Surname Short - Meaning and Origin
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Unraveling the Short Lineage with iGENEA's DNA Test: A Personal Chronicle of Discovering Myself and My Origins
The DNA test by iGENEA offered an enlightening journey into my paternal and maternal lineage, linked to the Short surname. The examination involved state-of-the-art genotyping techniques to glean accurate results. It unearthed genetic markers tracing back to the British Isles and Eastern Europe, adding an intriguing twist to the Short family's tale. The reassessment also showed potential living relatives, navigating uncharted territories for the Short lineage.
U. Short
read moreShort: What does the surname Short mean?
The last name Short originates from the Middle English word "schort" which is a derivative of an Old English word meaning "short." In the Middle Ages, this name was likely given to a person who was of short stature, but it could also indicate someone who had a short temper. This name has also been found to be used as a nickname given to a person who was a snappy dresser or someone who was good at bargaining.
The surname could also have been given to families who lived in short dwellings, such as cottages or small houses, or to families that had acquired wealth late in life. The use of this name could also indicate that during the Middle Ages, members of the family were tenant farmers with a small house.
Today, the last name Short is used in many languages including English, Dutch, Spanish, German and French. It has also spread to places such as United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand and South Africa.
The last name Short is still used widely in the present day, and it serves as a reminder of the diverse origin and meanings it has had throughout its history. It can be used as a way to illustrate how names and their meanings continue to be carried down through generations.
Order DNA origin analysisShort: Where does the name Short come from?
The surname Short is associated with England, though it is common throughout the British Isles. It is believed to have originated with a person of short stature in pre-Norman England back in the 11th Century, and is thought to be derived from the old English scort, which translates as 'brief' or 'short'.
In England, the last name was most concentrated in the counties of Lincolnshire, Nottinghamshire, and Kent. It is believed that many of those who bore the last name Short may have had a shared ancestor from these counties.
Today, the name Short is still a very common last name. In England and Wales it is found at a rate of 1 in every 290 people, making it the 109th most common surname. In Northern Ireland it is somewhat more common, with a rate of 1 in every Ironically, the surname appears to be most commonly found in the United States, with 1 in every 124 people bearing this name - making it the 70th most common name in America.
It is interesting to note the reversal in where the surname is most commonly found today, as compared to its origins hundreds of years ago. This change illustrates the power of migratory patterns, and how a single name can travel from one country to another, always adapting and evolving to its environment.
Variations of the surname Short
The surname Short is a name dating back to medieval times, when the first Short family members came to England and Scotland from Normandy, France. It is derived from the Old French word 'Shorte', meaning 'short'.
Variants and spellings of the surname Short include Shorth, Shorthill, Shorthillite, Shorthulle, Shorthul, Shortt, Shorttte, Shortell, Shortelle, Shortel and Shortelle.
In some instances, the Short surname has been anglicized to surnames such as Shorter, Shyre, Shures and Shirte.
Some of the most common Short surnames have been further anglicized to Shert, Sherte, Sherette, Sherritt, Sherret, Sirtee, Shirty, Shurte, Shurtee and Shyrte.
In some cases, the surname has been further changed by devotional nicknames such as Shorthorne (derived from church near the family's place of residence) and Little Short (from the son of a larger gentleman named Short).
Some members of the Short family have immigrated to different countries, with the surname variant Shorts of Irish origin being found throughout the United States and Canada. In Scotland, the surname Short is still very prominently found.
The Short surname is also found in other countries, like France, where it is spelled Chort, and in parts of Germany where it is spelt Schort.
No matter what the variant, spellings or surnames of the Short family, they are all descended from the same source.
Famous people with the name Short
- Martin Short: An American-Canadian actor, comedian, singer, and producer. He is best known for his comedic roles in films such as "Three Amigos!", "Innerspace", and "Father of the Bride".
- Charles Short: A 19th century American lawyer and botanist, best known for writing a botanical reference book, A Concise Dictionary of botanical Terms.
- Shirley Temple Black: An American actress, singer, dancer, and public servant. She was the world’s most popular child star and was nominated for an Academy Award in 1934.
- Ralph Shortey: An American former state senator in Oklahoma, elected in the 2008 general election.
- Geoffrey H. Short: A British visualization specialist and author, best known for writing the 2007 book "Information Visualization".
- Lily Short: A British Film actress, best known for her roles in the 2017 film ".com for Murder".
- Gregory Short: An Australian professor of Surgery at the Melbourne Medical School, and a founding member of the Bioethics Advisory Panel of the Australian Health Service.
- Tom Short: An American basketball coach, who served as head coach for St. Bonaventure's men's basketball team in the 70s.
- Toni Georgia Short: An American artist, best known for her work in collage and mixed media pieces.
- Bob Short: An American businessman, who owned several professional sports teams, including the American Basketball Association’s Dallas Chaparrals.