What is the origin of the last name Childs?
Countries of origin for the last name Childs
The last name CHILDS has origins in England and Scotland, and it is an occupational surname, derived from the Middle English word “child” meaning “a plow or a plowman.” The surname CHILDS is also found in the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand, due to migration from England and Scotland. The name may have various spellings including Childs, Chylds, Childes, or Chiles.
The CHILDS surname can be traced back to the 13th century in England, with records showing the name in various documents such as church registers, taxation rolls, and court records. One early mention of the name is found in the Feet of Fines records for Essex in 1284, where a John Child is mentioned.
Over time, the CHILDS surname has spread and become more prevalent. In the United States, it is particularly common, ranking 1,405th in frequency out of all surnames, according to the 2000 Census. Notable individuals with the CHILDS surname include Albert Childs, an American television executive, and Thomas Childs, an English cricketer.
The etymology of the surname CHILDS reveals its association with plowmen or laborers in medieval times. It signifies a family’s ancestral link to this occupation. The name may have originally been bestowed upon individuals who worked as plowmen or may have been adopted by families who were associated with plowmen in some way.
Understanding the historical context of surnames adds depth to their significance. The CHILDS surname provides a glimpse into the lives of those who worked the land, toiled in agricultural pursuits, and contributed to the development of societies. It highlights the importance of the agricultural industry and its impact on individuals and communities throughout history.
While the specific origins and exact meaning of the CHILDS surname may not be definitively determined, the historical records and linguistic associations provide valuable insights. Exploring the etymology and historical context of the CHILDS surname allows us to appreciate the rich tapestry of human history and the intricate connections between language, occupations, and family lineages.
Interesting facts about the last name Childs
- The surname Childs is derived from the Old English word “cild” or “child,” meaning “child” or “youth.” It was originally used as a nickname for someone who was youthful or had youthful qualities.
- The surname Childs has various spelling variations, including Child, Childes, Childes, Childing, and Childer.
- The surname Childs is most commonly found in England and Scotland, with notable concentrations in the counties of Lancashire, Yorkshire, and Devon.
- Childs is also a fairly common surname in the United States, particularly in the states of Texas, California, and New York.
- The name Childs has been recorded in various forms and variations since the 12th century.
- The Childs family is associated with a coat of arms depicting a gold lion rampant on a red shield.
- In the United States, the Childs surname is often linked to the publishing industry. The Childs family, particularly George William Childs, played a significant role in the development of newspapers and publishing during the late 19th century.
- There are several notable individuals with the surname Childs, including musicians (e.g., Everette Harp), athletes (e.g., Aida Delgado Childs), and businesspeople (e.g., Shelby Childs).
- The name Childs also has variations in other languages. In German, it can be spelled as Kind, while in French it can be spelled as Enfant.
- The etymology of the surname Childs is linked to words such as “childe” in Middle English, “cild” in Old English, and “ceorl” in Old English, all of which ultimately stem from the Proto-Germanic word “kiltham” meaning “womb” or “girl.”
Name Rank
#1242
There are around 28359 people with the last name Childs in the US