Surname Alward - Meaning and Origin
all surnames with 'A'
Alward: What does the surname Alward mean?
The last name Alward is of English origin and is thought to be a diminutive of the German name Alard. It is derived from a Middle High German personal name, “Alwart”, composed of the elements “adal” (noble) and “ward” (guard). This wouldly indicate someone who was a noble protector. The earliest known mention of the surname is in the form 'Alwardus', appearing in the Domesday Book of 1086.
The surname is mostly found in England and Scotland, where it originated. In Occasionally it is found in the United States, indicating that it has arrived there with emigrants from the British Isles.
Alward is a name that is often associated with loyalty and dependability, suggesting that the bearers of the name retain the traits of a noble protector that date back to its literal origin hundreds of years ago. Those with the last name are said to have a “strong sense of responsibility and a fixation for detail”, qualities that no doubt would have been held in high regard centuries ago. That the name has been around since before the Norman Conquest and has lasted this long is a testament to the hardworking and devoted trait of the individuals it represents.
Today the Alward surname still holds the same values and principles that give it its name. The strength and determination that have kept it alive for so long continue to be a source of pride for those that carry it.
Order DNA origin analysisAlward: Where does the name Alward come from?
The last name Alward is of Anglo-Saxon origin and can be found in many parts of the world today, though the region in which it is most commonly found is Europe. The name is most common in the United Kingdom, where it is found in areas such as Scotland and Wales.
The Alward family name can also be found in other parts of Europe in countries such as Germany, France, Italy, Spain and Portugal. The name is most common in Holland, where it is an occupational name for someone who lived by an area of land with an "alw" as part of its name.
The Alward family name is also found in the United States, Canada, Australia and New Zealand. In the United States, Alward is most commonly found in states such as California, New York, Massachusetts, and Pennsylvania. Other countries in which the Alward family exists is Ireland, Sweden, Norway, Switzerland, Belgium, South Africa, and even Russia.
Overall, the surname Alward has a strong presence in Europe, especially the United Kingdom, and can also be found in other parts of the world. It is an interesting name with an unknown origin, but it is still a popular last name in many places.
Variations of the surname Alward
The surname Alward is believed to have originated from Saxon or Norman roots. It is generally thought to be first found in the UK with the Alward family branching off as far back as the 13th century, tracing back to the first time the surname was found in the records at this time.
Variants and spellings of the surname Alward include Awlard, Allard, Alard, Auward, Allward and Allwood.
In the United States, the surname Alward is found approximately 0.025% of the time according to the US Census Bureau. This is relatively low in comparison to the wider population, suggesting that the surname is much more common in Northern Europe and the British Isles.
Surnames that are of the same origin as Alward include Allwright, Allardice, Allwood, Allworthy, Hallward, Wallward, Wallwort, Allwarden, Elrod, Oldward, Ellwood, and Elwood. Furthermore, there is also some connection between Alward and the phrase “all worthy” or “all worth” which may hint at a possible shared ancestry.
In conclusion, the surname Alward is of Saxon or Norman origin, and there are a number of variants, spellings and surnames of the same origin. These include Allard, Alard, Auward, Allward, Allwood, Allwright, Allardice, Allworthy, Hallward, Wallward, Wallwort, Allwarden, Elrod, Oldward, Ellwood, and Elwood.
Famous people with the name Alward
- Alia-Lauren Alward: British musical theatre actress from Worcestershire, UK
- John Alward: American agricultural economist and professor at the University of Wisconsin-Madison
- Gertrude Alward: 19th century English classical soprano
- Richard Alward: British puppeteer and ventriloquist
- Bob Alward: Canadian country singer and songwriter
- William Alward: American first sergeant in the United States Marine Corps
- Alfred Alward: 19th century English watercolor painter
- Edward Alward: Civil War-era British field surgeon
- James Alward: Scottish-born American composer and educator
- Isaac Alward: American Revolutionary War-era Virginia officer