Here's a breakdown of its origins:
* Anglo-Saxon Period: The term "Engla land" (land of the Angles) was used to refer to the region now known as England.
* Medieval Period: As England developed and its borders became more defined, the name "English" began to be used to identify people who lived in the country. This often took the form of descriptive phrases like "man from England" or "one who comes from England."
* Later Development: Over time, these descriptive phrases evolved into the surname "English." This surname could have been given to individuals who had migrated from England to other parts of the world or those who were born in England but later moved elsewhere.
Variations:
While "English" is the most common form, variations like "Englishe," "Englisshe," and "Englis" are also found.
Interesting Note:
The surname "English" is relatively uncommon in England itself, suggesting that it originated as a way to distinguish people from England who had migrated elsewhere.
So, if you have the surname "English," it indicates that your ancestors likely hailed from England at some point in history.