Alden

Overview

Alden is a surname of English origin, derived from the Old English personal name Ealdwine, meaning "old friend". The name Alden is recorded in England as far back as the 13th century, with variations such as Auldain and Aldayne. Over time, the name has evolved into its modern form, Alden.

History

The Alden surname has a rich history in England, particularly in the counties of Essex and Suffolk. The name spread to other parts of the country over the centuries, and Alden families can be found in various regions of England today. The surname may have originated as a nickname or as a patronymic name, indicating a descendant of a man named Alden.

Notable Individuals

The Alden surname has been borne by several notable individuals throughout history, including:

  1. John Alden: A prominent figure in American history, known for being one of the Pilgrims who settled in Plymouth, Massachusetts in the early 17th century. He was a signatory of the Mayflower Compact.

  2. Priscilla Mullens Alden: The wife of John Alden, Priscilla is a well-known figure in American folklore and is often associated with the story of the Pilgrims.

  3. Isabella Macdonald Alden: An American author who wrote under the pen name "Pansy", known for her popular children's books and novels in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

Modern Distribution

The Alden surname continues to be found not only in England but also in various English-speaking countries around the world, particularly in the United States. The name has maintained its English roots and is often associated with qualities such as friendship, longevity, and tradition.

In conclusion, the Alden surname is a testament to the enduring nature of English surnames and their ability to carry on historical connections and meanings through generations.

There are approximately 1,935 people named Alden in the UK. That makes it roughly the 4,329th most common surname in Britain. Around 30 in a million people in Britain are named Alden.

Surname type: Location or geographical feature

Origin: English

Region of origin: British Isles

Country of origin: England

Religion of origin: Christian

Language of origin: English

Typical given names associated with the surname

Male

  • Andrew
  • David
  • Gary
  • James
  • John
  • Mark
  • Matthew
  • Michael
  • Richard
  • Stephen

Female

  • Alison
  • Angela
  • Claire
  • Deborah
  • Elizabeth
  • Emma
  • Jean
  • Julie
  • Karen
  • Lynne
  • Nicola
  • Sarah
  • Susan

Similar and related surnames

Related and similar names are generated algorithmically based on the spelling, and may not necessarily share an etymology.

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