Surname Gutteridge - Meaning and Origin

Gutteridge: What does the surname Gutteridge mean?

The surname Gutteridge is of English origin and is believed to be a geographical or topographical name, derived from an Old English term. It generally consists of two parts: "gutere," which refers to a flute or pipe and "ridge," which depicts a ridge or a long, narrow elevation of land. Hence, Gutteridge might denote a person living by a ridge where pipes were made or possibly a ridge that resembled the shape of a pipe. Like other surnames that have been derived from places or geographic features, this surname was probably first given to the original bearer who lived or owned lands in such a location. Over generations, it has been passed on as a family name. It's also important to note that early English spellings were often variable which could contribute to variations of the surname such as Gutteridge, Guttridge, Guteridge, and others.

Gutteridge: Where does the name Gutteridge come from?

The surname Gutteridge is of English origin and it is commonly perceived to have been derived from the Old French personal name Goderic. Scholars also hypothesize that it could come from the words "gutter" and "ridge" referring to geographic features.

The name is primarily found in the United Kingdom and its former colonies. Gutteridge seems to have originated in Hertfordshire, England, where the first recorded spelling of the family name is that of Roger Goterich in 1222. This name appears on the Pipe Rolls of that county, during the reign of King Henry III.

The prevalence of the name Gutteridge remains relatively low globally, though it continues to be most widely seen in England, followed by Australia, the United States, and Canada. The largest proportion of people with the Gutteridge surname are located in the United Kingdom, showcasing its continuing concentration in its likely place of origin.

Variations of the surname Gutteridge

The surname Gutteridge has several variants, including Gutteridge, Gutterage, Guttridge, Gutridge, and Gotteridge. The variations in spelling are largely due to the phonetic spellings in the late Middle Ages when standardization of spelling was not yet established. Hence, each transcription could seem different based on the individual interpretation of the scribe.

It is believed that the surname Gutteridge has Anglo-Saxon roots and is of English origin. The surnames having the same or similar origin include names like Cutteridge, which is thought to have emerged from the same base name.

It's also common for surnames to be corrupted over time, both in spelling and pronunciation, due to regional accents, education level, and socio-economic status, contributing to the creation of variations.

However, it's worth noting that while many different surnames might sound similar, they don't necessarily have the same origin. For instance, surnames like Butteridge, Nuttridge or Rutteridge, while sounding similar do not necessarily share an origin with the surname Gutteridge. Verification would require genealogical research or DNA testing.

Like other surnames, Gutteridge can be found all over the world today due to global migration, both forced and voluntary. However, it is still more widely found in the United Kingdom, as per its origins.

Famous people with the name Gutteridge

• Adrian Gutteridge: He is a proficient English author known for his novels and short stories and has contributed several pieces to the BBC Radio.
• Vanessa Gutteridge: An emerging British artist, who has gained recognition for her environmentally conscious and socially relevant art installations.
• John Gutteridge: A renowned representative in the corporate sector, currently serving as the CEO of JLL Asia Pacific, a commercial real estate services firm.
• Joy Gutteridge: She is an esteemed author of children's books based in Canada, best known for her work "The Blossoming Universe of Violet Diamond".
• Ben Gutteridge: A well-known British Podcast host and financial expert.
• Mary Gutteridge: An Australian actress renowned for her performance in the TV series "Prisoner".
• Don Gutteridge: An American professional baseball player who played in Major League Baseball primarily as an infielder.
• Nick Gutteridge: A well-regarded British journalist, working as a Brussels correspondent for several UK newspapers.
• Dennis Gutteridge: A former professional football player from England, played for the Boston United football club.
• Anne Gutteridge: She is an extraordinary English playwright and theater director. These individuals have gained significant recognition in their respective fields with the surname Gutteridge.

Other surnames

Gutterig