Surname Major - Meaning and Origin

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The journey of self-discovery enabled by my iGENEA DNA test has supplied a robust, invaluable understanding of my personal identity and heritage, highlighting the depth of significance, my surname, "Major," carries.

I. Major

Major: What does the surname Major mean?

The surname Major is of Anglo-French origin and was originally used as a nickname for someone who had impressive or imposing characteristics, often someone with power, strength, or nobility. The term is derived from the Latin word "major", meaning "greater". This surname could also have been given to someone holding the rank of a major in the military. Over time, it evolved to become a last name. This surname is used among a number of cultures including the English, French, and Italian, among others. Variations of the name Major include Maior, Majer, Mayer, Mayor, and others. Jean-Baptiste Major, a mason who married Marguerite Roger in Quebec in 1698, is recognized as one of the earliest bearers of this surname. A well-known bearer of the name is former British Prime Minister, John Major.

Major: Where does the name Major come from?

The surname Major originated from Europe, specifically from England and Scotland. The name originated from a military title indicating a person's rank. It was often given to someone who behaved like a major, or perhaps played the part in a pageant or won the title in a tournament. It has also been suggested that it may have been a nickname for someone who was elderly or superior in some way.

In the early centuries, the last name “Major” spread gradually to various countries in Europe and made its way to America with emigrants over time.

Today, the surname Major is most prevalent in the United States followed by England, Canada, and Australia. Nonetheless, its highest density is found in Guernsey, a small island in the English Channel. On a broader scale, this surname is widespread across the globe and can be found in many countries across different cultures and ethnicities. It is important to note though, that the distribution information might be influenced by the migration pattern and the presence of descendants in different countries.

Variations of the surname Major

The surname Major has several variants and resemblances in spelling, reflecting different cultural and linguistic influences. These include Mayer, Mayeres, Myer, Maier, Majors, Mejor, Magor, Majori, Majora, Majerus, and Majer.

It is worth noting that not all surnames that seem similar to Major necessarily share the same origin. Major is of Latin origin coming from the term "major" that signifies "greater". It is common in many European countries which can result in various spellings due to language differences.

In Germany, Maier or Mayer is quite common. Similarly, in France, the variant Majeur is often used. In Eastern Europe, a more popular form might be Majer. Majors is a common version in English speaking countries. Mejor or Mayor may be found in Spain whereas Magor is seen in Hungary.

It is important to consider that some versions may share the same spelling but have different origins. For instance, the German Mayer/Maier, popular Jewish surnames, comes from a term referring to a steward or bailiff, not "greater". Similarly, variations of Major in Asian languages may be phonetic equivalents, not indicative of a shared origin.

Famous people with the name Major

• John Major: British Conservative politician who served as Prime Minister of the UK from 1990 to 1997.
• Phil Major: Former NFL Wide Receiver and current Sirius XM morning show host.
• Sienna Major: Professional dancer and yoga teacher.
• June Major: American television writer best known for her work on the series Jade Helm and L.A.'s Finest.
• Reba Major: R & B/Soul singer-songwriter from Kansas City, Missouri.
• Marvis Major: Legendary bodybuilding champion and real life actor.
• Cliff Major: British actor best known for his roles in the BBC sitcom ‘My Family’ and the ITV drama ‘Midsomer Murders’.
• Osi Major: Business leader and entrepreneur from the UK.
• Chef Major Osazuwa: New Orleans native, Vietnamese American professional chef and entrepreneur.
• Dr. Major Property: Real estate agent and investor in Chicago, Illinois.

Other surnames

MajoMajoorMajors