BACON
Bacon
Origin and Meaning:
Bacon is a surname of Old French origin, derived from the word 'bacun' meaning "back, pork." It was likely used as an occupational name for a butcher or pork seller.
History:
The surname Bacon dates back to medieval times in England. It is most commonly associated with the renowned Sir Francis Bacon (1561-1626), a philosopher, statesman, and scientist who is regarded as one of the fathers of empiricism.
Distribution:
The surname Bacon is distributed across the United Kingdom, with notable concentrations in Norfolk, Suffolk, and Essex. The name has also spread to other English-speaking countries, particularly in the United States, Canada, and Australia.
Notable Bearers:
Famous bearers of the Bacon surname include:
- Sir Francis Bacon - English philosopher, scientist, and statesman.
- Kevin Bacon - American actor known for his roles in films like Footloose and A Few Good Men.
- Roger Bacon - English philosopher and Franciscan friar known for his contributions to experimental science.
Coat of Arms:
The Bacon family crest features a gold shield with two red bars and three silver boars' heads with silver tusks. This crest is a symbol of strength and loyalty.
Popularity:
The surname Bacon has maintained a moderate level of popularity and remains a recognizable name in British and American societies.
References:
- Reaney, P. H., & Wilson, R. M. (2008). A Dictionary of English Surnames. Oxford University Press.
- Hanks, P., Coates, R., & McClure, P. (2016). The Oxford Dictionary of Family Names in Britain and Ireland. Oxford University Press.
There are approximately 12,758 people named Bacon in the UK. That makes it the 704th most common surname in Britain. Around 196 in a million people in Britain are named Bacon.
Surname type: Nickname
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
- Christopher
- David
- James
- John
- Michael
- Paul
- Peter
- Richard
- Robert
Female
- Angela
- Christine
- Elizabeth
- Emma
- Janet
- Jennifer
- Lisa
- Margaret
- Mary
- Michelle
- Patricia
- Sarah
- Susan
Similar and related surnames
Related and similar names are generated algorithmically based on the spelling, and may not necessarily share an etymology.