Surname Old - Meaning and Origin

Old: What does the surname Old mean?

The last name Old is of Anglo-Saxon origin and derives from the Old English pre 7th Century word "eald", meaning old. It was typically used as a nickname for someone who was old or perhaps acted beyond their years, rather than as a reference to someone's actual age. It was first found in Essex where they held a family seat from early times. In some instances, the surname may have also been occupational, referring to a 'holder' or 'tenant' from the Old Norse 'giold'. It is also found in Germany and the Netherlands where it may derive from the personal name "Aldo," a short form of the various names beginning with the Old High German element "ald" meaning "old." So, the meaning of the surname Old largely varies on the cultural and geographical context, but most commonly it denotes antiquity, seniority, or an occupational role.

Old: Where does the name Old come from?

The last name Old is still common today mostly in Europe, with the highest concentrations found in Germany and the Netherlands. It is also found in parts of the United States, especially in the Midwest and South, as many immigrants with the name Old have settled in these areas.

The etymology of the name Old is believed to have roots in the Old High German word "alt," which means "old," and is usually believed to have originated in Germany in the Middle Ages. The surname is thought to have been associated with those who held a position of authority or were from an old (respected) family.

The name Old is also associated with several noble families, including the Oldenburgs, who ruled several different Nordic countries during different periods in history. And the Olds of Oldsmar, Florida trace their ancestry back to a prominent pioneer who helped develop Oldsmar's agrarian economy during the 19th century.

In England, Old is most commonly found among people of English, Scottish, and Welsh decent. And the name Old is also found among people of French, Irish, Scandinavian, and Italian descent. Whether you are from Europe, America, or any other part of the world, the name Old is still a widespread family name.

Variations of the surname Old

The surname Old can have a few different variants, spellings, and surnames of the same origin. Old can be spelled as Ould, Owld, Olld, and Oild. Some of the most common surnames of the same origin include Oldfield, Oldham, Oldridge, Oldroyd, Olden, and Oldham.

Old, Ould and Owld are Anglicised versions of Old Norse and descended from common ancestors living in the British Isles hundreds of years ago. It is believed to have originated from ‘Ollad’ or ‘Ulli’ which mean ‘ancestral heritage’ in Norse. This name was then anglicised to Old and became popular during the 12th century.

Olden is an Anglo-Saxon variant of Old and is derived from the Old English personal name ‘Æthelwald’ which translates to ‘noble leader’. It was first recorded in the Domesday book as belonging to families residing in Northamptonshire in 1086.

Oldham is a locational surname and originates from a place near Oldham in the west riding of Yorkshire. This name was also recorded in the Domesday book as ‘Oudeham’ in 1086.

Oldridge and Oldroyd were two common surnames of the same origin. Oldridge is believed to be derived from the Old English words ‘hric’ or ‘rihc’ which translates to ‘ridge’. And Oldroyd is derived from two Old English elements ‘raed’ which translates to ‘clearing’ and ‘ric’ which translates to ‘or strange’.

Overall, Old is an ancient surname with different variants, spellings and surnames of the same origin.

Famous people with the name Old

• Wilfrid Old: Canadian cardiac surgeon,rologist and scientist
• Alan Old: Canadian businessman and politician
• Ruth Old: American operatic mezzo-soprano
• Jon-Paul Old: English drummer,songwriter and producer
• John Old: American politician
• Edward Oldfield: Australian politician
• Patrick Old: Australian politician
• Roger Old: English musician
• Tucker Old: American professional basketball player
• Samuel Old: American architect
• David Old: Australian artist and educator
• James Old: American Presbyterian minister
• Alan Old: British Royal Air Force and sports broadcaster
• Sam Old: Canadian Canadian Football League player
• Dennis Old: British fashion designer
• Zac Old: Canadian folk-rock music artist
• David Old: Canadian Olympic speed skater
• William Old: Scottish politician
• Ryan Old: Irish footballer
• Chris Old: English cricketer

Other surnames

OldakerOldaniOldburyOldcomOldeOldemannOldemannsOldenOldenbuettelOldenbüttelOldenhageOlderOlderdissenOlderdißenOlderogOlderonOldfieldOldfordOldhamOldhofOldhoffOldingOldisOldlandOldmanOldmannOldmannsOldrichOldridgeOldroyd