Surname Steggals - Meaning and Origin
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Steggals: What does the surname Steggals mean?
The surname Steggals appears to be of English origin, however, its exact meaning is not definitively known. From available sources, it appears to have originated from a geographical region or a topographical feature. Some surname dictionaries suggest the "Steg-" could have derived from the old English word "stig", meaning a path or track, while "-gals" could have come from "halh", or nook, referring to a remote valley or piece of land. Hence, it might have been used to denote individuals who lived by a path or occupied a secluded or niched area.
Additionally, the practice of developing surnames based on an individual's occupation, place of residence, or father's name was common in medieval England. Therefore, it is plausible that Steggals might denote a person who is a dweller at, or has some connection with such a locale. However, without historical records specifying the name's first use or exact interpretation, these are merely educated conjectures. As with many surnames, its meaning could have evolved or changed over time.
Order DNA origin analysisSteggals: Where does the name Steggals come from?
The last name Steggals is most commonly associated with people living in the United Kingdom and Ireland, where it is particularly popular in Cornwall in England’s south-west corner. The first Steggals in England may have come from Normandy in the 11th century, as Steggals was recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086, and was connected to landugar, a title possibly meaning ‘steward of a lord’.
Cornwall is not the only place where the Steggals name can be found however. There are small numbers of Steggalls in both Australia and the USA. The Australian Steggalls are believed to have descended from Elizabeth Steggall, who was born in Cornwall but moved to Australia with her husband in 1848 and settled in New South Wales.
Steggals in the USA can trace their roots to ships such as the Ann Maria, which left England for the west coast of America in 1820 where they settled with other English immigrants. Details from American censuses for 1850 onwards record a handful of Steggalls living in Vermont, Illinois and New York.
Although Steggalls is much less common today than it once was, with many having changed their surname into more distinctive sounding variations, there are still many Steggalls living in the United Kingdom and Ireland, with a smaller number living across the rest of the world.
Variations of the surname Steggals
The surname Steggals is of English origin and is derived from a medieval nickname. It can be spelled in many ways, including Stegall, Steagall, Stegel, and Stiegel. It is thought to come from the Middle English words 'stigot', meaning 'stile', and 'hal', meaning 'clearing' or 'hall', put together to create 'Stigot's Hall', which in time eventually became 'Steggals'.
Variants of the surname Steggals include Stigall, Steegle, Steggle, Stegle, Steigall, Stagall, Stegalle, Stiegal, Stigel, Stiegl, and Stigal.
The Stegel and Stegler variants of the surname could be Old English or German in origin, with Stegler being used to denote a maker of steeples or towers.
The Stegner, Stegnermarsh, and Stegemore variants could be German, with the word 'marsch' meaning 'marsh' and 'more' being a baptismal name for a person who lived near a large body of water.
The Steiniger variant could be of either German or Jewish origin, with Steiniger as derived from 'stein', meaning 'stone.' Other Jewish spellings include Steigagle, Stygal, Stegal, and Steigall.
Surnames thought to be related to Steggals include Stegel, Stigant, Stickland, Steppings, Staggs, and Stooks.
Overall, Steggals is a unique surname with many variants and spellings, indicating a variety of possible origins.
Famous people with the name Steggals
- John Steggall: British politician, current Lord Mayor of Chester
- Douglas Steggall: Australian politician representing the Division of Warringah in the House of Representatives
- Michael Steggall: former professional ice hockey player and current head coach of the Italian national team
- Joe Steggall: former stock car racing driver
- Emma Steggall: British Paralympic athlete in swimming
- Valerie Steggall: Australian comedian and television presenter
- Natasha Steggall: Australian actress, singer and dancer
- Thomas Steggall: British banker and Chief Executive Officer, Standard Chartered Bank
- Claire Steggall: British playwright
- John Steggall, British author of the environmental travelogue “Crossing the Sacred Mountain”