Surname Maitland - Meaning and Origin
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Maitland: What does the surname Maitland mean?
The last name Maitland is of Scottish origin and derived from a place in East Lothian, Scotland. It's thought to be a combination of the Old English mægð, meaning a maid, or simply put, "unmarried woman," and land, meaning land -- hence the literal translation of Maitland is “the headland of the maidens”.
Historically, Maitland is found mainly in Scotland and parts of England. The associated coat of arms of the Maitland family from Scotland was granted in 1672, featuring a battle ax standing across a saltire, along with two stars and a crescent.
Maitland is a fairly common surname throughout the world, indicating a long and often successful legacy in business and politics. Notable Maitlands include politician Hugh Maitland, the 8th Lord of Maitland, and the 7th Lord Maitland, William Maitland, who held a seat in the House of Commons in the early 17th century.
Today, many Maitland holders are renowned and respected across all realms of life. They are partners and leaders in global business, renowned authors, and members of contributing professions such as social work and academia.
Order DNA origin analysisMaitland: Where does the name Maitland come from?
The last name Maitland is most commonly found in regions of the United Kingdom, specifically in Scotland and Northern England. Maitlands are heavily concentrated in Angus, Aberdeenshire, Highland, East Lothian, Roxburghshire, and Midlothian in Scotland.
Tracing back the origins of the Maitland surname, it is believed to have descended from Middle English and Old English, meaning a settlement on a grassy plain (Meadow + land). Historians believe that the distinguished family maintained their strong presence in the Scottish Isles for centuries.
Today, most people with the Maitland surname can be found in various parts of the United Kingdom, particularly Northern Ireland, Wales, England, and the Scottish Isles. Beyond Great Britain, Maitlands are located in countries such as Canada, the United States, Australia, and New Zealand.
The Maitland surname is well-known and respected, carrying with it centuries of heritage and a long-standing place among the United Kingdom's prominent families. The intelligence, talent, and resourcefulness of those with the Maitland last name have arguably played a pivotal role in the family's ongoing success and legacy.
Variations of the surname Maitland
The surname Maitland has many variants, spellings, and surnames of the same origin. The name Maitland itself first appeared in Scotland, derived from the Old English terms maegan, meaning ‘from the meadow’, and land, meaning ‘land’.
The most common variant of the surname Maitland is Mateland, which was originally spelled Mathland or Mathild. Other variants include Maltland, Maultland, Mautland, Meitland, and Metland. Spellings such as Maitland, Martland, and Mattland were also found in early records.
The surname is also often found with other surnames of the same origin, which can include Matott, Motto, Mayott, Maitot, Matottin, Maiton, and Matton. These surnames were created by adding a suffix such as -ot, -on, or -in at the end of the name.
In addition to variations of the main Maitland surname, many other names can be derivatives of the same root word, such as the Scottish surname Mealand or Meldrum. Other variations include Mallend, Mawtland, Mauland, and Maltland.
In sum, the surname Maitland has many variants, spellings, and surnames of the same origin, including Mateland, Maltland, Maultland, Mautland, Meitland, Metland, Matott, Motto, Mayott, Maitot, Matottin, Maiton, Matton, Mealand, Meldrum, Mallend, Mawtland, Mauland, and Maltland.
Famous people with the name Maitland
- Becky Maitland: She is a British actress who is best known for her stage performances, and has appeared in productions such as The Tempest, Macbeth, and The Good Soul of Szechuan.
- Bruce Maitland: He is a Scottish actor best known for his work in TV and theatre. Some of his notable roles include Dr. Stephen Fisher in Doctors and Jonathan Rayner in Judge John Deed.
- Earl Maitland: He is a British music artist who rose to prominence in the early 2000s for his dancehall and reggae-influenced sound. He has collaborated with producers such as Big Dada records, Parlophone, and Ninja Tune.
- Josh Maitland: He is a British singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist who rose to fame in 2012 with his debut album, Things We Found. His second album, Everywhere You Go, hit the top ten on the UK Albums chart.
- Joy Maitland: She is a British actor, best known for her role in the BBC soap opera EastEnders.
- Kelly Maitland: She is a British model and television personality who has been featured on popular UK shows such as Big Brother and The X Factor.
- Ross Maitland: He is a British actor and producer who is best known for his work in stage productions such as Dinner with Friends, Jeeves and Wooster, and Enron.
- Sam Maitland: He is a British actor who has appeared in films such as The Bank Job and The Last King of Scotland. He was also the lead singer of the band Midlake.
- Stephen Maitland: He is a British entrepreneur who founded the Maitland Group in 2002. He is one of the most influential entrepreneurs in the UK and his company has received numerous awards for its innovation and success.