Origin of Stead
This interesting name with spellings of Stead, Steed, Steade and Stede, has two distinct possible origins, both Olde English. The first is a locational surname from a place in the West Riding of Yorkshire called "Stead". This was named from the pre 7th Century word "stede", meaning an estate, or large farm. As early examples Richard de Stede of the county of Lancashire in the year 1276, and Roberd del Stede, of the county of Yorkshire, in 1336, are among the first recorded namebearers from this source.
Secondly, the name may derive from the word "steda", meaning a stud-horse or stallion, and originally given as a nickname to a man of mettle or high spirits! As examples from this source Henry le Stede was noted in the register known as the Eynsham Cartulary of Oxfordshire, in 1281. Later examples taken at random from early surviving church registers include those of Bucknell Stead, the son of Ezekill Stead, who was christened at St. George's church, East Stonehouse, in the town of Devonport, Devonshire, on April 3rd 1641, and on September 23rd 1690, Anne Stead was christened at the famous church of St. Martin in the Fields, Westminster, city of London. The first recorded spelling of the family name is shown to be that of Vchtred Stede. This was dated 1180, in the Pipe Rolls of the county of Devonshire, during the reign of King Henry 11nd, 1154 - 1189. Throughout the centuries, surnames in every country have continued to "develop" often leading to astonishing variants of the original spelling.
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The surname Stead. Genealogy, origin, history, meaning, and significance
The history of the surname stead is, like that of most surnames, a complex and fascinating journey to ancient times with the aim of unraveling the origin of stead. The origin, the coat of arms or the different heraldic shields, and the bibliography in which the surname stead is mentioned are part of this exciting investigation.
The surname Stead around the world
It is common for surnames like stead to become known in places far removed from their country or region of origin. Discover which ones. The list of countries with a higher presence of people with the surname stead provides us with a perspective on the history of the surname, beyond its origins, focusing on its migrations.
History of Stead
The historical journey of the surname stead can be traced back to those who were the first bearers of stead. For those like you, who are interested in the history hidden behind the surname stead, it is essential to find all kinds of information, both direct and tangential, that helps to construct a solid narrative of how the birth and expansion of stead developed.
You can visit us regularly to get more information about the origin of the surname stead, as we frequently accept significant contributions from other individuals interested in heraldry and the history of surnames. We keep our website updated through our own research and also thanks to contributions from people like you, after verification; so if you have information about stead and send it to us, we will update it on this website.
Notable Figures Named Stead
Unfortunately, it's highly probable that not all steads who performed notable deeds have been included in historical chronicles and records. Sadly, not all the contributions of those who bore the surname stead were recorded by the chroniclers of the time.
The surname Stead and its bibliographic sources
It goes without saying that consulting bibliographic and documentary sources is essential when accessing information about the origins of the surname stead. The origin, history, coat of arms or different coats of arms, and the heraldry of stead are recorded in a wide variety of sources and documents that are essential to know for better compilation.
SOURCES
These sources are essential for initiating the understanding of stead, and at the same time, of surnames in general.
