Shields Surname

The Origins of the Surname Shields

The surname Shields is of English origin and is classified as a habitational surname, meaning that it is derived from a place name. In this case, Shields is believed to have originated from the Old English word "scield," which means shield or defensive weapon. The surname likely originated from a place named Shields or a location that was known for its defensive fortifications.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the surname Shields can be found in the Domesday Book of 1086, which was a survey of England and Wales commissioned by William the Conqueror. The entry lists a person named Aelric Sceld, indicating that the surname was already in use in the 11th century.

Migration and Distribution of the Shields Surname

Over the centuries, the Shields surname has spread beyond England to other parts of the world, including the United States, Australia, Canada, and Ireland. According to data, the highest incidence of the Shields surname can be found in the United States, where there are approximately 66,430 individuals with the surname. This is followed by England, with 9,360 individuals, and Australia, with 5,857 individuals.

In Canada, there are approximately 5,080 individuals with the Shields surname, while in Scotland, there are 3,442 individuals. In Northern Ireland, the surname is less common, with only 2,099 individuals. In Ireland, there are approximately 1,176 individuals with the surname Shields.

Famous Individuals with the Surname Shields

Throughout history, there have been several notable individuals with the surname Shields. One such individual is James Shields, an Irish-American politician and soldier who served as a U.S. Senator from Illinois, Minnesota, and Missouri. Shields was known for his bravery and leadership during the Mexican-American War and the Civil War.

Another famous individual with the surname Shields is Brooke Shields, an American actress and model who rose to fame at a young age. Shields appeared in several iconic films and television shows, solidifying her status as a Hollywood star.

In addition to these well-known individuals, there are many other people with the surname Shields who have made significant contributions to their respective fields, whether it be in the arts, sciences, politics, or sports.

The Shields Family Crest and Coat of Arms

Like many other surnames, the Shields family has a coat of arms and crest that symbolizes their heritage and identity. The Shields family crest typically features a shield with various symbols that represent the family's values, achievements, or history.

While the specific design of the Shields family crest may vary depending on the branch of the family, common elements often include a shield with a cross, a lion, a crown, or other heraldic symbols. These symbols are often accompanied by a motto or slogan that reflects the family's values or beliefs.

Notable Variants of the Shields Surname

Over time, variations of the Shields surname have emerged, reflecting different spellings or regional pronunciations. Some of the notable variants of the Shields surname include Shiel, Sheilds, Sheildes, and Shealds. While these variants may have slightly different spellings, they all derive from the same root word and share a common origin.

Individuals with these variants of the Shields surname may have different family histories or geographical origins, but they are connected by a shared heritage and ancestry.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the surname Shields is a prominent and widespread surname with deep roots in English history. From its origins in medieval England to its distribution across the globe, the Shields surname has a rich and diverse history that continues to be celebrated today.

Whether through famous individuals who bear the surname or through the enduring legacy of the Shields family crest and coat of arms, the surname Shields remains an important part of many families' identities and heritage.

The surname Shields within the world

Globalization has meant that surnames spread far beyond their nation of origin, such that it is achievable to get African surnames in Europe or Indian surnames in Oceania. Similar occurs when it comes to Shields, which as you can corroborate, it may be stated that it's a surname that may be present in all the nations for the world. In the same manner there are countries by which truly the density of people with the surname Shields is higher than far away.

The map for the Shields surname

View Shields surname map

The possibility of examining for a world map about which countries hold more Shields in the world, assists us a great deal. By placing ourselves in the map, on a concrete nation, we are able to see the concrete number of individuals aided by the surname Shields, to acquire in this way the complete information of the many Shields as you are able to currently get in that nation. All of this additionally helps us to know not only where the surname Shields originates from, but also in what way individuals that are originally part of the household that bears the surname Shields have relocated and relocated. In the same manner, it is possible to see in which places they have settled and developed, which is the reason why if Shields is our surname, it appears interesting to which other countries associated with world it is possible this one of our ancestors once relocated to.

Countries with more Shields on earth

If you consider it very carefully, at apellidos.de we present everything required so that you can have the actual information of which nations have actually the greatest number of people utilizing the surname Shields in the whole globe. Moreover, you can observe them in a really graphic way on our map, in which the nations because of the greatest amount of people with the surname Shields can be seen painted in a more powerful tone. In this manner, along with just one glance, you can easily locate in which nations Shields is a very common surname, and in which countries Shields is definitely an unusual or non-existent surname.

Over time, the surname Shields has undergone some changes in its spelling or pronunciation.

It is common to find surnames similar to Shields. This is because many times the surname Shields has undergone mutations.

The fact that there was no unified spelling for the surname Shields when the first surnames were formed allows us to find many surnames similar to Shields.

Not all surnames similar to the surname Shields are related to it. Sometimes it is possible to find surnames similar to Shields that have a different origin and meaning.

Errors in writing, voluntary changes by the bearers, modifications for language reasons... There are many reasons why the surname Shields may have undergone changes or modifications, and from those modifications, surnames similar to Shields may have appeared, as we can see.

Discerning whether the surname Shields or any of the surnames similar to Shields came first is not always easy. There are many reasons that could have led to the surname Shields being written or pronounced differently, giving rise to a new, different surname Shields with a common root.

Shields Surname

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