The Sharp Family History

What Does the Sharp Surname Mean? Historical Origins Explained

The surname Sharp has its roots in Scottish, German, and English heritage, deriving from the Latin term ‘scrobis,’ which translates to ‘ditch.’ An earlier form of the name, ‘scharp,’ conveyed the idea of swiftness and keen perception. Variations in spelling for the Sharp surname include Scharpe, Schearpe, Sharpin, Sharpling, Sharpe, and Sharplin, while the German equivalent is rendered as Scharf. In England, the highest concentrations of individuals bearing the Sharp surname can be found in the counties of Kent, London, Lincolnshire, Yorkshire, and Lancashire. In Scotland, the name is prevalent in regions such as Lanarkshire, Midlothian, Renfrewshire, Angus, Fife, and Perthshire. In the United States, notable populations of Sharp families reside in states including New Jersey, Illinois, Tennessee, Kentucky, Ohio, Pennsylvania, New York, Missouri, Texas, Indiana, California, and Virginia. Among those of note bearing the Sharp surname are Derrick Sharp, a professional basketball player; Harry Sharp, a race car driver; John Sharp, an English actor; William Sharp, an 18th-century engraver; Martin Sharp, an Australian cartoonist, songwriter, and filmmaker; Joseph Sharp, an 18th-century pioneer settler in New Jersey; Kevin Sharp, a musician; Walter B. Sharp, an oil drilling pioneer; and Maia Sharp, a singer and songwriter.