Surname Close - Meaning and Origin
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Unraveling the Historical Tapestry: A Journey through my iGENEA DNA test Discoveries of 'Close' Lineage
My iGENEA DNA test has unraveled an incredible history linked to my surname 'Close.' Emerging from geographical indications in the ancient Kingdom of England, this journey of discovery invigorated my understanding of my roots back to the 12th century, revealing cultural importance, dramatic historical events, widespread diaspora, and even a surprising Norse-Viking lineage.
P. Close
read moreClose: What does the surname Close mean?
The surname Close is of English origin and can be traced back to the Middle Ages. It is derived from the Old English term "cloh" or "clo", which means a gate, fence, or barrier. Essentially, it was used to refer to a 'dwelling by the enclosure'. As a geographical surname, it was originally given to individuals who lived near a town square or an enclosed piece of land. As it was descriptive, the surname would have been used as an easy point of reference to identify individuals. Keep in mind that like many old surnames, meanings can vary based upon a variety of factors including location and time. Therefore, it is also plausible that there are other interpretations of the surname Close. It is worth noting, however, that it is a common misconception that the surname has a connection to the term 'close' as used in modern English. The surname's roots are distinct from the word's modern usage.
Order DNA origin analysisClose: Where does the name Close come from?
The surname Close is of English origin, derived from the Old French term 'close', meaning 'enclosure' or 'enclosed place'. Compounds like 'Lambsclose', 'Hogsclose' or 'Calvesclose' were often used as medieval field-names. Hence, the surname could have been a topographic name for someone who lived by such an enclosure or a regional name for someone who was a dweller at 'The Close'. After the Norman Conquest, it was introduced into England in the 12th century.
Nowadays, the name is found most commonly in the United States, England, Australia, Canada, and Scotland. In the US, it is mostly prevalent in the states of New York, Ohio, and Pennsylvania. However, it is still relatively rare when compared to more common surnames. The name has gained recognition due to the fame of American actress Glenn Close. Her ancestry traces back to England, which confirms the English origin of this surname.
Variations of the surname Close
The surname Close originates from Old English and Old Norse words that referred to someone who lived near a hill or a barrier. Variants of the surname Close can include Cloase, Closs, Clowes, Clowse, Closse, Cluse, Clauss, Clausse, and Klose. It could also relate to Klause or Klaus in German-speaking cultures, which typically refers to someone who lived near a narrow valley or passage.
It's important to note that some of these variations, particularly those beginning with 'K', can also have different origins. For example, Klaus is also a common first name in Germanic countries, with a different etymology.
Surname spelling variants were very common during Middle Ages since many were phonetically recorded due to illiteracy. Scribes and clerks would record a name, often resulting in a different spelling each time. Thereby, someone's surname would often depend on how those around them pronounced it. As a further layer of complexity, names got changed or altered as families moved between countries over the centuries.
In conclusion, while Close and its variants are surnames primarily associated with English and German, the spelling and usage can differ significantly depending on cultural and geographical factors.
Famous people with the name Close
- Glenn Close: An iconic American actress, she has received numerous accolades, including three Emmy Awards, three Tony Awards, and is a seven-time Academy Award nominee.
- Chuck Close: A renowned American painter and photographer, known for his massive-scale photorealistic portraits.
- Eric Close: An American actor best known for his roles in TV series like "Nashville" and "Without a Trace".
- Del Close: An American actor, writer, and teacher who was one of the premier influences on modern improvisational theater.
- Gretchen Molannen-Close: A Swedish-American female volleyball player.
- Katie Close: A short story writer who was a finalist for the Pulitzer Prize for Fiction in 2009.
- Sara Close: A British singer-songwriter known for her pop and R&B music.
- Jessica Close: A Belgian Paralympic athlete who competes in category T12 middle distance running events.
- Travis Close: A premier real estate agent in Chattanooga, Tennessee, USA.
- Delano O'Banion Close: An American jurist.
- Kevin Close: A British actor known for his role in "Brothers of the Head".
- Brian Close: A former English cricketer who captained the England cricket team. Remember that not all these people are widely recognized outside of their respective fields.