Surname Snipes - Meaning and Origin

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J. Snipes

Snipes: What does the surname Snipes mean?

The surname Snipes is of Anglo-Saxon origin and is derived from the Old English pre 7th Century word "sniðan" which means "to cut or to snip". It is an occupational name for a tailor or a snipe hunter. The snipe is a small, fast-flying wader bird, and the term was often used as a nickname for a sharp, smart individual, hence the phrase "as sharp as a snipe's bill". The surname first appeared in written documents in the 13th century in Yorkshire, England. Over the centuries, it has evolved into several forms including Snith, Snyde, Snithe, Snipe, and Snipes. In some cases, the name could be topographic, given to someone who lived in an area abundant with snipes. Variations of the surname can be found in different countries, adapted to their respective languages.

Snipes: Where does the name Snipes come from?

The last name Snipes is believed to have originated in England. Today, it is most commonly found in the United States, particularly in the South. According to the US Census Bureau, the most concentrated populations of Snipes are in North Carolina, Georgia, Virginia, and Mississippi. North Carolina is by far the most populous state for Snipes families, accounting for almost 55% of the total.

In the United States, the surname Snipes is most heavily concentrated in the Southeast, with many members of the extended family located throughout the states of Tennessee, South Carolina, Alabama, and Arkansas. The states with the highest numbers of individuals with this surname are Alabama, Georgia, and North Carolina. The greatest concentration of the Snipes family is located in the Appalachian region, with members scattered in surrounding states.

The Snipes name is not only found in the United States. It is also seen in several other countries, including Canada, Australia, and the United Kingdom. Due to colonization, the presence of Snipes can be found in countries like Jamaica, Guyana, Ghana, and Nigeria.

Snipes is a proud surname that may go back several centuries. This last name gives us an interesting look into the past, letting us trace a family’s journey from England to other parts of the world.

Variations of the surname Snipes

The surname 'Snipes' is an English surname of multiple origin. The earliest known spelling is 'Snip', which is recorded in Somerset, England in 1273. It is believed to be derived from Anglo-Saxon or Olde English, meaning 'to cut' or 'sharp blade'. In Scotland, the name comes from the Old Norse 'snípa', which means 'light snowfall'.

Over the centuries, the surname has been anglicized and several variants have been recorded. By the 1800s, 'Snipe' was the most common spelling of the name. Other common variant spellings of the name include 'Snypes', 'Snypp', 'Snipp', 'Snep', 'Snepp', 'Snape', 'Snapey', 'Sneapy', 'Snepe', 'Snepp', 'Sney', 'Snipper', and 'Sneyp'.

Other surnames of similar origin to 'Snipes' include 'Snypes', 'Snipp', 'Snape', 'Sneed', 'Snay', 'Snaden', 'Snaydon', 'Snypp', 'Snayder', 'Snodder', 'Snadon', 'Snodden' and 'Snodderly'.

Although Snipes is a geographically diverse surname, it is most common in the United Kingdom, especially in counties such as Yorkshire, Lancashire, and Oxfordshire. It is also relatively common in countries such as the United States, Canada, and Australia.

Famous people with the name Snipes

• Wesley Snipes: An American actor, film producer, martial artist, and comedian well known for his roles in the Blade trilogy and his roles in American crime-action movies such as Passenger 57, Demolition Man, and White Men Can't Jump.
• Allen Snipes: An American professional basketball player who has played in the NBA's D-League with the Santa Cruz Warriors and Erie Bayhawks.
• Maurice Snipes: An American football player who played in the National Football League for the Green Bay Packers and the St. Louis Cardinals.
• Thomas Snipes: A United States Army officer and a recipient of the Medal of Honor for his actions during the Korean War.
• Irving Snipes: An American race car driver who competed in the NASCAR Winston Cup Series for four years between 1977 and 1981.
• Al Snipes: An American film and television producer and former vice president of production at Universal Television.
• Pat Snipes: An American wheelchair basketball player who has won multiple gold medals at the Paralympic Games.
• Paul Snipes: An American actor best known for his roles in films such as Waiting to Exhale, Shadows of the Heart, and King of the Mountain.
• Adrienne Snipes: An American football player who competed in the Women’s Professional Football League and is now the head coach of the Tampa Bay Inferno.
• Tionne "T Boz" Watkins: An American singer, actress, and television personality best known for being a member of the R&B/Hip Hop trio, TLC.

Other surnames

Snipe