This surname is derived from a geographical locality. 'of Strickland,' originally Stirkland, four townships in Westmorland, viz. Great and Little Strickland in the parish of Morland, and Strickland Kettle and Strickland Roger in the parish of Kendal. The surname is now familiar over the English-speaking world.

William de Stirkland, 20 Edward I:

Nicolson and Burn, History Westm. And Cumb.

Walter de Stirkeland, 35 Edward I: ibid.

William de Stirkelaunde, Westmorland, 20 Edward I: Placita de Quo Warranto, temp. Edward I-III.

1588. Roger Strickland, of Cartmellfell: Lancashire Wills at Richmond.

1618. John Strickland, Westmorland: Register of the University of Oxford.

1662. James Strickland, of Satterthwaite: Lancashire Wills at Richmond.

STRIKLAND: From Strickland (originally Stirkland) in Westmorland. Robert de Strikland witnessed confirmation by Alexander filius Walteri of his father's gifts to the church of Paisley, 1239 (RMP., p. 225). Robert de Stirkeland had protection for two years for going on the king of England's service beyond seas, 1370 (Bain, IV, 170). Henry Strickland in Kilbarchan, 1771 (Kilbarchan).

"Descended from Walter de Stirkland, Knight, so called from the pasture ground of the young cattle called stirks or steers, in the parish of Morland, in the county of Westmoreland, who was living in the reign of Henry III." Shirley's Noble and Gentle Men.

This name came from Strick—land or Stirk—land, that is, "the pasture ground of young cattle,"called stirks or steers, in the parish of Moreland, Westmoreland Co., England, where the family once had considerable possessions.