Short Last Name Origin, History, and Meaning
Where did the surname Short come from? What does the surname Short mean? Discover the history and meaning of the last name Short and family migration on YourRoots Map.
Surname Short Origin: What does the last name Short mean?
The surname Short is of English origin and first appeared in records from France around the early 8th century, as indicated by YourRoots data. It remained closely tied with France until the 14th century when it began to show a significant presence in England. By the 15th century, the Short surname started to appear in the United States, marking an early phase of global spread.
YourRoots data confirms the global presence of the Short surname, with a considerable increase in records in the United States by the 18th century. The surname has since remained prominent in the United States and can also be found in various regions worldwide. Its early roots in France and subsequent spread to England and the United States highlight the extensive reach of the Short surname in different countries over the centuries.
Short Last Name History: Where did the last name Short come from?
Origin of Short Surname: Where does the last name Short originate from?
According to YourRoots data, the surname Short first surfaced in records from France around the early 8th century. Please bear in mind that this refers solely to YourRoots data for the precise “Short” spelling and excludes other record sources or surname variations.
History of the Last Name Short: What does the Short surname history look like in the early days?
The “Short” surname remained closely tied with France up until the 14th century. From the 15th century onwards, the Short surname began to show a significant presence in England, evident in the YourRoots data. Throughout these centuries, the Short surname also began to appear in countries like the United States, indicating an early phase of global spread.
Global Spread: Where can we find the Short surname today?
The volume of records with the Short surname increased considerably in the United States by the 18th century. By the early 19th century, it had surpassed England, a trend that continued into the 20th century. The “Short” surname remains prominent in the United States and has a presence in various regions worldwide. It can be found in other countries, including the United Kingdom, though the specific countries and their volume of records would need to be explored further in the YourRoots database.
Explore Short last name heritage and Short surname origin based on YourRoots Map data

Famous People With Short Surame?
Martin Short
Martin Hayter Short (March 26, 1950 - ) is a Canadian-American comedian, actor, and writer known for his energetic comedy and roles in sketch comedy, films, and television shows. He has received various awards, including two Primetime Emmy Awards, a Tony Award, and was made an Officer of the Order of Canada. Short is famous for his work on programs like SCTV and Saturday Night Live, as well as creating characters like Jiminy Glick and Ed Grimley. He has also starred in Broadway productions and voiced roles in animated films. Short continues to entertain audiences with his comedy and acting, most recently in the Hulu series Only Murders in the Building.
Columbus Short
Columbus Keith Short Jr. (born Sep 19, 1982) is an American actor and choreographer known for his roles in "Stomp the Yard," "Cadillac Records," and "The Losers." He has choreographed for Britney Spears and worked with Brian Friedman. Short's career spans film and TV, including appearances in "Scandal" and "Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip." Despite legal issues, Short has won awards for his performances and continues to pursue his passion for acting and dance.
Jake Short
Jacob Patrick Short (born May 30, 1997) is an American actor known for his roles in popular Disney Channel sitcoms. He portrayed Fletcher Quimby in "A.N.T. Farm" and Oliver in "Mighty Med" and its spinoff "Lab Rats: Elite Force." Short also starred as Mattie Sullivan in the British sitcom "The First Team." In addition to his acting career, Short co-hosts the podcast "Hit the Brake with Bradley Steven Perry." With a diverse background of English, German, Scottish, and Irish descent, Short continues to engage audiences with his charismatic performances.
Luke Short
Luke Lamar Short (January 22, 1854 – September 8, 1893) was an American Old West gunfighter, cowboy, U.S. Army scout, gambler, and saloon owner. He survived famous gunfights in Tombstone, Arizona Territory, and Fort Worth, Texas, and had business interests in iconic saloons like the Long Branch Saloon in Dodge City. Short's early life included witnessing his father's attack by Comanches and engaging in fights with Indians while working as a scout. Known for his gambling days in Leadville, Colorado, Short was involved in a well-known gunfight with Charlie Storms in Tombstone. His adventurous life as a cowboy and gambler left a lasting legacy in the Old West.
Clare Short
Clare Short (Feb 15, 1946 - ) is a British politician known for her role as Secretary of State for International Development from 1997 to 2003. She started her career as a civil servant before becoming a Labour Party Member of Parliament for Birmingham Ladywood. Short was the first cabinet-level Secretary of State for International Development, but resigned over the Iraq War. She continued as an independent politician until leaving parliament in 2010. Short has also been involved in various political campaigns and has a background in political science from the University of Leeds.
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