Surname Sours - Meaning and Origin
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Sours: What does the surname Sours mean?
The last name Sours is of French origin from the word "souris," which translates to "mouse." It was originally used as a nickname for someone who was timid or quiet, similar to a mouse. As surnames evolved, it began to be used as a familial identifier. It's also possible that this surname was given to individuals living in or near a place abundant with mice. Additionally, the last name Sours may have also originated from the German last name "Sauer," meaning "sour." This could relate to a person's temperament or possibly indicate a person involved in producing or selling vinegar. However, the specific meaning of this surname can vary based on geographical location and specific family history. As with any surname, tracing individual lineage might provide the most accurate interpretation of its origin and meaning.
Order DNA origin analysisSours: Where does the name Sours come from?
The last name Sours is most commonly found in the United States and France. In the United States, the Sours family is found mainly in the mid-Atlantic and New England states, particularly in Pennsylvania and Maine. Pennsylvania has a particularly large concentration of the surname, accounting for more than 10 percent of the family's population in the US.
In France, the Sours surname is more widely spread. It can be found in virtually all departments, particularly in the Paris region. Although the family has its roots in the Basque region of the country, it is much more widespread today. Outside of the US and France, the family name is also found in Canada, Australia, and New Zealand.
The origin of the Sours last name is quite unique in that it was derived from the term ‘sor’ from the Old French language, which translates to ‘sheep’. This has been linked to the name’s first bearers who were shepherds. It is possible that the family name came to France with the Norman invasion in the 11th century.
Despite its relatively limited numbers, the Sours family can still be found in several parts of the world. Although the origins of the name are quite obscure, its presence in the US and France is certainly a testament to its history and longevity.
Variations of the surname Sours
The surname Sours is of Anglo-Saxon origin and first appeared in the records in the 13th century. It was derived from the Old English word 'sūs', which means sweet or savoury; this likely evolved from the name of a place. Variants of this surname include Sour, Soar, Souer, Sower, Sowar, and Sowir. In Scotland, the surname Sours has been Anglicized to the variants Sowar, Soar, Sassar and Serr.
One of the earliest recorded mentions of the surname Sours is in 1240, when Robert Sours was recorded in Sussex, England. By 1557, the Sours family had extended to Scotland and the name appeared in the Edinburgh Burgh Records. The Sours of Scotland emerged from the Sours family of England, where a branch of the family moved to Scotland in the late 1500s and established the family in Glasgow and Edinburgh.
The spelling of the surname Sours and its variants can vary from region to region. For example, some variants are spelled with one 's', some have two 's's, and some have a double 'r'. The common spellings are Sour, Soar, Sourr, Souer, Sower, Sowar, and Sours.
The alternate surnames Serr, Sassar and Sasser may also be used as variants of Sours as well. These surnames are usually Scottish variants of the English family name. In some instances, the surname 'Soar’ may be derived from the Latin, 'sur', meaning ‘brave’, while the surname 'Sower' may refer to a sower of grain.
Famous people with the name Sours
- Gary Sours:Early 1960’s top 40s singer, Gary Sours had a few hit singles, including “Sleepwalk”, “My Bonnie Lies Over The Ocean”, and “In the Still of the Night”.
- Larry Sours: Larry Sours is an American blues and gospel singer, composer, and arranger. He has released several solo albums, including Lifting Up the Heart, among others.
- Richard Sours: Richard Sours is an American actor best known for his film roles in No Way Out, Far and Away, and Beauty and the Beast.
- Jonathan Sours: Popular for roles in stage and television, Jonathan Sours’s film credits include Bicentennial Man, Arsenic and Old Lace and, most notably, The Man Who Knew Too Much.
- Lynda Sours: Lynda Sours is a prolific American novelist, writing books in the romance, historical fiction, and mystery genres. Some of her bestselling titles include My Theodosia, Wings Over Dunalar and Velma Closes the Case.
- Chuck Sours: Chuck Sours is a country music singer and songwriter. He is known for his chart-topping hits “I’ll Sing About You” and “Heartache on the Line”, among others.
- John Sours: John Sours is an Atlanta-based photographer, specializing in urban and documentary-style photography, often focusing on revealing stories from overlooked city neighborhoods.
- Gail Sours:Gail Sours is an American jewellery designer, with an emphasis on modern design and classical technique. She is most well known for her eclectic takes on vintage and antique pieces.