Surname Armstrong - Meaning and Origin

An Emotional Odyssey with iGENEA DNA Test: Journey of Self-Discovery and Linking Roots to Surname Armstrong

Taking the iGENEA DNA test does more than unearthing one's genetic lineage. It becomes a poignant exploration of self and family heritage, stirring emotions, curiosity and a renewed appreciation for one's family name, in this case, 'Armstrong.'

Q. Armstrong

Armstrong: What does the surname Armstrong mean?

The surname Armstrong is of English and Scottish origin and derives from a Middle English nickname which meant "strong arm". It was originally given to someone who was exceptionally strong or was considered a powerful warrior. Numerous legends and folklores surround the origins of the name but one notable story is of an ancient king of Scotland who, during a battle, had his horse killed underneath him, leaving him physically vulnerable. A soldier came to his aid, and with only one arm, lifted the king onto his shoulder and carried him to safety. Due to his resilient arm strength, the king rewarded him with lands on the Border and the family name of 'Armstrong'. The clan Armstrong became one of the most influential and feared families along the Anglo-Scottish Border. The name spread with the expansive movement of the Scottish people to other regions such as Ireland during the Middle Ages. Since then it has become a prominent surname in the English-speaking world, famously carried by astronaut Neil Armstrong, the first man to walk on the moon, and by musician Louis Armstrong.

Armstrong: Where does the name Armstrong come from?

The surname Armstrong is of Scottish and English origin and it first emerged in the area of Cumberland. The name is derived from the Middle English words "strong" and "arm", generally given to someone with physical strength or used as a nickname for a strong man.

The Armstrong clan in Scotland is one of the oldest clans, with its history dating back to the 12th century. The earliest recorded instance of the name was in 1235, when an Adam Armstrong was named in a document related to land ownership. The Armstrongs later became notorious border raiders, often in conflict with both English and Scottish authorities.

Though the name has considerable history in the British Isles, it is now more common in the United States and Canada due largely to immigration and the spread of the English language. Notable individuals with the Armstrong name include the American astronaut Neil Armstrong and the American musician Louis Armstrong. Thus, the last name Armstrong has a strong presence in British and North American history, and is commonly found in these regions today.

Variations of the surname Armstrong

The surname Armstrong is of Scottish origin and came from a nickname for a strong man, derived from Middle English terms for "strong" and "arm". There are few known variants, though in some records the name may be spelled “Armstrang”. The Armstrong family is part of the Scottish Clan Armstrong, distinguished by their history in the border region between Scotland and England. The Armstrongs are traced back to a warrior named Siward Digry (nicknamed "Beorn") known for his strength who was an Anglo-Danish lord in the 11th century. Hence, the name may be connected to the Old Norse surname “Bjornsson”.

As for other surnames of possible related origin, connecting implies a feature of strength: Strong, Strongman, and Stronge may be considered. In different languages, surnames noting strength could also relate: e.g., the German surname Stark, the Irish surname Galvin (meaning "strength"), and the Italian surname Forte. However, these connections are speculative as surnames are multifactorial, indicating not just physical characteristics but also occupation, location, or family lineage, and the origins of Armstrong are specifically traced to Scottish borders.

Famous people with the name Armstrong

• Neil Armstrong: The first man to walk on the moon as part of the Apollo 11 mission in 1969.
• Louis Armstrong: An iconic jazz musician known for his distinctive voice and trumpet playing.
• Lance Armstrong: A former professional cyclist who won the Tour de France seven consecutive times before being stripped of his titles due to doping.
• B.J. Armstrong: A former professional basketball player who won three NBA championships with the Chicago Bulls.
• Billie Joe Armstrong: The lead vocalist, primary songwriter, and guitarist of the rock band Green Day.
• Tim Armstrong: The co-founder and former CEO of AOL.
• Gillian Armstrong: An Australian film director known for movies like "Little Women" and "Charlotte Gray".
• Edwin H. Armstrong: An electrical engineer and inventor who developed FM (frequency modulation) radio.
• Samaire Armstrong: An American actress known for her roles in "The O.C." and "Entourage".
• Desi Arnaz Jr.: An American actor and musician.
• Duncan Armstrong: An Australian swimmer who won a gold medal in the 200m freestyle at the 1988 Summer Olympics.
• R.G. Armstrong: An American actor known for his western films and television series.
• Alun Armstrong: An English actor known for his stage and film work.
• Craig Armstrong: A Scottish composer of modern orchestral music, electronica, and film scores.
• Taylor Armstrong: Reality TV star from "The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills".

Other surnames

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