Cape Surname

The Origin and Meaning of the Surname 'Cape'

The surname 'Cape' is a fascinating name with a rich history and diverse meanings. It is believed to have originated from various sources and has spread to multiple countries around the world. This article will explore the origins, meanings, and incidence of the surname 'Cape' in different regions.

Origins of the Surname 'Cape'

The surname 'Cape' has different origins depending on the region and time period. In some cases, it is derived from the Old French word 'cape,' meaning a cloak or hooded cloak worn as an outer garment. This suggests that early bearers of the surname may have been involved in the trade or production of cloaks or capes.

In other instances, the surname 'Cape' is of English origin and is derived from the Old English word 'ceap,' meaning a purchase or barter. This indicates that the surname may have been used to identify individuals involved in trade or commerce.

Additionally, the surname 'Cape' can also be of African origin, particularly in countries like Ghana and South Africa. In these regions, the name may have tribal or ancestral significance, reflecting the heritage and traditions of the local populations.

Meanings of the Surname 'Cape'

As a Topographical or Occupational Surname

One common interpretation of the surname 'Cape' is that it may have originated as a topographical or occupational name. In this context, the name could refer to someone who lived near a cape or headland, or it could indicate a person who worked as a fisherman or sailor, venturing out into the open seas.

Alternatively, the surname 'Cape' could have been used to describe someone who made capes or cloaks as a trade or craft. This interpretation aligns with the Old French meaning of the word 'cape' and suggests that early bearers of the name may have been skilled artisans or tailors.

As a Patronymic or Clan Name

In some cases, the surname 'Cape' may have functioned as a patronymic or clan name, indicating familial or tribal connections. This usage is particularly common in African cultures, where surnames often carry significant meaning and reflect the individual's social or ancestral background.

For example, in Ghana, the surname 'Cape' may be associated with a specific tribe or clan, serving as a form of identification and solidarity within the community. Similarly, in South Africa, the name 'Cape' could have ties to the Cape Coloured or Cape Malay populations, reflecting the region's complex history of colonization and migration.

Incidence of the Surname 'Cape' by Country

The surname 'Cape' has a notable incidence in several countries around the world, with varying levels of prevalence in different regions. According to available data, the United States has the highest incidence of the surname 'Cape,' with 3,673 individuals carrying the name.

In the Philippines, the surname 'Cape' is also relatively common, with 2,438 individuals bearing the name. This suggests a significant presence of the surname in the Filipino population, potentially reflecting historical connections or migrations between the Philippines and other countries.

Other countries with notable incidences of the surname 'Cape' include England (596), Ghana (380), South Africa (259), Canada (248), and Indonesia (188). These numbers indicate a widespread distribution of the surname across diverse regions and cultures.

Overall, the surname 'Cape' has a complex and multifaceted history, originating from various linguistic and cultural sources. Its meanings and usage have evolved over time, reflecting the diverse experiences and heritage of individuals bearing the name. As a surname expert, I find the study of 'Cape' to be a fascinating exploration of ancestry, language, and identity.

The surname Cape within the globe

Globalization has meant that surnames distribute far beyond their country of origin, so that it can be done to find African surnames in Europe or Indian surnames in Oceania. Exactly the same happens in the case of Cape, which as you're able to corroborate, it can be said it is a surname which can be found in all the countries associated with globe. Just as there are nations in which undoubtedly the thickness of people using the surname Cape is more than in other countries.

The map of the Cape surname

View Cape surname map

The likelihood of examining on a globe map about which nations hold a greater number of Cape on earth, helps us plenty. By putting ourselves in the map, for a tangible country, we could begin to see the tangible number of individuals with all the surname Cape, to acquire this way the precise information of all Cape that one can presently find in that country. All this also assists us to know not just in which the surname Cape originates from, but also in what manner the individuals who are initially the main family members that bears the surname Cape have moved and moved. In the same manner, you can see by which places they will have settled and developed, and that's why if Cape is our surname, this indicates interesting to which other countries associated with world it's possible this 1 of our ancestors once relocated to.

Countries with more Cape in the world

  1. United States United States (3673)
  2. Philippines Philippines (2438)
  3. England England (596)
  4. Ghana Ghana (380)
  5. South Africa South Africa (259)
  6. Canada Canada (248)
  7. Indonesia Indonesia (188)
  8. France France (187)
  9. Haiti Haiti (162)
  10. Australia Australia (134)
  11. India India (101)
  12. Trinidad and Tobago Trinidad and Tobago (74)
  13. Ivory Coast Ivory Coast (59)
  14. Scotland Scotland (41)
  15. United Arab Emirates United Arab Emirates (36)
  16. Grenada Grenada (35)
  17. Italy Italy (33)
  18. Wales Wales (31)
  19. Poland Poland (29)
  20. Singapore Singapore (26)
  21. Israel Israel (25)
  22. Venezuela Venezuela (23)
  23. Belgium Belgium (19)
  24. New Zealand New Zealand (17)
  25. Germany Germany (16)
  26. Ireland Ireland (15)
  27. Argentina Argentina (11)
  28. Russia Russia (9)
  29. Saudi Arabia Saudi Arabia (9)
  30. Croatia Croatia (8)
  31. Brazil Brazil (8)
  32. Liberia Liberia (7)
  33. Peru Peru (7)
  34. Thailand Thailand (6)
  35. Honduras Honduras (4)
  36. Angola Angola (4)
  37. Colombia Colombia (4)
  38. Cuba Cuba (4)
  39. Portugal Portugal (4)
  40. Qatar Qatar (4)
  41. Ukraine Ukraine (3)
  42. South Korea South Korea (3)
  43. Chile Chile (3)
  44. Mexico Mexico (3)
  45. Spain Spain (3)
  46. Taiwan Taiwan (2)
  47. Hungary Hungary (2)
  48. Jamaica Jamaica (2)
  49. Switzerland Switzerland (2)
  50. China China (2)
  51. Papua New Guinea Papua New Guinea (2)
  52. Somalia Somalia (1)
  53. Greece Greece (1)
  54. Turkey Turkey (1)
  55. Tanzania Tanzania (1)
  56. Uganda Uganda (1)
  57. American Samoa American Samoa (1)
  58. Bulgaria Bulgaria (1)
  59. Japan Japan (1)
  60. Kuwait Kuwait (1)
  61. Malawi Malawi (1)
  62. Malaysia Malaysia (1)
  63. Nigeria Nigeria (1)
  64. Cape Verde Cape Verde (1)
  65. Czech Republic Czech Republic (1)
  66. Oman Oman (1)
  67. Ecuador Ecuador (1)
  68. Estonia Estonia (1)
  69. Finland Finland (1)
  70. Serbia Serbia (1)