The History and Significance of the Surname Montagu

Montagu is a surname of English origin. It is derived from the place name Montagu, in Normandy, France, which was owned by the family of William, Count of Ponthieu, who accompanied William the Conqueror to England in 1066. The name means "mountain" or "hill" in French.

The Montagu family has a long and distinguished history in England, and has produced several notable figures throughout the centuries, including:

* Simon de Montfort, 6th Earl of Leicester (1208-1265), a prominent nobleman and military leader during the reign of King Henry III.
* Edward Montagu, 1st Earl of Sandwich (1592-1672), a naval commander and statesman who served as First Lord of the Admiralty during the English Civil War.
* John Montagu, 4th Earl of Sandwich (1718-1792), a prominent politician and patron of the arts who was known for his love of gambling and his habit of eating sandwiches while playing cards.

The name Montagu is still found in England today, and is often associated with the aristocracy and the landed gentry.