Sharples Family History
Sharples Surname Meaning
English (Lancashire): habitational name from Sharples (Lancashire). The etymology of the placename is uncertain; it may derive from Old English scearp ‘sharp pointed steep’ + lǣs ‘meadow’ or lēas plural of lēah ‘wood woodland clearing’.
Alternatively, it may also originate from scearpol ‘place characterized by a pointed feature pointed hill’. These roots highlight the geographical features that may have influenced the naming of Sharples, reflecting the landscape's sharp elevations and meadows.
The dual interpretations of the name suggest a complex relationship between the land and its inhabitants, as is often the case in place naming conventions throughout history.
Overall, the variations in etymology emphasize the rich linguistic heritage of the region and its connection to the physical characteristics of the environment.
Understanding such place names contributes to our knowledge of local history and geography, revealing how people have historically interacted with their surroundings.
Source: Dictionary of American Family Names 2nd edition, 2022