Surname Majors - Meaning and Origin

Discovering the Ancient Origins of the Majors Name Through iGENEA DNA Analysis

Unearthing a centuries-old history through iGENEA DNA analysis redefined my understanding of the Majors name. From the Celtic tribes to ongoing migrations, the journey unveiled the resilience and adaptability ingrained within my surname.

W. Majors

Majors: What does the surname Majors mean?

The surname Majors is of English origin and is derived from a nickname for someone who behaved in a demanding or self-important manner, from the Old French "majeur" meaning "greater, senior". It might have been used ironically for one considered to have an inflated sense of their importance. The surname could also be an occupational name for a servant or follower of one named Major. It was usually bestowed upon individuals serving officers of high rank or significant status in the military. In some cases, it may also come from a person who lived in or near a large, important house or building, also known as a "major house". Over time, it has been transformed and Anglicized into various forms including Major, Majors, and le Major. Like many surnames that began as nicknames or occupations, it does not necessarily relate to the person bearing it today.

Majors: Where does the name Majors come from?

The surname Majors is assumed to be of English origin, deriving from the medieval given name or profession "Major". The word "Major" in old French and Middle English periods was used to denote a person who performs a service significantly or a person of superior rank or importance. It also may have originated as a nickname for someone who behaved in a pompous or domineering way. There is also a possibility that the name could be occupational, referring to a servant of someone named Major.

Records of this surname date back to the 13th century in English counties like Essex, Cambridgeshire, and Suffolk, with notable bearers present during the British monarchy.

Today, the surname Majors can be found prevalent in the United States, as a result of historical migration, followed by England and Canada. It is still quite a rare surname globally, making it more unique to those who bear it. Famous personalities with this surname include the American actor Lee Majors and the international rugby player Adrian Majors.

Variations of the surname Majors

The surname Majors is of English origin and has several variants and spellings. The various spellings of the surname can include Major, Mayjor, Mauger, Majer, Majur, and Magor. This variation in spelling can be attributed to the phonetic spelling often used in the Middle Ages where names were often spelled differently each time they were recorded.

These surnames originate from an old French word, "maigeur," meaning mayor or bailiff. The person who held the office of "maigeur" was usually the highest-ranking official in a town or district, hence the names Major or Majors.

These surnames can be found mainly in England and France, but have spread to other parts of the world due to colonization and migration.

It's also worth noting that the surname Majors may not only be an occupational surname, but could also be a patronymic surname. This means the original bearer of the surname could have been the son of someone named Major.

Lastly, it's important to understand that the spelling of surnames can vastly differ in different countries due to different linguistic patterns and pronunciations.

Famous people with the name Majors

• Lee Majors: American actor best known for his lead roles in The Big Valley, The Six Million Dollar Man, and The Fall Guy
• Larry Majors: Former American NFL defensive back who won Super Bowl XXI with the New York Giants
• Gary Majors: Former Major League Baseball pitcher who played for the Cleveland Indians and Los Angeles Dodgers
• Barry Corbin: American actor best known for his roles as Maj. Gen. Craig in Iron Eagle and Sheriff Thurman in No Country for Old Men
• Bryce Majors: American recording artist and songwriter
• Roger Majors: American animator and comic book artist
• Billy Majors: Former NCAA Division I college football player who was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 2003
• J.D. Majors: American musician and vocalist from Richmond, VA
• Earl Majors: Former Canadian football player
• Sonny Majors: American college football player and coach

Other surnames

Major