Northup

Northup primarily exists as a surname of English origin, derived from a place name meaning 'north farm' or 'northern homestead' (from Old English 'norð' meaning 'north' and 'hop' meaning 'valley'). Its usage as a first name is extremely rare. The surname gained some recognition through Solomon Northup, the author of the memoir 'Twelve Years a Slave' (1853), which documented his kidnapping and enslavement despite being born free. As a first name, Northup might appeal to those drawn to surname-as-first-name trends or place-based naming traditions. It also fits within the category of directional names alongside West, North, and Easton. However, it remains very uncommon in naming records and databases, with only scattered individual instances documented.

Pronounced NOR-thup.