Soppeth

Recorded in several spelling forms including Soppet, Soppeth, Soppett, Soppit and Soppitt, this very unusual surname is of English pre 7th century origins. It derives from a now "lost" location called "Sopp-hyth", probably in East Anglia, the name translating as "the landing place (hyth) on the marsh (sop)". Another possible translation could be "Sopp's landing", with "Sopp" being an early tribal name. The post medieval surname recordings are widely dispersed, a confirmation that the original village was probably "cleared" during the time of the dreaded Enclosure Acts of the 15th to 18th Centuries. The Enclosure Acts empowered landowners to fence the common lands, thereby depriving most villagers of the ability to graze their cattle. When this happened these unfortunate people had little option but to seek work and homes elsewhere. As an easy means of identity they were often given as their surname, the name of their former village. Some five thousand British and Irish surnames originate from village clearance. The earliest surname recordings include Robert Soppeth, a witness at the christening of his son, Thomas, at East Halton, Lincolnshire, on January 31st 1592, whilst on October 14th 1738, Charles, son of Charles and Sarah Soppit, was christened at St. Luke's church, Finsbury, London. Another recording is that of Mary Soppet who was christened at the famous church of St. Mary-Le-Bone, London, on June 8th 1831 during the reign of William 1V (1830 - 1837). The first recorded spelling of the family name is believed to be that of Elysabeth Soppet, and dated January 5th 1565, at the village of Quadring, Lincolnshire. This was during the reign of Queen Elizabeth 1, known as "Good Queen Bess", 1558 - 1603.