Arden

Arden is an English surname with medieval origins, derived from a habitation name denoting someone who lived near a wooded hill or forest. The name is derived from the Old English word "weard" meaning "guard" or "protector," indicating a place where wild animals were kept.

The Arden surname is most commonly associated with the Arden family of Warwickshire, an influential noble family during the medieval period. The most famous member of this family was Mary Arden, the mother of William Shakespeare. The Arden family had strong connections to the town of Stratford-upon-Avon and played a significant role in the local community.

Over time, the surname Arden has spread throughout the United Kingdom and beyond, with individuals bearing this name found in various regions. The name has also been linked to literary and cultural references, particularly through the works of William Shakespeare, adding to its historical and artistic significance.

Today, the Arden surname continues to be borne by individuals across the world, representing a diverse and widespread lineage rooted in English history.

There are approximately 1,288 people named Arden in the UK. That makes it roughly the 6,058th most common surname in Britain. Around 20 in a million people in Britain are named Arden.

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
  • Anthony
  • Christopher
  • David
  • James
  • John
  • Michael
  • Paul
  • Peter
  • Richard
  • Robert

Female

  • Barbara
  • Catherine
  • Elizabeth
  • Helen
  • Jane
  • Joanne
  • Kathleen
  • Margaret
  • Mary
  • Sarah
  • Sharon
  • Susan
  • Tracy
  • Victoria

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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