This interesting name can be both job descriptive and locational. It is medieval 14th century although the origins are much earlier and derive from the Olde English pre 6th century 'straet'. In this case the name means one who works on, and dwells by, the road, but specifically a Roman road, as all village names called 'street' in Somerset, Hereford, and Kent are situated on Roman roads. The Roman (Latin) for road is 'Strassa' from which this name is a direct descendant. Also found as Street, Strete, Streets, and Streeten. The first recorded spelling of the family name is shown to be that of John Streter which was dated 1332, in the Pipe Rolls of Sussex during the reign of King Edward 111, known as the Father of the Navy 1327 - 1377. 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.

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