Surname Islip - Meaning and Origin

Islip: What does the surname Islip mean?

The last name Islip is found throughout England and Ireland and has a few possible interpretations. Historically, it was most likely derived from either a place-name or from a personal name.

The place-name interpretation refers to the village of Islip in North Oxfordshire, England. This area was an official royal manor, giving greater credence to the idea that the early Islips took their last name from the locale.

The personal name interpretation is likely referring to an Anglo-Saxon personal name, Isláp. This name can be broken down into two components: “isl” — meaning “ice” — and “æpple” which means “apple”. Thus, taken together, the name means "handsome apple-tree that survives winter ice".

In Ireland, Islip is also an anglicized form of the Gaelic name Ó Flannabhra, which is derived from the Old Irish “flann” and “abhra”, meaning “red” and “brow”, respectively.

Regardless of origin, Islip is a proud, centuries-old family name. It can represent a place of origin, a beloved ancestor, or simply the courage a family has shown over the course of time.

Islip: Where does the name Islip come from?

The last name Islip is most commonly found in the United Kingdom. It is most concentrated in the East of England, particularly Norfolk, Suffolk, Essex and Cambridgeshire counties. It is less common in other parts of the United Kingdom such as Lancashire and Scotland, but there is also a notable presence in London.

In terms of global presence, the name Islip is most common in the United States, Australia, Canada, Ireland and New Zealand. There are also pockets of Islips in South Africa, India, Singapore and Malaysia.

Islip is an old Anglo-Saxon name. It originally meant 'river-bank settlement' because it was a village near the River Islhare in the English county of Essex. However, over time it has become more widely used amongst certain families and there are some people who now use the name who may not necessarily have any historical link to it.

One of the most famous people with the surname was William Islip, who was a monk at Westminster Abbey in the 14th century; he later became Archbishop of Canterbury and a patron Saint. He was certainly an influential figure in English history and is still revered today.

Today, Islip remains a prominent name; being used by families worldwide and being associated with many positive aspects such as loyalty, honour and dependability.

Variations of the surname Islip

The surname Islip is a toponymic surname, meaning that it comes from a place name. The origins of this surname are said to be from the town of Islip, Oxfordshire, England.

Variations of the surname Islip include Iselip, Islaip, Islyp, Iselope, Isloppe, Iseloup, Iseloup, Islyppe, Eslyp and Islyp. Spellings of Islip can also be different, such as Iselip, Iselipp, Islip, Yslyp and Yselipp. There are also variations of Islip that include Islyby, Islyffe, Ysleby, Islyp, Yselipe, Ysellyp, Islate and Ysellyppe.

Surnames that are said to be related to Islip include Islake, Islick, Islead, Islief, Isleson, Islop, Isbel, Isely, Iselin, Isalin and Eslip.

Most surnames have many variants and spellings, and this is true for Islip as well. Through the years, due to varying dialects, misspellings and other changes, hundreds of variants have come to be for this surname. It is very important to be aware of various spellings and surnames in order to do genealogical research efficiently. In cases of surnames like Islip, it is especially important to be aware of all variants and spellings, to ensure that you make the most of your research.

Famous people with the name Islip

• Jennifer Islip: Actor best known for her role in the television series The Flash.
• Ed Islip: Former professional baseball player who pitched for the St. Louis Browns and the Detroit Tigers in the 1920s.
• Joanne Islip: Award-winning author of young adult fiction books including With You Always and The Paper Doll.
• Maggi Islip: British sculptor working with stone, ceramics and bronze whose works have been exhibited around the world.
• Roger Islip: British politician who served as a Member of Parliament for Merton and Morden from 1987-2005.
• Bob Islip: American college baseball coach who has been head coach at the University of California, Riverside since 2008.
• Holly Islip: American literary agent with over twenty years of experience representing writers, directors and producers in the entertainment industry.
• Martin Islip: British actor who starred in the long-running sit-com Three Up, Two Down.
• Sarah Islip: Canadian politician and former Member of the Legislative Assembly of British Columbia from 1981-1993.
• Janice Islip: English author and playwright best known for her plays Shore Leave and Lovesong.

Other surnames

Islick