Surname Littlejohn - Meaning and Origin

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P. Littlejohn

Littlejohn: What does the surname Littlejohn mean?

The last name Littlejohn is of Scottish origin and is derived from the Middle English term "litel Johan". It was traditionally a nickname used for a person who was small, or younger, named John. In some cases, it may have been given to a person who was considered to be of lesser importance or status, as "little" can denote inferiority or lower status. It's also possible that it was used to distinguish a younger person named John from an older one in the same community or family. Today, it is a common surname in Scotland, England, and other English-speaking countries. Despite the literal meaning, it does not inherently imply a person's size or status in the present day.

Littlejohn: Where does the name Littlejohn come from?

The surname Littlejohn originates from Scotland and comes from the colloquial Scottish term "Little John", a term of endearment usually given to younger individuals named John or Johann. It was first found in Perthshire, an area located in the central region of Scotland. However, the Clan was also concentrated in many other areas like Aberdeenshire, Angus, Fife, Argyll, and so forth.

The surname is significant in Scottish history and is associated with Clan Littlejohn as well as Clan MacGregor who were direct descendants of King Alpin, the first King of Scotland.

Despite its Scottish roots, the surname Littlejohn has spread across other English-speaking countries overtime. Outside Scotland, it is quite common in England due to migration, and it is also found in the United States, Canada, and Australia, due to the British and Scottish diaspora of the 18th and 19th centuries. With the high percentage of people of Scottish descent in the USA, the surname Littlejohn is more common in this country today than in Scotland.

Variations of the surname Littlejohn

The surname Littlejohn originated in Scotland and Northern England as a nickname for a small man or for the younger of two bearers of the same personal name John. It derives from the Middle English words 'lytel', meaning 'small' and 'john', hence the direct translation to 'small John'.

The name variations could include "Litteljohn", "Lytlejohn", "Liteljon", or "Lyteljohn". Distinct surname variations were developed in different regions, and there could even be variations within families depending on the local dialect and literacy rates. The Scottish Gaelic version includes "Iain Og" or "Eòin Beag".

Nicknames are a common source of surnames and as such, other names indicating size or endearment might also be related to "Littlejohn". This could include surnames such as "Small", "Little", or "Young".

It's important to note that spelling variations can be quite common in historical documents because rules for spelling and grammar were not standardized in early periods. Names were often recorded as they sounded, and this led to different spellings of the same name by different scribes and clerks. Thus, if researching genealogical records, it is essential to consider all possible spellings of the surname "Littlejohn".

Famous people with the name Littlejohn

• Roger Littlejohn, English footballer
• Jeffery Littlejohn, American astronaut
• William Littlejohn, American Navy sailor
• Bryan Littlejohn, English actor
• Ruth Littlejohn, American writer
• Jordan Littlejohn, American Olympic swimmer
• Fiona Littlejohn, Scottish field hockey player
• Manon Littlejohn, Canadian public servant
• Stewart Littlejohn, Australian cricketer
• Betty Littlejohn, American artist

Other surnames

Littlejohns