Ashenden

The surname Ashenden is of English origin, derived from the Old English personal name "Æsce" meaning "ash tree" and the suffix "-ing" which indicates "belonging to". The name Ashenden likely originated as a locational surname for a person who lived near or in an area with ash trees.

The first known recorded instance of the name Ashenden dates back to the 11th century, appearing in the Domesday Book of 1086 which was a survey of England and Wales commissioned by William the Conqueror. Over time, variations of the name have emerged including Ashindon, Ashinton, and Ashindene.

The Ashenden family name is associated with various notable individuals and families throughout British history. Notably, the author William Somerset Maugham used the surname Ashenden as the title of a collection of short stories featuring a character of the same name, based on the author's experiences as a British intelligence agent during World War I.

Today, individuals bearing the surname Ashenden can be found across the United Kingdom and in various parts of the world, contributing to a diverse range of fields and professions. The name continues to hold historical significance and remains a part of the rich tapestry of British surnames.

There are approximately 564 people named Ashenden in the UK. That makes it one of Britain's least common surnames. Only around nine in a million people in Britain are named Ashenden.

Typical given names associated with the surname

Male

  • Andrew
  • Christopher
  • Daniel
  • David
  • Ian
  • James
  • John
  • Luke
  • Mark
  • Peter
  • Richard
  • Stephen
  • Terence
  • Trevor

Female

  • Brenda
  • Claire
  • Clare
  • Diane
  • Janet
  • Joanne
  • Lynda
  • Margaret
  • Samantha
  • Suzanne
  • Tracey
  • Victoria

Similar and related surnames

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

BritishSurnames.uk is a Good Stuff website.