Ashdown

The surname Ashdown is of English origin, deriving from the Old English words æsc meaning "ash tree" and dūn meaning "hill". It is a toponymic surname, indicating that the original bearers lived near or on a hill where ash trees grew abundantly. The name Ashdown is primarily found in the southeast of England, particularly in the counties of Sussex and Kent.

The Ashdown surname has ancient roots, dating back to the early medieval period in England. Over the centuries, the name has undergone various spellings and adaptations, including Ashdoun, Ashdone, and Ashden. Individuals bearing the surname Ashdown have been noted in historical records, such as parish registers, census data, and heraldic documents, indicating the long-standing presence of this name in British history.

Noteworthy bearers of the Ashdown surname include individuals who have made significant contributions in various fields, such as politics, academia, and the arts. The name Ashdown continues to be borne by families throughout the United Kingdom and in other parts of the world where British descendants have settled.

In modern times, the surname Ashdown remains a distinctive part of British heritage, reflecting the ancestral connections of families to specific locations and landscapes in England. The name serves as a reminder of the rich history and cultural diversity of the British Isles.

There are approximately 3,149 people named Ashdown in the UK. That makes it roughly the 2,870th most common surname in Britain. Around 48 in a million people in Britain are named Ashdown.

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

  • David
  • James
  • John
  • Mark
  • Michael
  • Paul
  • Peter
  • Richard
  • Robert
  • Simon
  • Stephen

Female

  • Elizabeth
  • Helen
  • Jane
  • Janet
  • Lisa
  • Louise
  • Margaret
  • Mary
  • Nicola
  • Rebecca
  • 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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