The Case Family History

What Does the Case Surname Mean? Historical Origins Explained

The surname Case is of English origin, deriving from the Latin words ‘capsa’ and ‘capere,’ which denote a holder or container. Additionally, the Old French term ‘casse’ similarly signifies a case or receptacle. Variations in spelling for the surname Case include Kaas and Casse, while the French forms are rendered as De Kasse and Caisse. In England, the surname is widespread, appearing throughout much of the country as well as in significant areas of Wales. Notably, the highest concentrations of individuals bearing the surname Case can be found in London, as well as in the counties of Lancashire, Norfolk, Wiltshire, Hampshire, Devon, Dorset, and Somerset. In Scotland, the surname is primarily located in Renfrewshire, Stirlingshire, Midlothian, Aberdeenshire, Lanarkshire, and Ayrshire. In the United States, families with the surname Case trace their roots to states such as New York, Connecticut, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Indiana, and Ohio. Noteworthy individuals with this surname include Stoney Case, a professional football player; Jerome Case, a 19th-century manufacturer of agricultural machinery and the founder of Case Corporation; Cecil Charles Cole “Box” Case, an English professional cricketer; Humphrey Case, an archaeologist; Neko Case, a renowned musician; and Stephen McConnell Case, a co-founder of America Online (AOL).