ASPEN
Aspen
Aspen is a surname of British origin that is derived from the English word aspen, which refers to a type of tree from the poplar family (Populus tremula) known for its quivering leaves. The surname is most commonly found in England, particularly in the southern counties such as Sussex and Kent.
Origins:
The surname Aspen is believed to have originated as a topographic name for someone who lived near an aspen tree, or possibly as a nickname for someone who shared characteristics with the quivering leaves of the tree, such as being quick or restless. The first recorded instance of the surname can be traced back to the early 13th century in England.
Distribution:
The distribution of the Aspen surname is primarily concentrated in England, particularly in the counties of Sussex, Kent, and Essex. Over time, individuals bearing the surname may have migrated to other parts of the United Kingdom and even other regions of the world.
Variants:
Variants of the Aspen surname include Aspens, Aspin, and Aspinall. These variations may have developed as a result of different regional dialects or phonetic spellings over the centuries.
Notable Individuals:
- John Aspen: A renowned artist known for his landscape paintings capturing the beauty of aspen trees.
- Margaret Aspin: Notable historian and author specialising in the environmental history of the aspen tree.
References:
- Reaney, Percy H., and Wilson, Richard M. A Dictionary of English Surnames. New York: Routledge, 1991.
- Hanks, Patrick, and Hodges, Flavia. A Dictionary of Surnames. Oxford: Oxford University Press, 1989.
There are approximately 109 people named Aspen in the UK. That makes it one of Britain's least common surnames. Only around two in a million people in Britain are named Aspen.
Typical given names associated with the surname
Male
- Mark
- Ove
- Peter
- Roger
- Samuel
Female
- Aurora
- Eva
- Linda
- Paula
- Sally