Surname Meade - Meaning and Origin
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read moreMeade: What does the surname Meade mean?
The last name Meade is of English and Irish origin, derived from the Old English word "mead", which refers to a fermented drink made from honey and water. In many instances, the surname was used as a metonymic occupational name for a producer or seller of mead. Some sources suggest that it might have been derived from "meadow", referring to a person who lived near a meadow. In the Irish context, Meade is an anglicized form of Gaelic Ó Miadhacháin, which refers to the descendants of Miadhacháin, a personal name meaning "honorable". As with many other surnames, the spelling of Meade can vary greatly, with Mead, Meads, Mede, and Medd being some common versions. Like most surnames, it provides an insight into the originating family’s history, occupation or location.
Order DNA origin analysisMeade: Where does the name Meade come from?
The last name Meade has Anglo-Saxon roots in England, specifically in Somerset, where the earliest known records of this surname were found. Its origins are derived from the medieval English word "mead," which refers to a meadow.
The name could have been a topographic name for someone who lived near a meadow or a metonymic occupational name for a mower or a keeper of meadows. There are alternative spellings to this surname including Mead, Meads, Meadowes, Mede, and Medd.
Like many other English surnames, Meade has spread across the English-speaking world over the centuries, and it is fairly common in countries such as the United States, the United Kingdom, Ireland, Australia, and Canada. In the U.S., the Meade surname is more concentrated in some states such as Kentucky, Virginia, and Maryland.
Variations of the surname Meade
The surname Meade has English, Irish and French origins. In English, the surname Meead was derived from the Old English 'mead' or 'meadow'. In Ireland, the surname Meade originated from the Gaelic 'Méad' or 'Méada,' which means 'mead' or 'honey-wine'. The surname in its Gaelic form was often anglicised, resulting in various spellings such as Mead, Meade, Meads, Meades, and Mede.
In addition to these, other variants of the surname Meade might include Meed and Meadow. Since surnames often changed based on geographical location and dialects, these spellings are likely regional variations.
In France, the surname Meade could have originated from the name Made, which originated from the French word 'mad' meaning 'crazy' or 'insane'. It is also possible that the surname Meade has roots in the Jewish 'Mede' surname.
Several notable people shared the surname Meade, such as General George Gordon Meade, who played a significant role during the American Civil War, and English television presenter Richard Madeley. Therefore, surnames including 'Meade' or its variations may also imply descent from these historical figures.
Famous people with the name Meade
- Rob Meade: Actor and producer best known for his series Your Hit Parade.
- Kathleen Meade: American biophysicist, professor and expert in proteomics and genome science.
- Luther Meade: Christian author and pastor who has written several books on biblical studies.
- Shelby Meade: American football player and tight end who formerly played for the Philadelphia Eagles.
- J.T. Meade: Canadian singer, writer, and producer who has performed with acts like Rihanna, Nicki Minaj, and Kanye West.
- William Meade: American clergyman and the fourth bishop of the Episcopal Church in Virginia.
- John Meade: English landscape artist who was active in the 18th century.
- Ted Meade: American singer, songwriter and guitarist who recorded for RCA during the 1950’s-1960’s.
- James Meade: British economist who received the 1977 Nobel Memorial Prize in Economics.
- Marty Meade: Former Major League Baseball pitcher who played for the New York Mets from 1981-1983.