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Close Family Genealogy & History

Discover the Global Legacy of the Close Surname

The surname Close is of English origin, first appearing in records during the early 16th century. It is derived from the Old English word "clōs," which refers to an enclosed place or a small field, suggesting the surname may have initially denoted someone living near or working on such land. Over time, the Close family established a notable presence in England, setting the foundation for a lineage that would eventually expand across the globe.

Throughout the 16th and 17th centuries, the Close surname was predominantly found in various counties across England. As the family grew, its members began migrating to other regions, including the Americas. Notable figures with the surname include English cricketer Brian Close, American actor Eric Close, and renowned American painter Chuck Close. This geographic and cultural expansion continued through the 18th and 19th centuries, with the Close family tree branching out significantly, particularly in the United States.

YourRoots data confirms the Close surname's early presence in England, aligning with its 16th-century origins. It highlights the surname's expansion during the 18th century, especially as members of the Close family sought new opportunities overseas. The YourRoots database provides invaluable insights into the Close genealogy, tracing movements and settlements that enriched the family's history over the centuries.

Today, Close genealogy records reflect a vast and diverse family tree, with individuals bearing the surname found in numerous countries. The YourRoots dataset continues to be a vital resource for those researching their Close family tree, offering connections that span continents and time periods, providing a comprehensive view of this surname's rich history.

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Tracing Your Close Family Lineage

Origin of the Close Family: Where does the Close surname come from?

The Close surname first appeared in records in England during the early 16th century, marking the beginnings of a family lineage that would eventually spread across various continents. This initial emergence connects the Close family to its genealogical roots in the United Kingdom, establishing a foundation for future generations. As families began to branch out from this origin, they laid the groundwork for a rich family tree that would evolve over centuries.

Genealogy and Early Family History of Close

Throughout the 16th and 17th centuries, the Close family began to expand, primarily within England, where notable records show concentrations of this surname. Key regions include various counties in England, where families established their homes and began to build their family trees. These early generations played a crucial role in laying down the familial connections that would lead to a broader distribution over time.

As the Close family navigated through the centuries, branches of the family tree began to emerge, with members migrating to new areas, particularly to the Americas. The 18th century marked a significant period of growth, as many Close families sought new opportunities and settled in the United States, further enriching the genealogical history of the surname.

Tracing the Close Family Tree Through the Centuries

In the 18th century, the Close surname saw considerable expansion across regions, particularly in North America. This movement continued into the 19th century, where the family name became increasingly prominent in the United States, as more individuals with the Close surname established roots in various states. By the turn of the 20th century, the Close family tree had diversified significantly, with branches extending across different regions, showcasing the global spread of the surname.

The modern era has witnessed the Close surname further proliferating, reflecting the ongoing evolution of family trees. In the 20th and 21st centuries, Close families can be found in numerous countries, each contributing to the rich tapestry of the family's history. For those looking to connect with their own lineage, exploring the Close genealogy records in the YourRoots database can provide valuable insights into their ancestral connections.

Famous People with Close (and Their Family Tree)

Glenn Close

Glenn Close, born on March 19, 1947, in Greenwich, Connecticut, is a celebrated American actress known for her illustrious career spanning over five decades on screen and stage. She has garnered numerous accolades, including three Primetime Emmy Awards, three Tony Awards, and three Golden Globe Awards. Close is recognized for her roles in iconic films such as "Fatal Attraction," "Dangerous Liaisons," and "The Wife," and her Broadway performances in "The Real Thing" and "Sunset Boulevard." Her influence was acknowledged by Time magazine, naming her one of the 100 most influential people in 2019.

Close was born to Elizabeth Mary Hester "Bettine" and Dr. William Taliaferro Close, a doctor who served as a personal physician to Mobutu Sese Seko in the Belgian Congo. Raised in an affluent family with a unique upbringing, she has two sisters, Tina and Jessie, and two brothers, Alexander and Tambu Misoki, the latter being adopted during their time in Congo. Her childhood in Greenwich, Connecticut, was influenced by her family's involvement in the Moral Re-Armament movement, which she later described as a "cult."

Eric Close

Eric Close, born on May 24, 1967, is a renowned American actor, celebrated for his roles in popular television series. He gained significant recognition for portraying FBI agent Martin Fitzgerald in the CBS mystery drama "Without a Trace" from 2002 to 2009. Close also starred as Michael Wiseman in "Now and Again," Teddy Conrad in "Nashville," and Travis Tanner in "Suits." His career spans numerous primetime shows and films, showcasing his versatility across genres, from crime dramas to musical dramas.

Eric Close was born on Staten Island, New York, and is the eldest of three brothers. His father is an orthopedic surgeon. The family relocated several times before settling in San Diego when Close was seven, shaping his early life experiences.

Del Close

Del Close was a pioneering figure in American improvisational theater, known for his influential roles as an actor, writer, and teacher. He co-founded the ImprovOlympic (iO) and played a significant part in shaping modern improv, guiding many top comedians of the late 20th century. Close's career highlights include performing with the Compass Players, directing at Second City, and serving as a "house metaphysician" at Saturday Night Live. He also appeared in films like "The Untouchables" and "Ferris Bueller's Day Off" and contributed to comics and theater, showcasing his diverse talents across various media.

Close's father died in Manhattan, Kansas, in 1954 from a self-inflicted incident that deeply impacted Close. Although the exact details of the event vary, it is noted as a profound influence on Close's life and work, often being referenced in his conversations and performances.

Chuck Close

Chuck Close was a renowned American painter, visual artist, and photographer, celebrated for his massive-scale photorealist and abstract portraits. Known for his innovative use of various techniques like ink, graphite, watercolor, and etching, Close's work has been influential in the realms of photorealism and hyperrealism. Despite being paralyzed in 1988, he continued to adapt his style, pushing the boundaries of portraiture. His art often involved intricate processes, such as working from gridded photographs to build images stroke by stroke. Close's work was inspired by his struggle with prosopagnosia, utilizing his unique perspective to create deeply impactful portraits.

Chuck Close was born in Monroe, Washington, to Leslie Durward Close and Mildred Wagner Close. His father passed away when Chuck was just 11 years old. As a child, Close faced several challenges, including a neuromuscular condition and dyslexia, which affected his early education. Despite these difficulties, he pursued art passionately, inspired by experiences such as seeing a Jackson Pollock painting at age 14, which shaped his artistic journey.

William Close

William Taliaferro Close was a prominent American surgeon renowned for his critical role in containing the 1976 Ebola virus outbreak in Zaire. His career highlights include serving as Surgeon General of Zaire's army, personal physician to President Mobutu Sese Seko, and director of the 1,500-bed Mama Yemo Hospital in Kinshasa. Close's efforts in medical research notably contributed to understanding HIV-AIDS and changing C-Section delivery practices globally. He later became a country doctor in Wyoming, maintaining strong ties with the CDC during the 1995 Ebola outbreak.

William Close was born in Greenwich, Connecticut, to Elizabeth Taliaferro and Edward Bennett Close, an attorney. His mother belonged to the esteemed Taliaferro family, one of Virginia's First Families. Close had two half-sisters from his father's previous marriage to Marjorie Merriweather Post, a prominent heiress.

Close Surname Meaning, Origin, and History

The surname "Close" is of English origin. It is associated with various notable individuals across diverse fields, including sports, politics, arts, and academia, highlighting its widespread presence and influence.

Where to Find Genealogy Records for Close

We’ve analyzed YourRoots tree and records data to uncover where genealogists are finding key sources such as census, birth certificates, marriage records, and obituaries for the Close family. Explore our most popular genealogy record sources for the Close surname to learn more.