The Head Family History

What Does the Head Surname Mean? Historical Origins Explained

The surname Head is of English and Irish origin, deriving from the Old English word ‘heafod’ and its Middle English counterpart ‘heved,’ both of which pertain to the human head or the source of a stream. Variations of the surname include Heed, Heade, and Heads. In England, the Head surname is predominantly found in three main regions: Yorkshire, Devon, and the southeastern coastal areas adjacent to London. In Scotland, families bearing the Head surname primarily resided in the counties of Perthshire, Angus, Midlothian, Renfrewshire, and Fife. In the United States, the initial settlements of Head families occurred in states such as New York, Virginia, Georgia, Kentucky, Texas, Pennsylvania, and Louisiana. Noteworthy individuals associated with this surname include Bessie Head, a novelist; Luther Head, a professional basketball player; Murray Head, an actor and singer from England; Edith Head, a renowned and award-winning costume designer in the film industry; Jesse Head, an actress; Patrick Head, the co-founder of the Williams Formula One racing team; and Anthony Head, an actor and musician from England.