Surname Meads - Meaning and Origin

Meads: What does the surname Meads mean?

The surname Meads is of English origin and is derived from the Old English word "Mǣd", which means "meadow". This name was traditionally given to those who lived or worked near a meadow. It is a topographic surname, a type of surname that was given to a person who resided near a physical feature such as a hill, stream, church, or type of tree. Variations of the name include Mead, Meade, and Meadowes. Like many surnames, it can denote locale or occupation and even geographical features. Hence, in the case of Meads, people with this surname likely have ancestors who lived or were associated with meadows.

Meads: Where does the name Meads come from?

The surname Meads is of English origin, derived from the Old English "maed", which means meadow. It was typically used as a locational surname for people living near meadows. The name can be traced back to Gloucestershire where the Meads family held a family seat as Lords of the Manor in the 12th century.

Today, the surname is spread across many English-speaking countries but is most common in England. It is especially prevalent in areas around Gloucestershire and the South West of England, reflecting its historical roots. In other countries like the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand, the name is less common but still present, owing to the influence of British emigration over the centuries.

Variations of the surname Meads

The surname Meads has several variants across different cultures and languages. Some of these variations include Meades, Meads, Mead, Mede, Meede, and Meaddes.

The surname is thought to originate from England and may have been topographic, given to people who lived near meadows. The Old English word "maed" or "mead", which means meadow, is likely the root for this. The suffix "-s" may refer to "son of". So, Meads could suggest "son of Mead" or "sons of the Mead family".

Alternative spellings that have been recorded throughout history due to phonetic inaccuracies include Meadds, Meades, Mewds, Meedes etc.

These spellings and variants may not only denote family connections but regional ties as well. For instance, the spellings Mead, Meade, and Mede are more prevalent in southwestern England while the spelling Meads tends to be common in northeastern England.

In terms of related surnames with potentially shared origins, Meadows is a name that also derives from the Old English "maed", and could very well be linked etymologically to the surname Meads. Meadson can be another related surname meaning "son of Mead".

However, individual family histories may vary and further research is often needed to establish accurate lineage and origins.

Famous people with the name Meads

• Sam Meads, professional snowboarder
• Thomas Meads, an English cricketer
• Frank Meads, an English footballer
• Boyd Meads, an NZ Air Force Officer
• Harry Meads, US Army Officer and Medal of Honor recipient
• Thane Meads, actor
• Richard Meads, a professional golfer
• Skyleigh Meads, an actress
• Cindy Meads, an American film director
• Beaver Meads, a professional boxer
• Winston Meads, Air New Zealand diplomat
• Arthur Meads, an Australian composer and conductor
• Warren Meads, author and historian
• Richard Meads, British army officer
• Leola Meads, a US-born actress
• Beatrice Meads, one of the earliest female doctors in the US
• John Meads, US Navy sailor and Medal of Honor recipient
• Sylva Meads, a New Zealand geologist
• Billy Meads, a British writer and singer
• Gary Meads, a British TV presenter

Other surnames

MeadMeadeMeaderMeadersMeadlinMeadoMeadorMeadorsMeadowMeadowsMeadus