Surname Ettress - Meaning and Origin
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Ettress: What does the surname Ettress mean?
The last name Ettress has German origins tracing back to the Middle High German word "eotrige", meaning “edge of a forest”. As such, "Ettress" is a surname most likely given to someone who had once lived near or at the edge of a forest.
It is likely that this was a quite common name in Germany, as forests are plentiful there and many people lived close to them in centuries past. Through immigration and migration, this name spread to other countries, especially the United States, where the name is still quite common today.
While the origins of the name Ettress remain unknown, it is not difficult to imagine why it was chosen by those who once lived on the edge of the forest. The name itself has a sort of romanticized nature, hinting at a land that was slightly wild yet still managed with care.
Ettress is a name that can give its bearer a strong connection to nature and its beauty. It hints at an independence and reliance, while wistfully romanticizing the beauty of nature that most of us can only imagine.
Order DNA origin analysisEttress: Where does the name Ettress come from?
The last name Ettress is primarily concentrated in the Northern and Central regions of the United States. According to Ancestry.com, the most common states where the Ettress family name is found include North and South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, West Virginia, Kentucky, and Arkansas. These states have the highest percentages of the population with the last name, with West Virginia and Arkansas leading the pack with a combined total of over 5,000 people with the last name of Ettress.
It is also well represented in the south-east region of Texas, with the Houston-Galveston-Bryan County areas having over 3,000 people with the last name. It can also be found in northern states such as Michigan, Illinois, and Ohio. In addition, the last name is also frequently found in states such as Washington, Maryland, California, and Oregon.
Given this region-based distribution, it can be speculated that the Ettress family originated in the Virginias and southeastern states of the US. Records show that the Ettress family traces its American roots to Europe. Thus, it is primarily a part of the culture and history of the US South, and it can be assumed that the Ettress family has been living in this region for several generations.
Variations of the surname Ettress
Ettress is an uncommon English surname, with some variant spellings and other surnames of the same origin. Some related versions of the name include Ettridge, Ettrich, Ettrish, Etters, Ettris, and Ettershank. There are various theories about the origin of the Ettress surname. One is that the name may be derived from the Old English word ‘eatersc’, meaning house or home. Alternatively, it may be a variation of the surname of ‘Eatough’ which was used in some areas of Northumbria and Durham centuries ago. The ‘Ettress’ spelling may have also arisen in the same way as variation of the surname ‘Edsor’ which existed in Lincolnshire in the 16th century. It is likely that some families have adopted the variant spellings of the name when moving or travelling between countries or regions throughout many generations.
The most common uses of the surname are in counties such as Surrey, Somerset, Lincolnshire and Yorkshire, with some also being found in Northern Ireland, Australia, and the United States. It is likely that individuals with this surname are distantly related as the same family names have been passed down through the generations, even if different spellings were adopted at some point.
It is worth considering the different spellings and surnames which originate from the same family if researching the history of the Ettress surname. All these surnames are ultimately derived from the same family lineage and may provide useful evidence of lineage and ancestral roots. Furthermore, there could be the potential to reconnect with long-lost relatives who may have adopted some of the alternative surnames or variant spellings of the same name or have moved to a different region centuries ago.
Famous people with the name Ettress
- Brett Ettress: professional soccer player who has played for Major League Soccer teams like the D.C. United, Houston Dynamo, and LA Galaxy.
- Craig Ettress: TV actor who has appeared in shows like True Blood and House of Cards.
- Astrud Gilberto Ettress: Brazilian singer and songwriter best known for her Grammy Award winning song "The Girl from Ipanema".
- Ken Ettress: American artist who is known for his abstract paintings.
- Dusty Ettress: Award-winning singer and songwriter whose music has been featured on shows like Grey’s Anatomy and Pretty Little Liars.
- Rachel Ettress: English journalist and author whose work has been featured in publications like The Guardian and The Daily Mail.
- Skye Ettress: TV Host and celebrity who has appeared on shows like Access Hollywood and Extra.
- Marian Ettress: American actress who has appeared in films like Step Up and Akeelah and the Bee.
- Ashley Ettress: Country music artist signed to major record label Nashville Records.
- Rebecca Ettress: Japanese-American actress best known for her roles in films like The Brothers Bloom and Wildenbalm.