Surname Strong - Meaning and Origin

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O. Strong

Strong: What does the surname Strong mean?

The surname Strong is of English origin and derives from an Old English term "strong or stranga" or the Old Norse term "strangr," which means "strong or powerful." The name likely began as a nickname for a strong, mighty, or brave individual. It later developed into a hereditary surname during the Middle Ages, a time when personal characteristics were often used to form family names. This was particularly the case in a period when nicknames were used to denote physical attributes or peculiarities, such as a person’s physical strength. Over time, it evolved into a surname, carrying forward the symbolic attributes associated with the name. Therefore, the Strong family name represents strength, power, and bravery.

Strong: Where does the name Strong come from?

The Strong surname is still very common today and is particularly well-represented in English-speaking countries. In the United States and Canada, the surname is believed to have been brought over by settlers from the British Isles during the 16th to 18th centuries.

In the census for England and Wales in 2018, Strong was the 123rd most common family name. In Scotland, it was 289th and in Ireland it was 148th. It is quite common in Australia as well, where the 2016 census listed Strong as the 106th most common family name.

Other countries where the Strong surname is found include Germany, the Netherlands, South Africa, and New Zealand. It is not unusual to find people with this surname in many other European countries as well as in the Middle East and further afield as part of the diaspora of English-speaking peoples.

The Strong name continues to be popular to this day because of its broad cultural and historical significance. It is a symbol of strength and resilience and is often used as a source of pride for those who have the name.

Variations of the surname Strong

The surname Strong is a fairly popular name throughout Europe and America. It is derived from a variety of different sources, including Anglo-Saxon, Norse, and Scottish. The most common variants of the surname Strong are Strang, Strainge, Straunge, and Strongman.

In England, the Strong surname is derived from Anglo-Saxon and may have first appeared in the Norse form of Strangi. In Scotlad, variations such as Strang and Strange are linked to the Old English language and may have been used as an occupational name for a 'strong man'.

In Ireland, alternate spellings of Strong can include Strainge, Straunge, and Straight. These spellings are thought to be derived from the Irish Gaelic 'Stronge', and were popularized by the Irish surname variants Strainge and Strongman.

In America, Strong has become the most commonly used spelling and has been linked to the immigrants who came to the US in the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. Additionally, variants such as Strong heart and Strongbow have become popular variations used in America.

In Germany, the name Strang and Strung are more popular spellings of the surname Strong. These spellings are most likely derived from the middle high German 'strang', which means 'strong or powerful'.

Overall, the surname Strong has numerous variants, spellings and origins across Europe, America and other parts of the world. It is likely to have been used as an occupational name for someone who was 'strong', or as an alternative surname for a family of strong someone.

Famous people with the name Strong

• Barry Strong: American pop singer-songwriter, best known for the 1971 hit single, “Me and Mrs. Jones”
• Christopher Strong: English Olympic fencer, competed in the 1924 Summer Olympics.
• Dave Strong: American Major League Baseball player from 1904-1912.
• Ebenezer Strong: American Revolutionary War general and statesman who represented Connecticut in the Continental Congress.
• Elijah Strong: first mayor of modern San Francisco, the 15th city to become a part of the United States.
• Gary Strong: American film and television director, screenwriter, producer, and editor.
• Joy Strong: American actress who starred in such films as Gone with the Wind and Mutiny on the Bounty.
• Keith Strong: Scottish professional snooker player.
• Mike Strong: Former NFL player with the New Orleans Saints and San Francisco 49ers.
• Perry Strong: British aviator and test pilot who piloted the first flight to the summit of Mount Everest.
• Richard Strong: American businessman and philanthropist who was the founder of The Strong National Museum of Play.
• Robert Strong: US Navy admiral who commanded the Battle of Manila Bay during the Spanish-American War.
• Roderick Strong: American professional wrestler best known for competing in Ring of Honor.
• Samuel Strong: Governor of the Bank of England from 1810 to 1818.
• Thaddeus Strong: U.S. Congressman from North Carolina from 1845 to 1849.
• Tommy Strong: American musician, producer, and songwriter with the group the Family Stand.

Other surnames

StronckStrongeStrongerStrongmanStronk