Surname Charity - Meaning and Origin
all surnames with 'C'
Charity: What does the surname Charity mean?
The surname Charity is derived from the Middle English term "charity" which means benevolent goodwill and love towards humanity. It was traditionally given as a nickname to a charitable and kind individual. This name is mainly used in English speaking countries. It is not very common and is considered unique. The origin can be traced back to the medieval period, and like many other surnames, it has also evolved and changed in spelling over the centuries. Notably, the concept of charity is a key element in most cultures and religions worldwide, emphasizing the moral duty to help others in need, which adds a virtuous and positive connotation to this surname. It's important to note that surnames can have multiple origins and meanings in different cultures or languages. However, as a last name, Charity does not necessarily suggest that carriers of this surname have charitable personality traits, as surnames are often inherited and passed down through generations.
Order DNA origin analysisCharity: Where does the name Charity come from?
The surname Charity has English origin and it is derived from the Middle English personal name "Charity". This personal name was itself derived from the Latin term "Caritas" which means "dearness" or "affection". It was used as an epithet for those who demonstrated these qualities. The name also has Christian connotations, as Charity is one of the three Christian virtues. The surname Charity is common among English speakers and is found in various countries where English is spoken. However, the last name is relatively rare even in its area of highest concentration, the United States. It is also found in England, Canada, Australia, and South Africa to some extent but is not particularly common in any of these countries.
Variations of the surname Charity
The surname Charity comes from the Latin name "Caritas", meaning love or charity. It may also be derived from the Old French term "Charité."
This surname has several variants including Charite, Charitey, Charitie, Charrity, Charraty, and Charety.
In some instances, it may also be traced back to Irish roots, with the surname Mac Carrghamhna or MacCarney being Anglicized to Charity.
The surname Charity can also be found with alternative spellings like Chairity, Cherity, or even Sharity in some rare instances.
Some of the surnames probably originated from the same root and could be considered variants due to dialectal alterations and local phonetic preferences. For instance, surnames like Caritas, Caridad, and Chariton could be so considered.
However, it must be noted that many variations may exist depending on regional linguistic nuances, historical shifts in language and spelling preferences. Therefore, while tracking a certain surname these variations should be taken into account. Also, remember that even if two surnames look similar, it doesn't necessarily mean they have the same origin. Therefore, genealogical research should be conducted to find out the exact origins and variants.
Famous people with the name Charity
- Mike Charity: An American football player who played in the NFL for Kansas City Chiefs.
- Arthur Charity: An English cricketer who played in the late 19th and early 20th century.
- Shawn Charity: A retired U.S. Air Force Technical Sergeant who is known for his contributions in cybersecurity.
- Dan Charity: A British photographer who is known for his work in the field of journalism.
- John Charity: An English cricketer who played during the late 18th century.
- Robert Charity: An English badminton player.
- Devon Charity: A notable football player and coach from Trinidad and Tobago.
- Steve Charity: A celebrity chef famous for appearing on competitive cooking reality TV shows.