Summary

Surname METCALF is of English origin and is derived from Old Norse elements meaning 'meeting' and 'calf'. It has a rich history dating back to medieval times.
There are
23946
Metcalfs in the USA
Metcalf is the
1494th
most common last name in the USA

Historical figures and celebrities called Metcalf

IsaacMetcalf

Isaac Metcalf was a British engineer who played a significant role in the development of steam engines during the Industrial Revolution.

RalphMetcalf

Ralph Metcalf was an American track and field athlete who won four Olympic medals, including two gold medals, in the 1932 and 1936 Olympic Games.

GeorgeMetcalf

George Metcalf was a Canadian historian and philanthropist who founded the Canadian War Museum and made significant contributions to the study of military history.

EmilyMetcalf

Emily Metcalf was a British suffragette who fought for women's rights to vote and played a significant role in the suffrage movement in the early 20th century.

ThomasMetcalf

Thomas Metcalf was an American politician and attorney who served as the Governor of Kentucky from 1828 to 1832 and again from 1835 to 1839.

MaryMetcalf

Mary Metcalf was an English botanical artist known for her detailed illustrations of flowers and plants, which were highly regarded for their accuracy and beauty.

CharlesMetcalf

Charles Metcalf was a British colonial administrator who served as the Governor-General of India from 1835 to 1836 and played a significant role in the administration of the British Empire.

MargaretMetcalf

Margaret Metcalf, also known as 'Peggy Metcalf,' was an American actress and singer who gained fame in the early 20th century for her performances on Broadway and in vaudeville.

JohnMetcalf

John Metcalf, also known as 'Blind Jack of Knaresborough,' was an English civil engineer and builder who overcame blindness and achieved renown for his road and canal construction projects.

SarahMetcalf

Sarah Metcalf was an American educator and reformer who founded the first public kindergarten in the United States and played a significant role in advocating for early childhood education.

Metcalf Genealogy

OriginsThe surname 'Metcalf' is of English origin. It is derived from the Old Norse personal name 'Metkálf,' which combines the elements 'met,' meaning 'honorable,' and 'kálf,' meaning 'calf.' The name was likely originally a nickname given to someone who resembled a calf or had some association with calves.
Geographic DistributionThe surname 'Metcalf' is most commonly found in the United States, particularly in the states of Utah, Idaho, and Wyoming. It is also present in smaller numbers in the United Kingdom, with concentrations in Yorkshire and Durham.
VariationsVariations of the surname 'Metcalf' include 'Metcalfe,' 'Metcalff,' and 'Metcalfs.'
Migration and ImmigrationThe surname 'Metcalf' has been carried by individuals who migrated from England to the United States, particularly in the 17th and 18th centuries. Many Metcalf families settled in New England and later migrated westward.