Surname Screws - Meaning and Origin
all surnames with 'S'
Screws: What does the surname Screws mean?
The last name Screws is of English origin and is commonly thought to have occupational roots. It is believed to have been used to refer to a person who made or sold screws or utensils that had a screw-like mechanism, such as a wine press or a cider press. The name comes from the Old English word "screwa," which means "screw."
However, another interpretation postulates that the surname Screws could be a regional or geographic name, derived from a place known for its prominent screw trees (also known as "helix trees").
It's worth noting that like many surnames, the meaning and etymology of the last name "Screws" may not be completely apparent or documented. Throughout generations and various migrations, original meanings of surnames can become distorted or lost. As people moved around and languages changed, the spelling and pronunciation of names often evolved, leading to numerous variations.
Order DNA origin analysisScrews: Where does the name Screws come from?
The last name "Screws" originates from Britain. According to available historical records, the surname was derived from an Old Norman name, "Scroga" or "Scroggs". This name usually indicated people who resided or owned lands near bare hills, wooded areas, or shrub lands. The word may have been used to describe the terrain of the area the first "Screws" called home. Natural and man-made features were commonly used to create surnames during the medieval period, a time when the population was experiencing growth and migration.
Screws can also trace its roots to the trade or craft-related surname tradition, possibly indicating a family whose ancestors were involved in manufacturing screws or similar articles. However, this interpretation is less common.
Today, the surname Screws is primarily found in the United States, particularly in the Southern states such as Georgia and Alabama. It remains far less common in its country of origin, the UK, and is overall quite an unusual surname globally.
Variations of the surname Screws
The surname Screws might have different variants and spelling forms based on geographical regions, dialects, and phonetic translations. Some possible variations could include Skrews, Screwe, Skrew, Skruws, or even Schruws. Sometimes, the letter 'K' might be substituted for 'C' deriving Krews or Skrews based on phonetics.
Surnames of the same origin might include other tool or occupation-related names, such as Smith (as in blacksmith), Carpenter, or Tucker. The names could also be derived from the old English word "screwe" which means "to twist." Therefore, names with similar etymology like Twist or Turner can be also enlisted within the same origin domain.
It's important to remember the way surnames change and evolve over time and across cultures. Travel, migration, and intermarriage often cause surnames to morph, resulting in a variety of spellings for the same original surname. The surname Screws is relatively unique, and its variants not being overly common.
Please note, information like this can be intricate and tricky as names can vary and evolve vastly over centuries and across continents, therefore this information is speculative at best using linguistic suggestion, but, not definitive or exhaustive.
Famous people with the name Screws
- Eugene Screws: Better known by his stage name, Hank Ballard, he was a popular American R&B singer and songwriter. Ballard, born as John Kendricks, was adopted by his paternal aunt and her husband, Alvester Screws, and he took his surname until his high school years.
- Philander Screws: The birth name of renowned American journalist and newspaper publisher William Randolph Hearst.
- Fred Screws: An American professional basketball player, who was active during the 1960s.
- Bobby Screws: A well-known entrepreneur and innovator in the golf industry. He founded the Club Glove company, known for its golf travel bags.
- Dan Screws: He is a prominent figure in bodybuilding, known for competing in various bodybuilding competitions globally. Most of the figures listed are not widely known by their Screws surname due to adoption or name change for professional reasons. Hence, the name Screws is not as popular or widely recognized in the realm of celebrities or famous individuals.