Surname Omstead - Meaning and Origin

Omstead: What does the surname Omstead mean?

The surname Omstead is of Anglo-Saxon origin, derived from the Old English personal name “Om” or “Omma” combined with “stede” which means a place or stead, meaning “Om's place”, or “at the place of Om.” It is possible that the name was originally bestowed to commemorate a person or family of prominence living around a particular homestead. The earliest recorded spelling of this family name was in the 12th century when Reginaldo de Omestede was recorded in the Pipe Rolls of Suffolk in 1163. Later an Elias de Omestede appeared in the Feet of Fines of Hampshire in 1202. As the family name grew in stature and influence, some members received lands, titles, and honours for their contributions to society, leading to the respectable standing of the name today. As an occupational surname, Omstead could have also referred to those employed as workers in an inomorphic-stead, such as blacksmiths, wheelwrights, farriers, etc. Though now a fairly uncommon and not particularly popular surname, Omstead remains a living reminder of the proud legacy of its Anglo-Saxon roots.

Omstead: Where does the name Omstead come from?

The last name Omstead is most commonly found today in the United States, Canada, Australia and New Zealand. Many people with this surname live in the heavily populated areas of the East Coast, particularly New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Virginia. As with most surnames, the exact origins of the name are unknown. However, the earliest traceable use of the last name Omstead dates back to the 17th century in Germany.

Many people with this last name have migrated to other countries over the years, which helps explain the prevalence of the Omstead surname in both the United States and Canada. Historical records indicate that some of the earliest immigrants with the Omstead name sailed to the US during the mid-1800s from Germany. A number of these immigrants moved to Pennsylvania, where the same surname is still very common today, particularly around the Philadelphia area.

Within America, many Omsteads have resided in Maryland, Vermont, Massachusetts, Ohio, and Illinois over the years. Canadian Omsteads can be found in Ontario and British Columbia. Meanwhile, a notable amount of Omsteads now living in Australia and New Zealand trace their roots back to the United States or United Kingdom.

Overall, it appears that the last name Omstead is quite common within the areas mentioned above today. It is likely that its usage will continue to spread as Omsteads continue to migrate to new countries and regions.

Variations of the surname Omstead

Omstead is a toponymic surname deriving from residence near a particular place. The variants, spellings, and surnames of the same origin include:

Omstead: The most common spelling of this surname is Omstead, and it is found in both English and Dutch contexts.

Omsted: This is an alternate variation of Omstead and is found mostly in English contexts.

Omsteade: This spelling is a phonetic variation of Omstead found mostly in Dutch contexts.

Omstede: This is another alternate spelling of Omstead found mostly in Dutch contexts.

Om-Sted: This is a variant spelling of Omstead found mostly in Dutch contexts.

Uomstead: This is an alternate, but rare, Dutch spelling of Omstead.

Omstedt: This is a variant spelling of Omstead found mostly in German contexts.

Omstatt: This is another variant spelling of Omstead found mostly in German contexts.

Omstaedt: This is a variant spelling of Omstead found mostly in German contexts.

Omstaedter: This is a rare variant spelling of Omstead found mostly in German contexts.

Omstädt: This is a rare variant spelling of Omstead found mostly in German contexts.

Ohmstedt: This is an alternate spelling of Omstedt found mostly in German contexts.

Uomstede: This is a rare, Dutch variant spelling of Omstedt.

Overall, Omstead is a common toponymic surname with many variants, spellings and other surnames of the same origin.

Famous people with the name Omstead

• Payton Omstead: Actor who has appeared in numerous TV series in both a starring and guest role.
• Jesse Omstead: Musician and former member of the indie rock band The Omsteads.
• Tom Omstead: Retired Army Maj. Gen.
• James Omstead: Professional golfer and golf coach.
• Joyce Omstead: Award-winning author of many books, including the memoir Sand in My Shoes.
• Ken Omstead: Canadian businessman and real estate developer.
• Talia Omstead: Actress best known for appearing in the films Carry On, Follow That Camel and Two for the Road.
• Christian Omstead: Football player who played in the NFL for the Buffalo Bills.
• Jeff Omstead: Canadian ice hockey player who played in the NHL for the Minnesota North Stars.
• Alicia Omstead: Award-winning actress, singer and film producer.

Other surnames

Omsted