Ensign Last Name Origin, History, and Meaning
Where did the surname Ensign come from? What does the surname Ensign mean? Discover the history and meaning of the last name Ensign and family migration on YourRoots Map.
Surname Ensign Origin: What does the last name Ensign mean?
The surname Ensign has English origins, with records of its first appearance dating back to the early 16th century in England, according to YourRoots data. It started to gain prominence in the 17th and 18th centuries, particularly in the United States. The name Ensign is associated with notable individuals such as Methodist minister Datus Ensign, American politician John Ensign, and American actor Michael Ensign.
By the 20th century, the Ensign surname had a significant increase in records in the United States, indicating its continued presence and influence. While specific details about the meaning and origin of the Ensign surname are limited, its historical growth and notable bearers suggest a legacy worth exploring for those interested in genealogy and family history.
Ensign Last Name History: Where did the last name Ensign come from?
Origin of Ensign Surname: Where does the last name Ensign originate from?
According to YourRoots data, the surname Ensign first appeared in records from England around the early 16th century. Please note that this reflects only YourRoots data for the exact Ensign spelling and does not include other record sources or surname variations.
History of the Last Name Ensign: What does the Ensign surname history look like in the early days?
The Ensign surname started growing significantly in the 17th and 18th centuries, primarily in the United States.
Global Spread: Where can we find the Ensign surname today?
By the 20th century, the volume of records with the Ensign surname grew significantly in the United States.
Explore Ensign last name heritage and Ensign surname origin based on YourRoots Map data

Famous People With Ensign Surame?
Michael Ensign
Michael Ensign (February 13, 1944) is an American actor known for his versatile roles in theater, film, television, and video games. He gained recognition for his portrayal of Benjamin Guggenheim in the iconic film "Titanic" (1997). Ensign's extensive career includes appearances in popular TV shows like "Friends," "CSI: Crime Scene Investigation," and multiple "Star Trek" series. With a background in theatre and training from the London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art, he has showcased his talent across various mediums, earning accolades such as the Distinguished Alumnus Award for Theatre. Ensign's work continues to captivate audiences with his memorable performances.
John Ensign
John Eric Ensign (March 25, 1958 - ) is an American veterinarian and former politician who served as a United States Senator from Nevada. He also represented Nevada's 1st congressional district in the House of Representatives. Ensign's career was marked by controversy, including his resignation in 2011 amid an ethics investigation into an extramarital affair. Despite his political setbacks, Ensign returned to his roots as a veterinarian and became a successful businessman. He has Filipino ancestry and received the Order of the Knights of Rizal. Ensign's political journey included close races, a brief presidential speculation, and a tumultuous relationship with fellow Senator Harry Reid.
Margee Ensign
Margee M. Ensign (born Oct 3, 1954) is a renowned scholar and president of the American University in Bulgaria. With a background in international relations and peace studies, Ensign has led various academic institutions, including the American University of Nigeria and Dickinson College. Known for her work in development, Africa, and genocide studies, she has authored multiple books and presented at prestigious events like the World Economic Forum. Ensign's commitment to education, sustainability, and community engagement has left a lasting impact on the institutions she has served.
Tod Ensign
Thomas Decatur "Tod" Ensign (1941– May 2014) was an American veterans' rights lawyer, writer, and director of Citizen Soldier, a non-profit GI and veterans' rights advocacy group based in New York City.
Ensign co-founded Citizen Soldier in 1969 to advocate for GIs and veterans opposing racism, sexism, and militarism. He was involved in legal cases like the Agent Orange class action and the defense of Sgt. Camilo Mejía for refusing further service in Iraq. Ensign also authored books like "America's Military Today" and contributed to various publications.
Harry Ensign
Harry Ensign (1883 in Waterbury, Connecticut – 1943 in Hollywood) was an early American cinematographer of the silent film era. He worked closely with iconic actor Charlie Chaplin on several films such as "A Night in the Show," "The Champion," and "Shanghaied." Ensign's expertise in film laboratory work led him to become head of the lab at Paramount Pictures. His contributions to the early days of cinema helped shape the industry we know today.
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