Surname Oldridge - Meaning and Origin
all surnames with 'O'
Oldridge: What does the surname Oldridge mean?
The surname Oldridge is of English origin, and it is believed to be a locational surname deriving from a place. Most locality-based surnames are usually linked to the original bearers' place of residence, rendering a geographic identification feature. "Oldridge" could possibly denote "old ridge" or represent a historically prominent landmark, such as an ancient ridge or hillside, near the initial bearer's dwelling. However, it's important to note that many English place names have evolved considerably over centuries, and the exact location or feature this name refers to may have a different name today or may not exist any longer. The use of surnames in England started around the 13th and 14th centuries, and they often served descriptive purposes, detailing an individual's origin, residence, or profession. The Oldridge name likely passed down through generations from the original bearers, adopting the current form and usage over time.
Order DNA origin analysisOldridge: Where does the name Oldridge come from?
The last name Oldridge is commonly found in parts of the United Kingdom (UK) today, though there is some evidence of it in other parts of the world. In terms of the UK, Oldridge is predominantly found in counties like Kent, Hampshire, and Devon.
In 1881, according to the British census, the surname Oldridge had its highest concentration in Devon, followed by neighbouring county Cornwall and then Kent. In terms of population, some of the top Oldridge places in the UK were Wimborne St Giles, Christchurch, and Purbeck, all in Dorset.
While Oldridge is still very much alive and well in the UK (with over 1,700 bearers of the name in Britain recorded in the last full census in 2011), the name is also found elsewhere in the world.
In the USA, Oldridge is also known to be present in states such as Florida, Maryland, Tennessee, Indiana, and others. There are also records of the Oldridge name in Canada, Australia, and New Zealand.
It is clear from the histories of many of these countries that the Oldridge surname was present during times of immigration; for instance, between the 19th and 20th centuries, the name was brought to America by people of British descent, and more recently, some of its bearers reached Canada through Australian migration. All in all, Oldridge is, and always has been, a truly international surname.
Variations of the surname Oldridge
The surname Oldridge has several spelling variants, including Oldrig, Oldrigg, Oldrigge, and Oldredge. Oldrig, Oldrigg, and Oldrigge are thought to be the old northern variants of the name and are derived from the Old Norse language.
Oldridge is thought to be a form of the Old English name Aldred, which literally means "old counsel" or "old advice". The Old English words ald and riche were sometimes used in combination. Thus, an individual may have been given the title aldriche when they provided helpful counsel.
The name is also thought to have been derived from the Old English words 'aldan' meaning 'old' and 'rich' meaning 'ruler'. This suggests that the originator of the name had some sort of authority or was considered a leader of some sort.
In terms of surnames, one variation of the Oldridge name is Aldridge. This could have been a variation of Aldred which is a combination of the two Old English words.
Other surnames that could potentially have the same origin as Oldridge include Aldred, Aldredge, Oldredge, and Oldred. Ultimately, the spelling of any given surname can change over time. Thus, the root of any surname may give an indication of its origin, while other spelling causes over time may no longer retain any linguistic significance. Further research is often needed to accurately trace a surname's exact origin.
Famous people with the name Oldridge
- David Oldridge, an English professional rugby player
- Frank Oldridge, an Australian professional cricketer
- Adrienne Oldridge, a British stage and screen actress
- Jonathan Oldridge, a British security consultant
- Jamie Oldridge, a New Zealand professional rugby league player
- Rodney Oldridge, a British long distance runner
- Susan Oldridge, a Canadian actress
- Rocky Oldridge, a British radio DJ
- Edward Joseph Oldridge, an American World War II veteran
- Thomas Oldridge, an English professional footballer