Skellett Surname

The History of the Skellett Surname

The surname Skellett is a relatively rare surname that can be traced back to medieval England. The origin of the surname is believed to be of Anglo-Saxon descent, with the name deriving from the Old English personal name 'Scylf,' which means 'shelf' or 'ledge,' combined with the diminutive suffix '-et,' meaning 'little' or 'son of.'

It is likely that the Skellett surname originated as a nickname for someone who lived near a prominent shelf or ledge, or perhaps someone who had a distinctive physical feature resembling a shelf. Over time, this nickname may have become hereditary, leading to the establishment of the surname.

Early Records of the Skellett Surname

The earliest recorded instances of the Skellett surname can be found in medieval England. One of the first recorded instances of the surname is in the Hundred Rolls of 1273, which list a John Skellett in Yorkshire. Other early records include a Thomas Skellett in the Subsidy Rolls of Worcestershire in 1327, and a William Skellett in the Court Rolls of Essex in 1406.

Throughout the centuries, the Skellett surname spread to other parts of the United Kingdom, as well as to other English-speaking countries such as the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. The surname has also been recorded in countries like Spain and Guatemala, although in much smaller numbers.

Distribution of the Skellett Surname

According to data compiled by surname distribution experts, the Skellett surname is most commonly found in the United States, with an incidence of 208. This suggests that the surname has a strong presence in the United States, likely due to migration patterns from the United Kingdom to the US.

In England, the Skellett surname is most commonly found in the regions of England and Scotland, with incidence rates of 190 and 14, respectively. This indicates that the surname has deep roots in these regions of the United Kingdom.

Outside of the United Kingdom and the United States, the Skellett surname is less common, with smaller incidence rates in countries like Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Spain, and Guatemala. This suggests that the surname has a more limited presence in these countries, possibly due to smaller populations or different migration patterns.

Famous Individuals with the Skellett Surname

While the Skellett surname may not be as well-known as some other surnames, there have been notable individuals throughout history who have borne the name. One such individual is British musician and songwriter George Skellett, who was a prominent figure in the British folk music scene in the 1960s and 1970s.

Another notable individual with the Skellett surname is American actress and singer Rachel Skellett, who gained fame for her roles in various Broadway musicals and television shows. These individuals, as well as others with the Skellett surname, have contributed to the rich tapestry of history and culture associated with the surname.

Overall, the Skellett surname is a unique and uncommon surname with a rich history and heritage. While the surname may not be as well-known as some other surnames, it has played a significant role in the development of English-speaking countries and has contributed to the diversity of surnames found throughout the world.

The surname Skellett in 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 Skellett, which as you're able to corroborate, it can be said that it's a surname which can be found in most of the countries of the globe. In the same manner you will find nations in which certainly the thickness of people because of the surname Skellett is greater than in other countries.

The map of the Skellett surname

1. United States (208)
2. England (190)
3. Canada (47)
4. Australia (17)
5. Scotland (14)
6. New Zealand (8)
7. Spain (2)
8. Guatemala (1)