Sands

The surname Sands is believed to have originated in England, where it first appeared in the 13th century. It is derived from the Old English word "sand," which refers to the loose granular material found on beaches and deserts. This suggests that the name may have been given to someone who lived near a sandy area or worked with sand in some capacity.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the surname Sands can be found in the Hundred Rolls of Cambridgeshire in 1273, where a man named Robert de Sandes is mentioned. The prefix "de" in this spelling indicates that the name was likely a locational surname, referring to a particular place or settlement.

In the 14th century, the surname appears in various English records, including the Court Rolls of the Manor of Wakefield in 1316, where a William del Sandes is listed. The spelling "del" is another variation of the locational prefix, suggesting the name's geographical origins.

The Sands surname is also found in the Subsidy Rolls of Sussex in 1327, where a John de Sandes is recorded. This document was a tax roll, indicating that the Sands family had established themselves as landowners or members of the gentry by that time.

One notable figure with the surname Sands was James Sands (1622-1695), an English merchant and philosopher born in Worcestershire. He is known for his work "An Explanation of the Excellent Fable of the Falcon," which explored the philosophical principles of government and society.

Another historically significant individual was Samuel Sands (1636-1685), an English Puritan minister and writer who was ejected from his living after the Act of Uniformity in 1662. He is remembered for his religious works and his opposition to the established Church of England.

In the 18th century, the Sands surname appears in various records, including the Berkshire Marriage Indexes, which mention a John Sands marrying Mary Turrell in 1733. This suggests that the name had spread across different regions of England by that time.

Robert Charles Sands (1799-1832) was a notable American writer and editor from New York City. He co-founded the literary magazine "The Atlantic Souvenir" and was part of the Knickerbocker Group of writers, which included Washington Irving and James Fenimore Cooper.

Lastly, Benjamin Franklin Sands (1811-1883) was an American physician and educator from Baltimore, Maryland. He served as the president of the American Medical Association and was a professor at the University of Maryland School of Medicine, making significant contributions to the field of medical education.