Surname Harbour - Meaning and Origin
all surnames with 'H'
Harbour: What does the surname Harbour mean?
The surname Harbour is of English origin and it is derived from occupational or geographical features. As an occupational surname, it might have been used for someone who worked in or lived near a harbour, which is a place on the coast where ships may moor in shelter, especially one protected from rough water by piers, jetties, and other artificial structures. As a geographical surname, it could have been used to refer to someone who lived by a harbour or an area of water deep enough for anchoring a ship.
It's important to note that last names were often adopted based on occupation, location, or even personal characteristics in the times when surnames started to be used. The spelling of the name might have varied over centuries and could exist in various forms such as Harbor, Harber, Harbord and others. The etymology of this surname highlights its connection to a significant aspect of coastal economic life, reflecting the importance of maritime trade and fishing in past centuries.
Order DNA origin analysisHarbour: Where does the name Harbour come from?
The surname Harbour is of Anglo-Saxon origin, derived from the Old English "herebeorg", which means "shelter" or "lodging". The name is thought to have originally been occupational, given to someone operating a lodging house or hostel. The earliest records of the Harbour name were found in Lincolnshire, England, in the 13th century. It creates a variety of spelling and variations, including: Harber, Harbord, Harbard, and others.
The surname is most common in English-speaking countries, especially in the United States, England, and Australia. According to data from Forebears, the top regions with the most Harbours are the United States (specifically Florida and North Carolina), followed by England. Additionally, despite its prevalence in these countries, it remains a relatively uncommon surname.
Variations of the surname Harbour
The surname Harbour may have a few alternate spellings and related surnames due to variations in regional pronunciation, historical record-keeping, translation, and simplification. Some of these alternate spellings and variations can include Harber, Harbor, Herber, Herbour, Harbore, Harbur, Harburr and possibly even Arbor or Harborne.
The origin of the name indicates it could be English and potentially tied to geographical location or occupation. People who lived near a harbour or worked at a harbour could have originally been given this name. Each variant, however, may have an added layer of local history tied to it, thus reflected in its unique spelling.
Due to nature of name evolution, there might be even more variations of the name Harbour that can be linked back through ancestry records. It's also important to account for potential misspellings in certain documents like censuses, immigration records, and other official documents when tracking the variations of the surname.
In terms of surnames with the same origin, they might not necessarily look alike. In the English language, names like Fisher, Chandler, and others might share common occupation-based origins.
Famous people with the name Harbour
- David Harbour: An American actor best known for his role as Chief Jim Hopper in the Netflix series "Stranger Things". He also featured in the Hellboy reboot and Black Widow.
- Frances H. Harbour: A noted author and expert in international relations and ethics in international affairs, she has written several influential books.
- Adam Harbour: An Australian professional rugby player, who played for the Canberra Raiders in the National Rugby League.
- Mike Harbour: A professional golf player from the United States, he has participated in the PGA Tour.
- Tommy Harbour: Another American professional golf player, renowned in the PGA Champions Tour.
- Justin Harbour: Known for his work as a sound designer in Hollywood, he has worked on several high-profile projects.
- Ollie Harbour: A British actor who has worked in the UK television industry. It should be noted that while the selected individuals hold some degree of fame within their respective fields, the level and scope of their fame can vary considerably.