Short

Meaning and origin

The last name Short has English origins, derived from the Middle English word "schort," which later became "short." It was originally used as a nickname for someone of small stature or a person with a short temper. The surname Short can also be a locational name, derived from places in England named "Short" or "Schort." As with many surnames, variations and spellings may exist due to regional accents and dialects throughout history.

The longer story

The last name Short is of English origin and is classified as a surname, which is a hereditary name passed down through generations within a family.

As suggested by the name itself, Short is derived from the Middle English word "schort," meaning "short" in modern English. The name is an example of a descriptive surname, as it was likely originally used to describe someone of short stature. Descriptive surnames were commonly used to differentiate individuals within a community based on physical characteristics, occupations, or other distinctive features.

The surname Short can be traced back to medieval times in England. It is believed to have originated in various regions across the country, including Yorkshire, Lancashire, and the West Midlands. During this period, surnames became more prevalent as the population grew and a need for clearer identification emerged.

Surname origins are rarely settled: one spelling can have several sources, and families often took a name for reasons nobody wrote down. Check it against the sources below before you rely on it.