Surname Sheild - Meaning and Origin

Sheild: What does the surname Sheild mean?

The last name "Shield" is generally believed to be of English and Irish origin. In England, it is a topographical surname for someone who lived near a shed or lean-to, derived from the Middle English term "schelde" meaning "hut" or "shelter." It can also be traced back to the Old English "scield" which means "shield", potentially a metonymic occupational name for a maker of shields.

In the case of Ireland, the surname "Shield" is an anglicized form of the Gaelic name "O'Siadhail," meaning "descendant of Siadhal." Siadhal is a personal name believed to mean "courteous".

Like many surnames, the specific meaning can vary significantly based on regional and cultural differences, so its interpretation might change depend on specific family histories. The name "Shield" may also relate to characteristics of strength and protection, drawing on the connotations of a shield as a piece of armor.

Please remember that last names can carry different meanings and histories across different cultures and regions, so individual family histories might provide more accuracy.

Sheild: Where does the name Sheild come from?

The last name Sheild is most commonly found today in England, Ireland, Canada, and the United States of America. The name originates from Old English and means shield, referring to a shield-maker or shield-bearer, though it can also refer to an individual who engaged in shield-related activities.

In England, Sheild is commonly associated with Yorkshire, Lancashire and Durham, in addition to Norfolk. It is also found in the Scottish borders, especially in Midlothian. In Ireland, the surname can be traced to the counties of Galway, Cork, Limerick and Wexford.

In Canada, Sheild is concentrated in the provinces of Ontario and Alberta, with Ontario boasting the highest number of Sheilds. In the United States, Sheilds are most commonly found in the states of New York, Michigan and Pennsylvania, with New York having the highest concentration.

Overall, Sheild remains a relatively rare last name, with only 17 people per million having the surname in England, Ireland, Canada and the United States combined. Despite its rarity, Sheild remains an aged and established surname, with records of it stretching back to the 13th century.

Variations of the surname Sheild

The surname Sheild is a variant spelling of the surname Shield. It is an English name of Anglo-Saxon and Norman origin. The Anglo-Saxon and Norman roots of this name come from the Old English word “scyld” meaning a shield or protecting shield.

The surname Sheild may have been adopted as a form of identification, since those who used it probably had a reputation as a shield-bearer or guardian. People with this surname may have had a job or family trade associated with providing protection.

Over time, the surname Sheild has evolved into various other surnames related to the same root. These include the surnames Sheilds, Sheild, Sheildson, Shields, Shieldson, Shild, Shilds, Schild, Schilds, and Scheld.

In addition to the other surnames listed, Sheild can also be found spelled with slightly different variants. These include Scheeld, Shel, Sheeld, Skeeld, Skeeld, Skell, Skelle, Skull, and Schull.

Each of these surnames results in slight shifts in pronunciation and spelling, however they all refer to the same origin. Though the spelling of the surname has changed over time, the meaning of the surname remains the same. It continues to refer to a shield and the appearance of the symbol of protection.

Famous people with the name Sheild

• Gal Gadot:Israeli actress and model.
• Wendell Pierce: American actor
• Dean Shield: English cricketer
• Sam Shield: Australian rugby league player
• Aubrey Shields: American country singer
• Chris Shield: Australian racing driver
• William Shield: English composer
• Andrew Shield: English painter
• Grant Shield: Canadian author and journalist
• Harry Shield: British radio announcer
• Robert Shield: American film producer and director
• Sarah Shield: British cellist
• Elizabeth Shield: English author
• Lawrence Shield: American lawyer
• Juliet Shield: British wildlife author and television presenter
• Ezra Shield: Canadian rower
• Angela Shield: Australian sports administrator
• Joshua Shield: American football player
• Lizzie Shield: British sprinter
• Rebecca Shield: British ornithologist

Other surnames

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