Date
Name Hampshire
Type Surname (from location)
Usage English
Other Forms FormsHampton, Hamshire, Hampsher, Hampsheir, Hampscher, Hamscher, Hamsher, Hamptonne, Hempton, Hallam, Hallum, Allam, Allum, Halam, Allem, Allom
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Meaning & History
Originally indicated a person from the county of Hampshire in England (recorded in the Domesday Book as Hantescire), derived from Old English ham meaning "water meadow, enclosure" and scir meaning "shire, district". It could also denote someone from an area historically known as Hallamshire in South Yorkshire, from Old English hallum meaning "at the rocks" and scir. Famous bearers include English actress Susan Hampshire (1937-) and Canadian actress Emily Hampshire (1981-).