Nightingale Name Origin, Meaning and Family History

Nightingale Name Meaning: From Middle English nighti(n)gale (Old English nihtegal, from niht ‘night’ + galan ‘sing’).

The name is of Anlgo-Saxon origin and more than likely given as a nickname, for someone with a good,sweet or harmonious voice. The most famous bearer was Florence Nightingale (1820-1910),\"the Lady of the Lamp\".

Discover how your Nightingale ancestors earned their living and spread across the country. Find out more about your family history by using the Free Search box.

Surname Distribution

Census frequency by county

Name Concentrations Within England and Wales

Nightingale Surname Statistics


Top Professions for the Nightingale family

Profession Census Frequency
Scholar 405
Agricultural Labourer 93
At Home 49
House Servant 43
Farm Labourer 40
Labourer 30
Dress Maker 29
Servant 20
Carpenter 19
Shoe Maker 17
Cotton Weaver 17
House Keeper 17
Farmers Son 16
Power Loom Weaver 16
Laundress 15
Coal Miner 15
Cotton Spinner 15
Errand Boy 13
Ag Labourer 12
Scholar At Home 12
Pauper 11
Power Loom Weaver Cotton 11
Ag Lab 10
Annuitant 9
Weaver 9

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