Surname Handsome - Meaning and Origin
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Handsome: What does the surname Handsome mean?
The surname Handsome, although not very common, can be traced back to English origins. It does not necessarily relate to the modern definition of the word, meaning attractive. During the time that surnames were becoming standardized, the word "handsome" was commonly used in a variety of meanings including easy to handle, suitable, or handy – not just physically attractive. The surname could have possibly originally been assigned to someone who is handy or helpful. It’s also worth noting that during the Middle Ages, nicknames were often used as last names, so the surname Handsome might also have originated as a nickname, possibly for someone who was gracious, or who had neat or skillful hands. In conclusion, surnames historically were related more to a person's profession, characteristics, or place of origin rather than physical attractiveness. The exact evolution and application of the surname Handsome would require specific genealogical research.
Order DNA origin analysisHandsome: Where does the name Handsome come from?
The surname Handsome originated from England. It's an uncommon name and it doesn't appear to be very prevalent in any specific region today. The name Handsome is thought to be a nickname surname, which refers to a characteristic of the initial bearer. It's derived from the Old English terms "handsaeme," which means easy to handle, and "hand-leah," a meadow suitable for sports. It could have been a nickname for someone who was good-looking, or someone who was 'easy to handle'. Such names, referred to as eke-names, were frequently formed by combining personal names with descriptive adjectives, colors, animals' names, or habits of nature. The surname Handsome can also have its roots back to a place named Handley, meaning "high wood or clearing", located in several places in England. Early instances of this surname date back to the late 16th century in England, but the migration of people from Britain during the colonial era and the time of the industrial revolution may have resulted in the surname being present in other parts of the world as well.
Variations of the surname Handsome
The surname Handsome is unique, and it specifically refers to a person who is considered attractive or good-looking. As such, it’s not a common surname and does not have widespread variants.
However, people with similar sounding or slightly varied spellings names could include Handson, Handsum, Handsom, and Handsam. It's also possible to broaden the search to other surnames originating from physical attributes, like Goodman, Fairman, Lovejoy etc.
Outside of English speaking countries, you could consider surnames that translate to handsome in other languages. For instance, the Spanish surname "Hermoso" or the Italian surname "Bello," both mean handsome.
Remember it’s critical to note that the name's origins, traditions, and culture can never be conclusively determined just from the name itself. Many different factors, including immigration, transliteration, and personal choice, can dramatically influence the form and spelling of a family name.
In summarizing, it's not possible to provide a comprehensive list of all possible variations or surnames of the same origin as Handsome due to how unique the surname is.
In any genealogical or historical research, your best approach is to be flexible with spelling and consider possible phonetic equivalents.
Famous people with the name Handsome
- Bruno Mars: Singer-songwriter, professional dancer and music producer
- Robert Redford: Actor, director and producer
- Leonardo DiCaprio: Actor, producer, director and philanthropist
- Jeffrey Dean Morgan: Actor
- Terry O'Quinn: Actor
- Russell Brand: Actor, comedian, radio host and author
- James Dean: Actor
- James Earl Jones: Actor and voice actor
- Jason DeRulo: Singer-songwriter
- Hugh Grant: Actor
- Matt Damon: Actor, screenwriter, producer
- Will Smith: Actor, producer, rapper
- Usher: Singer, songwriter, actor, entrepreneur
- Chris Evans: Actor
- Stanley Tucci: Actor, writer, producer, director
- Hugh Jackman: Actor, producer, singer
- Jake Gyllenhaal: Actor
- Johnny Depp: Actor, producer, musician
- Jared Leto: Musician, actor, director
- Robert Downey Jr.: Actor, producer, and singer