This name is of English locational origin from north or south Shields - the former in Northumberland and the latter in Durham. The name in both cases derives from the Medieval English 'schele' itself coming from the Olde English pre 7th Century 'sceol' meaning a shed, hut or shelter. In some cases the name may be topographic for someone who lived by such a temporary shelter. The surname is first recorded in Scotland, (see below). The following quotation from Burns reads 'The swallow jinkin round my shiel'.
One Roger ate Schelde appears in the 1332 'Subsidy Rolls of Surrey' and a Willelmus de Scheles in the 1379 'Poll Tax Records of Yorkshire'. In the 'modern' idiom the name has eight spelling variations, Shiel(ds), Shiel(l)s, Sheil(ds) and Sheal(s). The first recorded spelling of the family name is shown to be that of Thomas of le Schele, which was dated 1274 who was a Juror on an inquisition made at Traqueyr, during the reign of King Alexander 111 of Scotland, 1249 - 1286. Surnames became necessary when governments introduced personal taxation. In England this was known as Poll Tax. Throughout the centuries, surnames in every country have continued to "develop" often leading to astonishing variants of the original spelling.
The history of the surname shields is, like that of most surnames, a complex and fascinating journey to ancient times with the aim of unraveling the origin of shields. Research into the possible origins of shields leads us to learn more about those who bear this surname.
It is common for surnames like shields to become known in places far removed from their country or region of origin. Discover which ones. There is a considerable probability that shields has crossed the borders of its place of origin to establish itself, to a greater or lesser extent, in other parts of the world. With all the information we have today, it can be said that the countries where shields is most abundant are the following.
The historical journey of the surname shields can be traced back to those who were the first bearers of shields. The deeds, the way of life, the places they lived, the family relationships they had, the jobs they held by those who were the first to be named shields are found in every look back in the history of this lineage.
You can visit us regularly to get more information about the origin of the surname shields, as we frequently accept significant contributions from other individuals interested in heraldry and the history of surnames. It is common for genealogy and surname enthusiasts to provide us with information of special value, so the data we offer about the origins of shields could be modified.
Unfortunately, it's highly probable that not all shieldss who performed notable deeds have been included in historical chronicles and records. We assume that there have been significant contributions to humanity made by individuals with the surname shields, even though not all have been documented to our present day. It is our desire to highlight in this section those individuals with the surname shields who, for various reasons, have left their mark on the course of history.
It goes without saying that consulting bibliographic and documentary sources is essential when accessing information about the origins of the surname shields. The bibliography collects information related to the surname shields, which allows us to learn more about its meaning.
These sources are essential for initiating the understanding of shields, and at the same time, of surnames in general.