Surname Ross - Meaning and Origin
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My iGENEA DNA test journey dug profound insights into my historical lineage, the origins and migrations of the Ross family, and connected me with 'Rosses' worldwide, notching up a sense of deep-rooted belonging and undeniably broadened perspective.
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read moreRoss: What does the surname Ross mean?
The surname Ross is of Scottish and English origin and is derived from a region in northern Scotland known as 'Ross'. The name Ross literally means 'peninsula' or 'promontory', making reference to geographical features of the area. This connection to geography suggests that the name was likely first given to someone who resided in or came from this part of Scotland. It could also possibly have Celtic origins from the word ‘Ros’ meaning 'headland'. In some cases, Ross may have evolved as a patronymic name, referring to 'son of Ross'. The use of surnames like Ross became more common after the Norman Conquest of England in 1066, as a means of distinguishing between people with the same given name. Today, Ross is a common surname in many English-speaking countries.
Order DNA origin analysisRoss: Where does the name Ross come from?
The last name Ross is a very common surname throughout the United States. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, there are over 106,000 people in the U.S. with the last name Ross. It is more common in certain states that have had larger numbers of immigrants with Scottish heritage, such as Pennsylvania, Virginia, California, Texas, and New York. While it is not the most common last name in these states, it is often seen in the top 20 of popular surnames associated with the area. Additionally, Ross is a common surname in Canada, England, Scotland, and Ireland.
The Claymore, the traditional symbol of the highlands in Scotland, is often associated with the Ross surname. It is in the Scottish coat of arms, shared by many of the Clan Ross families. Thus, many Americans with the Ross last name can trace their heritage back to Scotland.
The surname is also very common among African Americans, generally adopted from slave owners. Many Rosses have had a large impact on the United States, from individuals such as General Douglas MacArthur and Olympian Florence Griffith Joyner to organizations such as Ross Stores. Ultimately, the last name is both very common throughout America today and has a very long history.
Variations of the surname Ross
The surname Ross is a common surname of Scottish origin, derived from a place name in Scotland. Its variants are Ros, Rosse, Rosz, and Rost; its spellings are Roos, Rous, Rousse, Rös(c)h, Roess, and Reus; and its patronymic or anglicized forms are Roe, MacRos, MacRory, MacRuari, Russell, and Russel.
The Ross surname is most commonly associated with Clan Ross of Scotland, whose origins are believed to date back to Crinan of Dunkeld, who in turn was descended from Fearchar, Earl of Ross. It is also associated with Clan MacDhomhnuill or Clan MacDonald of Dunnyveg.
In Ireland, the Ross surname is more closely associated with the Norman settler Sir William Ross during the 15th century in Ulster Province. It is believed to have derived from the surname Roes, meaning ‘red’, which is likely derived from Latin and ultimately from the Greek. Sir William’s descendants are believed to be planted in several places in Ireland including Meath, Galway, and Down.
The Ross surname is also a popular family name in England, believed to have originally been an old Norse name that became popular during the Norman Conquest of 1066. As with the Scottish and Irish branches of the family, the English Ross family was also likely descended from a Norman family surnamed Roes or RRoes.
The Ross surname is popular in many other countries, including Canada, Australia, Germany, and the United States. In the United States the Ross surname is the 28th most popular, with many families deriving from the original Scottish, Irish, and English settlers.
The Ross surname has hundreds of variants, spellings, and patronymic forms, from MacRos to Russel, all rooted in the same place name of Ross, Scotland.
Famous people with the name Ross
- Diana Ross: American singer, songwriter, actress, and record producer.
- Laura Ross: Canadian actress and singer.
- Bob Ross: American painter, television host, and art instructor.
- Jonathan Ross: English television presenter, film critic, radio DJ, actor, and comedian.
- Rick Ross: American rapper, songwriter, and record executive.
- Sheryl Crow: American musician, singer, songwriter, and actress.
- Gary Ross: American filmmaker, screenwriter, and author.
- Wayne Ross: Canadian actor, voice actor, and composer.
- Ross McCall: Scottish actor and musician.
- Ross Matthews: American television personality, comedian, and author.
- Lori Loughlin: American actress and producer.
- Shannon Ross: American comedian and actress.
- Bethany Joy Lenz: American actress and singer-songwriter.
- Rachel Ross: American actress known for playing the role of Rachel Green on the popular sitcom ‘Friends’.
- Chris Ross: American professional basketball player.
- Monica Ross: British urban artist and activist.
- Sinbad: American stand-up comedian, actor and voice actor.
- Luke Ross: American actor and singer.
- Ryan Ross: American musician and former frontman of the band Panic! at the Disco.
- Bernie Ross: British stage and television actor.