Surname Shallcross - Meaning and Origin
all surnames with 'S'
Shallcross: What does the surname Shallcross mean?
The surname Shallcross is of English origin, dating back to the medieval period. It is derived from the place named Shallcross in Derbyshire, a county in the English Midlands. The place-name Shallcross comes from Old English words "sceald," meaning shallow, and "cros," meaning cross. It suggests a shallow crossing or ford, referring to a specific geographic feature, possibly a shallow part of a river or stream that was easy to cross, in the original settlement. Like many British surnames, it was likely bestowed upon families living in or around this area, or people who moved from the area, effectively identifying them as "of Shallcross." It's important to note that many English surnames have evolved in spelling over the centuries due to changes in language and literacy levels.
Order DNA origin analysisShallcross: Where does the name Shallcross come from?
The surname Shallcross is of English origin. It is categorized as a "habitation" name, which were typically derived from pre-existing names for towns, villages, parishes, or farmsteads. This last name is supposed to have originated from a place called Shallcross in Derbyshire, in the North Midlands of England. The name Shallcross itself is derived from Old English words ‘scealde’, meaning ‘shallow’, and ‘cros’, meaning ‘crossing’; thus it refers to a shallow place where one could cross a river or stream.
Today, that surname is not very common anywhere in the world. Nevertheless, it is found most frequently in England, particularly in regions close to Derbyshire. Unsurprisingly, there are also a number of people with the surname Shallcross in countries where people of English descent settled, including the United States and Australia. But even in these countries, it remains a rather uncommon surname. As of today, there are roughly 0.5 to 1 individuals per million with the last name Shallcross in England and the United States, respectively.
Variations of the surname Shallcross
The surname Shallcross is quite unique and does not appear to have many direct variants or alternate spellings. The name is believed to be of Anglo-Saxon origin and is a geographical or locational surname. It references a specific location, the hamlet of Shallcross in the county of Derbyshire, England.
Similar to other geographical surnames, Shallcross likely was used to denote individuals who originated from there or lived nearby. There are instances where the names of places have been altered due to colloquialisms or language changes over time, therefore it’s possible the surname has variations that are less obvious.
While there are no well-known or directly spelled variants of Shallcross, surnames that are similar include Shellcross, Shalcross or even Shollcross. Additionally, other surnames originating from place names in the same region such as Ashford, Buxton, or Glossop might share indirect connections.
However, without in-depth genealogical research, it's challenging to definitively identify all variants, spellings, and interconnected surnames to Shallcross.
Famous people with the name Shallcross
- Linda Shallcross: A renowned Australian architect who won the Gold Medal from the Royal Australian Institute of Architects in 2020.
- Tracey Shallcross: An accomplished British painter, recognized for her abstract works inspired by nature.
- Andrew Shallcross: Known as Andy Votel, he is a British DJ, musician, and music producer, and co-founder of Twisted Nerve Records.
- Jack Shallcross: A famous American football player who played for Philadelphia Eagles.
- Gavin Shallcross: A British polo player, known for his skills and contribution to the sport.
- Debra Shallcross: A popular American Actress known for her roles in "The Young and the Restless" and "Days of Our Lives."
- Bill Shallcross: A retired English cricketer who played for Worcestershire County Cricket Club.
- Heather Shallcross: An acclaimed British author known especially for her works in children's literature. Please note that while these individuals have achieved recognition in their respective fields, they may not be universally recognized "famous" people.