Shead Surname

The Origin of the Surname 'Shead'

The surname 'Shead' is an interesting and unique name that has a long history. It is believed to have originated in England, specifically in the region of Yorkshire. The name is thought to be derived from the Old English word 'scead,' which means 'shade' or 'shadow.' This could suggest that the name was originally given to someone who lived in a shady or sheltered area, or perhaps someone who had a mysterious or elusive quality.

Early Records and Distribution

Early records of the surname 'Shead' date back to the 12th century, with the name appearing in various documents and records. By the 16th and 17th centuries, the name had become more widespread across England, particularly in the counties of Yorkshire, Lancashire, and Essex. It is also found in Scotland, Ireland, and Wales.

According to data collected from various countries, the surname 'Shead' has a higher incidence in the United States, with 1838 individuals bearing the name. This is followed by England (1027), South Africa (428), Australia (352), Canada (135), New Zealand (69), Malta (48), Pakistan (44), Sweden (21), Scotland (14), Northern Ireland (13), Wales (10), Isle of Man (10), Zimbabwe (10), Bangladesh (9), Jersey (8), Chile (7), China (3), France (3), Germany (2), India (2), Philippines (2), Brazil (1), Denmark (1), Egypt (1), Thailand (1), and Turkey (1).

Variations and Alternate Spellings

Like many surnames, 'Shead' has several variations and alternate spellings. Some common variations include 'Sheed,' 'Shade,' and 'Shedd.' These variations may have arisen due to errors in transcription or pronunciation over the centuries.

Interestingly, the surname 'Shead' has also been linked to other surnames, such as 'Shaw' and 'Sheppard.' This could be due to similarities in sound or meaning, or perhaps due to intermarriage between families with different surnames.

Notable Individuals with the Surname 'Shead'

Throughout history, there have been several notable individuals with the surname 'Shead.' One such individual is John Shead, a prominent English architect and designer known for his work in the 18th and 19th centuries. His architectural style was influenced by classical and Gothic designs, and he was responsible for designing several churches, mansions, and public buildings.

Another notable individual with the surname 'Shead' is Sarah Shead, a renowned British author and poet. Her works have been celebrated for their emotional depth and lyrical beauty, and she is considered one of the leading voices in contemporary literature.

Modern-Day Distribution and Variants

Today, the surname 'Shead' continues to be found in various parts of the world, with individuals bearing the name residing in countries such as the United States, England, Australia, Canada, and South Africa. The name has also evolved over time, with modern variants such as 'Sheed' and 'Shedd' becoming more common.

Overall, the surname 'Shead' is a fascinating name with a rich history and diverse distribution. It represents a unique identity for those who bear it, connecting them to a legacy that spans centuries and continents.

The surname Shead into the world

Globalization has meant that surnames spread far beyond their nation of origin, such that it is possible to find African surnames in Europe or Indian surnames in Oceania. Similar takes place when it comes to Shead, which as you're able to corroborate, it may be stated it is a surname that may be present in the majority of the nations associated with the world. In the same way you will find countries by which truly the density of people utilizing the surname Shead is higher than far away.

The map regarding the Shead surname

View Shead surname map

The possibility of examining for a world map about which countries hold more Shead on the planet, assists us a great deal. By placing ourselves regarding the map, on a concrete nation, we are able to see the concrete number of individuals aided by the surname Shead, to acquire in this manner the precise information of the many Shead that you can currently get in that nation. All of this additionally helps us to understand not only where the surname Shead originates from, but also in what way individuals that are originally part of the family members that bears the surname Shead have relocated and relocated. In the same way, it is possible to see in which places they've settled and developed, which is the reason why if Shead is our surname, this indicates interesting to which other countries of this world it will be possible that one of our ancestors once relocated to.

Countries with more Shead on earth

  1. United States United States (1838)
  2. England England (1027)
  3. South Africa South Africa (428)
  4. Australia Australia (352)
  5. Canada Canada (135)
  6. New Zealand New Zealand (69)
  7. Malta Malta (48)
  8. Pakistan Pakistan (44)
  9. Sweden Sweden (21)
  10. Scotland Scotland (14)
  11. Nothern Ireland Nothern Ireland (13)
  12. Wales Wales (10)
  13. Isle of Man Isle of Man (10)
  14. Zimbabwe Zimbabwe (10)
  15. Bangladesh Bangladesh (9)
  16. Jersey Jersey (8)
  17. Chile Chile (7)
  18. China China (3)
  19. France France (3)
  20. Germany Germany (2)
  21. India India (2)
  22. Philippines Philippines (2)
  23. Brazil Brazil (1)
  24. Denmark Denmark (1)
  25. Egypt Egypt (1)
  26. Thailand Thailand (1)
  27. Turkey Turkey (1)