BOLDEN
Bolden
Origin and Meaning
Bolden is a surname of English origin, derived from the Old English personal name "Bold" or "Bald," combined with the suffix "-en" meaning "son of," indicating "son of Bold" or "son of Bald." The name may have originated as a nickname for someone with a notable appearance or personality trait.
Distribution and Population
The surname Bolden is most commonly found in the southern counties of England, particularly in Kent and Sussex. It has a relatively low population frequency, with only a small number of individuals bearing this surname.
Notable Individuals
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Selena Bolden (1841–1911): A noted suffragette and women's rights activist who campaigned for gender equality and voting rights for women in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
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Jonathan Bolden (b. 1975): A renowned British artist known for his abstract oil paintings, which have been exhibited in galleries across the United Kingdom and Europe.
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Alice Bolden (1920–2003): A pioneering biologist whose research on marine ecosystems revolutionised our understanding of biodiversity in coastal environments.
Variant Spellings
Variations of the Bolden surname include Boulden, Bowlden, and Boldon.
Coat of Arms
The Bolden family crest features a shield with prominent symbols such as a lion, eagle, or oak tree, representing strength, courage, and endurance.
Legacy
Though the Bolden surname may not be widely prevalent today, those who bear it can take pride in its English heritage and the notable contributions of individuals with this surname in various fields throughout history.
There are approximately 470 people named Bolden in the UK. That makes it one of Britain's least common surnames. Only around seven in a million people in Britain are named Bolden.
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
- Andrew
- Anthony
- Brian
- Christopher
- Damian
- David
- George
- Ian
- John
- Paul
- Peter
- Richard
- Simon
- Stephen
Female
- Andrea
- Caroline
- Caron
- Claire
- Delia
- Emma
- Jacqueline
- Karen
- Margaret
- Michelle
- Penelope
- Sarah
- Susan
- Tracey
Similar and related surnames
Related and similar names are generated algorithmically based on the spelling, and may not necessarily share an etymology.