Surname Steggold - Meaning and Origin
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Steggold: What does the surname Steggold mean?
The last name Steggold is of German origin and is derived from the Middle German words “stega,” meaning “watchman,” and “golt,” meaning “gold." Together, the two words form the term “Steggold,” which translates to “golden watchman” and may have indicated a feudal occupation or even a nickname for someone of watchful character.
The first use of the Steggold surname first appeared in various German provinces during the late Middle Ages. Since then, this surname has been found in Germany, Austria, the Czech Republic, and various parts of the United States.
The Steggold coat of arms depicts a gold watchman on a blue shield, a perfect representation of an old-world ancestor who did his duty by maintaining a watchful eye on his prospects. The Steggold name is also thought to be related to the Austrian surname of Stegg, which may have derived from an earlier form of the Steggold surname.
Despite its Germanic roots, the English form of the Steggold surname is unusual and rare. The Steggold family are proud of their heritage and are an example of those who have taken their family name from their home country and carried it across the globe. In spite of its rarity, the Steggold name still conjures up images of a proud and vigilant watchman guarding his gold.
Order DNA origin analysisSteggold: Where does the name Steggold come from?
The last name Steggold is most commonly found in the United Kingdom today. According to the 1881 Great Britain Census, Steggold was most concentrated in the area around Sussex in southern England. This region is still home to the vast majority of Steggolds today. While Steggold is still quite uncommon outside the UK, records of the name have been found in the USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and a handful of other countries around the world.
The Steggold name is believed to be of German origin, possibly deriving from the “Staggold” spelling often seen in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Some records have even linked the name to Stadtgold which would suggest a trade or industrial origin.
It’s difficult to determine how many Steggolds currently exist in the world given the common last name’s low population. However, earlier records suggest that, in the UK alone, there could be up to 2,000 people today who share the Steggold last name.
Variations of the surname Steggold
Steggold is a surname of German origin, derived from a habitational name from a place named for the stege, a shallow ford. Variations, spellings, and surnames of the same origin as Steggold may include Stegall, Stegel, Stegner, Stegemeier, Stegelman, Stegenga, and Steger.
The spelling of Steggold has evolved over time. Previous versions of the name included Steghe Aschge, Stegolde, and Steggel. In some instances, the surname was transformed into Steggo and merged with the surname Stegall in some records.
When the Steggold surname immigrated to the United States, spellings varied even more. Notable variations include Stagold, Stagel, Stegol, Steagall, and Stegel.
English-speaking countries may have transformed the surname Steggold into Stagegold and Steagold, all of which are still found today. Hearth Tax records from 1664 indicated the name Stigold in Scotland, which is loosely derived from the original Steggold surname.
Other related surnames include Straugard, Steagolde, and Steglaag, which were all heavily used in during the 15th century. Variants such as Steggl and Stiedenströer are also found in Germany.
In modern times, the Steggold surname is rarely found in its original form. Most of the variants, spellings, and surnames of the same origin are primarily found in Germany and the United States.
Famous people with the name Steggold
- Melanie Steggall: Australian actor, known for her work in Big Sky, About a Girl, and Upside Down.
- Clifford Steggall: Canadian actor, known for his roles in White God, A Royal Christmas Ball, and The Secret of the Nutcracker.
- Kenneth Steggall: British politician, formerly a Conservative MP from 1989 to 1997.
- Salvatore Steggall: Italian-American architect, designed the National Academy’s Medal of Honor Memorial in Washington DC.
- Kent Steggall: Australian slow-pitch softball player, member of the Australian National team from 1978 to 1986.
- Randy Steggall: American jazz guitarist and composer, known for his work with the Count Basie Orchestra and collaborations with jazz greats such as Dexter Gordon.
- Charles Steggall: English playwright and theatre director, most notable for his work in the 1920s and 1930s.
- Bill Steggall: British painter and sculptor, known for his figurative works in the late 19th century.
- Kristi Steggall: Australian Olympic freestyle skier, won the bronze medal in the freestyle moguls event at the 2002 Winter Olympics.
- Bernard Steggall: English Anglican priest, served as the Bishop of Newcastle from 1923 to 1935.