Baldwin

Origin and Meaning: Baldwin is a surname of English origin that is derived from combining the Old English words "bald," meaning "bold" or "brave," and "wine," meaning "friend."

History: The surname Baldwin has ancient roots in England and has been in use since medieval times. It is believed to have originated in the pre-7th century era. The name has Norman origins and was brought to England following the Norman Conquest of 1066.

Distribution: The surname Baldwin is most commonly found in the United Kingdom, particularly in England. It has also spread to other English-speaking countries, including the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand.

Famous Bearers:

  • Alec Baldwin: American actor known for his roles in movies and television shows.
  • James Baldwin: American novelist, playwright, and social critic.
  • Stephen Baldwin: American actor and producer, known for his work in film and television.
  • Adam Baldwin: American actor, known for his roles in movies and TV series.

Variants: Variants of the surname Baldwin include Baldwyn, Balduin, Bawden, Boldwin, and Baldwyn.

Coat of Arms: The Baldwin family has a distinctive coat of arms that features various symbols and colors representing the family's history and identity.

Modern Significance: Today, the surname Baldwin continues to be used as a personal and family name, passed down through generations. Many individuals with the surname Baldwin have achieved success in various fields, including entertainment, literature, and business.

References:

  • Reaney, P.H., & Wilson, R.M. (1991). 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 26,062 people named Baldwin in the UK. That makes it the 311th most common surname in Britain. Around 400 in a million people in Britain are named Baldwin.

Surname type: From given name or forename

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
  • Mark
  • Michael
  • Peter
  • Richard

Female

  • Elizabeth
  • Emma
  • Helen
  • Julie
  • Karen
  • Margaret
  • Nicola
  • 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.

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