Origin of the surname Church

This surname, with variant forms Churcher and Churchman, derives from the Old English pre 7th Century "cyrice" meaning "church", (ultimately from the Greek "Kyricaon", house of the Lord), and was originally given either as a topographical name to one resident by a church or as an occupational name to an official in charge of a church. The surname from the former source first appears on record in the latter part of the 13th Century, (see below). Other early recordings include Robert Atte Chyrche, (Norfolk, 1273), and Stephen Church, (Kent, 1292).

Henry of the Chirche recorded in "The Register of the Freemen of York City", dated 1368, was most likely a verger or sexton. In some specific instances the name may be locational from Church in Lanchashire. A notable namebearer was Richard William Church (1815-1890), Dean of St. Paul's, 1871-1890, and leading member of the high church party. The first recorded spelling of the family name is shown to be that of Thomas Attechirche, which was dated 1275, "The Subsidy Rolls of Worcestershire", during the reign of King Edward 1, "The Hammer of The Scots", 1272 - 1307. Surnames became necessary when governments introduced personal taxation. In England this was known as Poll Tax. Throughout the centuries, surnames in every country have continued to "develop" often leading to astonishing variants of the original spelling.

The surname Church. Genealogy, origin, history, meaning, and significance

Discovering the historical roots of church is deeply interesting, as it takes us back to the ancestors and relatives who established this lineage. Research into the possible origins of church leads us to learn more about those who bear this surname.

The surname Church around the world

Although surnames have a specific origin at a certain time and region of the planet, many of them have spread far and wide across the world for various reasons, as is the case with the surname church. There is a considerable probability that church has crossed the borders of its place of origin to establish itself, to a greater or lesser extent, in other parts of the world. With all the information we have today, it can be said that the countries where church is most abundant are the following.

History of Church

The historical chronicle of church is based on a striking series of events that were led by those who have carried this surname throughout history. The deeds, the way of life, the places they lived, the family relationships they had, the jobs they held by those who were the first to be named church are found in every look back in the history of this lineage.

We suggest that if you want to learn more about the surname church, try to locate it through the bibliographic sources we suggest. It is common for genealogy and surname enthusiasts to provide us with information of special value, so the data we offer about the origins of church could be modified.

Notable Figures Named Church

It's more than likely that there have been some distinguished churchs throughout human history. We assume that there have been significant contributions to humanity made by individuals with the surname church, even though not all have been documented to our present day.

The surname Church and its bibliographic sources

Thanks to a significant bibliographic review, we have so far compiled information on the heraldry, history, and genealogy of church. The bibliography collects information related to the surname church, which allows us to learn more about its meaning.

SOURCES

These sources are essential for initiating the understanding of church, and at the same time, of surnames in general.

Origin of Church