Surname Snip - Meaning and Origin
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Snip: What does the surname Snip mean?
The last name Snip is of Dutch origin, primarily found in the Netherlands. The exact meaning of the surname is unclear as it could be influenced by various factors, including occupation, topographical features, or even character traits. It could potentially derive from the Dutch word 'snip,' which translates to 'snipes' in English, referring to a type of wading bird. Thus, it may have been a nickname for someone who shared characteristics with the bird or a metonymic occupational name for hunter of these birds. Another possibility is that it could have been used as a nickname implying a quick or sharp person, inferring from the English verb 'snip', which means 'cut with small quick strokes'. It could also be a topographical name for someone who lived in a snipped or cut-off area. However, it is important to note that the exact derivation and meaning varies among individuals carrying the surname, depending on their ancestral roots and family history.
Order DNA origin analysisSnip: Where does the name Snip come from?
The surname Snip is not a popular surname, but it is found today in various countries around the world. It is most commonly seen as a Dutch surname but it can also be found in Germany, the Netherlands, Scotland, and the United States.
At one time, the name Snip was derived from the Germanic 'Snaup', which means 'sting or bite'. This name could have been given to someone who had a nasty temper or was particularly sharp-tongued.
The name has also been seen in the Netherlands since the 16th century. This suggests that the name may have been passed down through the generations over time.
Snips are still found in Scotland, where records show that the name reached the Highlands in the 1600s as a Scottish-primarily Dutch name.
The name is also found in the United States. Various records from the 19th century detail that this surname can be found in Virginia, New York, and Pennsylvania, most likely due to immigration from the UK and the Netherlands at the time.
Today, Snips as a surname is not as common as it used to be, but it can still be found in various countries around the world. Its history shows that it is an old surname with a rich history that is still alive today.
Variations of the surname Snip
The surname Snip is most commonly associated with Dutch and German origin. Alternative spellings of the surname include Snijp, Snipp, Snyp, and Sneep. In the Dutch language, the verb “snijpen” means “to snip or clip” or “to cut off a piece”; the accompanying surname likely originated from this word.
In the Dutch and German languages, variation is often achieved via subtle alterations in a word such as the addition of an extra letter, letter swapping, and syllable changes. Thus with the surname Snip, there are variations such as Sneep, where the change was from “im” to “eep.” Similarly, Snyp would come from simply dropping the “i” to become Snyp. Lastly, Snijp would go from “i” to “ij.”
In both Germany and the Netherlands, additional surnames related to Snip have evolved, although generally these are rare. Such names may include Snape, Snipe, Snipes, and Snapper. These typically stem from the English variation of snip, which has also been found in older records from America.
Along with the many variants of Snip, there are also a few alternative surnames one may encounter, such as Senator and Regensburger. These surnames are from a city in Germany, Regensburg. Although no direct connection exists between the families with the surnames Snip and Regensburger, it is possible that the latter may have also have originated from the verb “snijpen.”
Overall, due to the variety of spellings, alternative surnames, and country of origin, the surname Snip has many variations and accompanying surnames.
Famous people with the name Snip
- Philip Snipe: American actor known for playing General Dauge in the French-Algerian action film Battles without Honour and Humanity.
- Steven Snipe: American Basketball Player who played in the NBA for the Utah Jazz and Denver Nuggets.
- Richard Snipe: Canadian voice actor who voiced characters in shows like Dragon ball, Sailor Moon and Transformers.
- Chris Snipe: British-born American cinematographer and producer, most known for his work on Criminal Minds.
- Justin Snipe: American stuntman who has worked on films such as Jurassic World, Passengers and Guardians of the Galaxy.
- Ike Snipe: Jazz musician, educator, composer and arranger.
- Susan Snipe: American actress who has appeared in Mortal Kombat, CSI and Monk.
- Caroline Snipe: English digital painter and illustrator, known for her bold, imaginative and surreal works.
- Peggy Snipe: Australian Women's Basketball Player who has won three championships.
- Jeff Snipe: American author and playwright, whose works include the award-winning play "A Night at the Palace".