Surname Stapp - Meaning and Origin
all surnames with 'S'
Stapp: What does the surname Stapp mean?
The surname Stapp is of Anglo-Saxon origin and is found predominantly in England, more specifically within the Lancashire region. It is believed to be a topographical name derived from old English words 'stapol', or 'stapol', denoting someone who lived by a post or pillar of some kind. This post typically signifies a boundary marker or landmark. Like many surnames of this period, its exact meaning may vary, and it may be associated with an occupation, geographical feature, or characteristic. It is important to remember that surnames were often created and adapted according to the vernacular language spoken in a particular area, therefore multiple interpretations may exist. As people with the surname Stapp moved and dispersed, variations of it arose in different regions. Surnames also experienced significant changes in spelling and pronunciation over centuries. The surname Stapp in its various forms can be found in historical documents dating back to the 13th century, indicating its longevity and continued usage over the years.
Order DNA origin analysisStapp: Where does the name Stapp come from?
The last name Stapp is most commonly found in the United States. According to Ancestry.com, the surname Stapp is of Germanic origin, with the first recorded instance being offered in the thirteenth century in the Rhineland area. Today, it is most commonly found in Virginia, with records of Stapps having migrated to the state from Pennsylvania in the mid-1800s. Other states where the last name Stapp is prevalent include Pennsylvania, North Carolina, Ohio, and Texas.
In recent years, the surname Stapp has become even more widespread. It now exists in various regions of the United States, including the Midwest and the West Coast. The Last Name Database also website reports that it is most prominent in the United Kingdom, particularly in England, though it is not nearly as prevalent in the U.K. and other European countries as it is in the United States.
In addition to the United States and Europe, Stapp can also be found in certain parts of Australia, Canada, and New Zealand. It is also becoming increasingly prevalent in other parts of the world, especially in South America and the Caribbean. All in all, the surname Stapp is most commonly found in the United States.
Variations of the surname Stapp
The surname Stapp is thought to have various variants and spellings which include Staab, Staab, Staap, Staaps, Stappe and Staps. Based on the recorded history of the surname, many researchers believe that the variants and spellings listed here would be the most common ones.
There are some variations of the origin of the surname that are often seen. Generally, the surname is of German and Dutch origin. It is thought to have originally been a short form of the personal name, Stephan, of which many variations can be found such as Stephen, Stephane, Staf, Staph, and Stefan. The name is derived from the Old German word meaning "corona”, or "crown” and was originally given as a nickname to a person who looked as if they should be wearing a crown.
In some cases, the surname could have also come from the German word 'stapfen' which means 'to step'. It could have been given to a lively or a daring person.
In terms of other surnames of the same origin, Staab and Staap are also known to be related to this family. Also, some Dutch variants such as Staaps and Stappe are also thought to be of the same origin.
Finally, the modern spelling of Staps is often seen as a patronymic form, where it could have been given to someone whose father was named Stapp.
Overall, the surname Stapp is associated with many variants and spellings which originate from both German and Dutch language. It is often seen as a modified form of Stephen, or from the Old German word meaning ‘Corona’, or ‘Crown’. Variants of the family surname such as Staab, Staap, Stappe, Staaps and Staps are often seen related to Stapp.
Famous people with the name Stapp
- Scott Stapp: Singer-songwriter, producer and music video director best known as the lead vocalist of the rock band Creed.
- Celia Stapp: 5-time All-American pole vaulter and international competition winner.
- Clifford Stapp: Former professional baseball player who played for the Philadephia Phillies and St. Louis Browns in the 1940s.
- Eric Stapp: Special Agent for the U.S. Department of Justice, primarily in the criminal division, and more specifically as a chief undertaker in the field of counterterrorism and national security.
- John Stapp: American Air Force colonel and physician who performed critical experiments in aviation safety, including dangerous experiments on himself.
- Robert Stapp: American businessman, former executive in the automotive industry, and philanthropist.
- Sidney Stapp: American lawyer and politician who was a member of the U.S. House of Representatives from Missouri, from 1921 to 1925.
- Stephen Stapp: American physician and lawyer who served in the United States Navy, U.S. Army and Persian Gulf War.
- Terry Stapp: Award-winning broadcaster in radio and television, and public speaker.
- Tom Stapp: Australian Olympic rower who competed on three occassions, from 1968–1972.