Armstrong
An English and Scottish surname meaning “strong in the arm,” originally a nickname for a powerful fighter or athlete.
The #213 most common surname in the United States (2010 Census) — about 1 in every 2,286 Americans shares it.
Etymology
Armstrong is usually explained as a nickname surname built from Middle English arm + strong, literally “strong-arm” or “strong in the arm.” It refers to physical strength, especially the kind valued in fighting, wrestling, and other feats of force. Related forms such as Strongitharm and Armstrang support this straightforward interpretation.
History
The name is especially famous as the surname of a Border family on the Anglo-Scottish frontier, where the Armstrongs became one of the best-known reiving clans. Historical writers often associate the family with Eskdale and Liddesdale. The surname later spread well beyond the Borders and is now common in both Britain and the English-speaking world.
Origin
Regions
Variant spellings
Fun fact
Lower specifically linked the surname with the Border clan described as a famously powerful and warlike family.
From the historical record
“ARMOUR. A corruption of Armourer. ARMSTRONG. Doubtless from strength of limb, as displayed in war and athletic sports. Armstrang is the same, and Strongi'th'arm, a cognate surname. The well-known border clan of Armstrong were of old a truly armipotent race, and Johnnie A., their chief, the great fi'eebooter, lived…”
— Patronymica Britannica: a dictionary of the family names of the United Kingdom