow and Lanarkshire. Over time, as English and Scottish immigrants moved to other countries, the distribution of the Stride surname expanded. Today, it can be found in various parts of North America, including Canada, where it is particularly common in Ontario and Quebec, and the United States, with notable populations in states such as Michigan, New York, and Massachusetts. The name has also spread to other English-speaking countries like Australia and New Zealand due to emigration waves during the 19th and early 20th centuries.

Variants and spellings of the last name Stride

The surname Stride possesses various spellings and variations, including Stride, Straight, Strait, Streight, and Strode. These differences arise primarily from regional pronunciation changes over time and scribal errors during the transcription process. The spelling "Stride" is a phonetic rendering of the name based on how it is pronounced in modern English, while "Straight" and "Strait" were more commonly used historically to denote a straight path or place. The spelling "Streight" may be encountered less frequently, being an alternate version of "Strait". Lastly, the variation "Strode" is another form of the name that has its roots in Old English and Anglo-Saxon linguistic traditions. These variations highlight the rich history and evolution of the Stride surname over centuries.

Famous people with the last name Stride

Notable individuals bearing the surname Stride include Sir Roderick George Meredith Stride (1875-1940), a British astronomer who made significant contributions to the study of variable stars and the discovery of the Magellanic Clouds. Another notable figure is Sir Godfrey Charles Hounsom Stride (1893-1974), a British politician who served as the Colonial Secretary in the Churchill War Cabinet during World War II. In the world of athletics, Jeremy Stride (born 1965) is recognized for his success in American football, having played as an offensive lineman for the Green Bay Packers and the Jacksonville Jaguars in the National Football League (NFL). Furthermore, Rachel Stride (born 1983), a Canadian actress and model, has gained recognition for her roles on television series such as "The L.A. Complex" and "Being Erica".

Genealogical research on the last name Stride

The surname Stride is primarily of English origin, tracing back to the Old Norse and Anglo-Saxon periods. It is derived from the Old Norse word "straithr," meaning "way" or "path," or the Old English "stræt," which means "narrow street." The earliest recorded instance of the name Stride in England dates back to the Domesday Book of 1086, where it was spelled as "Strate." Over the centuries, variations such as Streat, Stretton, and Strait have also appeared. Notable individuals with the surname Stride include Sir John Strange Stride (1847-1925), a British mathematician, and Thomas Henry Huxley Stride (1854-1930), an English botanist. Today, the name is found predominantly in England, with significant numbers also in Australia, Canada, New Zealand, South Africa, and the United States due to migration.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Stride"
• 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 : 13 June 2025

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