Surname Longfield - Meaning and Origin
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Longfield: What does the surname Longfield mean?
The last name Longfield is of Anglo-Saxon origin, and is derived from the words ‘long’ and ‘feld’, both of which mean ‘long stretch of open land’, indicating that the family was likely associated with agricultural land holding.
The phrase ‘long field’ therefore suggests that either the original holders of the surname or their ancestors lived on or near a large expanse of open land. In addition, there is evidence to suggest that the name may have been associated with a person (or family) who held administrative rights over land, such as a local magistrate or governing body. As such, the family would have earned a prominent reputation over their homeland, and their name would become associated with the lands they held.
Longfield has become an increasingly popular name over the centuries, and can be found throughout the English-speaking world. Today, this name usually stands as a reminder of a proud and noble family heritage, and of the ancestral rights and privileges accorded to those which once held the Longfield name. So while the name may no longer carry the same significance it once had, it still stands as a reminder of the power and influence the Longfield family once had.
Order DNA origin analysisLongfield: Where does the name Longfield come from?
The last name Longfield is not particularly common today, appearing only occasionally around the world. The name originated in England, predominantly in the counties of Hampshire, Surrey, Sussex, Kent and Devon. It is also present in some locations in the United States, including Massachusetts, California, Pennsylvania, Maryland and Illinois.
Longfield can be traced back to the late thirteenth century, when it was used as a given name for someone residing within a long field. The name is a combination of the two Old English words "lang" (long) and "feld" (field).
The surname has undergone a number of spelling variations over the years, including Langfield, Longfild and Lingfield. The last name's popularity peaked in England between the mid-19th and mid-20th centuries, when it was one of the top hundred last names.
Longfield is today, however, a relatively rare name. It is still found at lower levels in England, though its usage has diminished significantly from its peak in the 19th century. It is estimated that there are less than three thousand Longfields in the world today, making it a fairly uncommon name.
Variations of the surname Longfield
The surname Longfield originates from a number of sources, however, the most commonly used variants are Longfellow, Longford and Longstreet. Additional variants include Langford, Langfield, Langstaff, Longstaff, Langstaffe, Longstaffe, Lonfield, Langfeild and Longfeild.
Longfellow is derived from old English locational terms such as lang feld, which translates to a long open area of land or common field. Longford may be derived from the small town in Oxfordshire by the same name. Longstreet is likely derived from Old English terms meaning long residence or long street.
Langford and Langfield are likely derived from the Old English term lange ford, translating to a long ford or wading area. Langstaff, Longstaff, Langstaffe and Longstaffe are derived from the occupation of a long staff or pike being carried by guardsmen or an individual.
Lonfield and Langfeild likely evolved from locational terms such as lang feld, representing a long open area of land. Longfeild may have been derived from lang feld, the old English term for a long open field.
Regardless of the variant, all of these spellings are related and may generally be written as Longfield.
Famous people with the name Longfield
- Janet Longfield: Canadian voice actress, best known as the voice of Yozora in Pokemon Heroes: Latios and Latias
- Luke Longfield: British musician, known for his single 'Boom'
- Andrew Longfield: American-born Australian entrepreneur, founder of the men's lifestyle brand Black Magic
- Mark Longfield: Canadian ice hockey player, member of the 1989 Stanley Cup-winning Calgary Flames
- Richard Longfield: British actor, best known for his roles in the hit TV shows Downton Abbey and Harry Potter
- Melvin Longfield: American politician, former mayor of Charlottesville, Virginia
- Harry Longfield: British actor of stage, television and film, known for his roles in The Bill and Ashes to Ashes
- Keith Longfield: Canadian playwright, writer and director, best known for his play Laughter in the Dark
- Christopher Longfield: British electronic musician, founder of the label Shock Records
- Wayne Longfield: Aussie Rules football player, most known for his time with Melbourne Football Club