CURWEN
Curwen
Curwen is a surname of ancient English origin, believed to have originated from the Old Norse personal name Ketilbjorn. The name was first recorded in Cumberland, North West England during the medieval period.
Etymology
The surname Curwen is derived from the Old Norse personal name "Ketilbjorn", with "ketil" meaning "kettle" and "bjorn" meaning "bear". Over time, this name evolved into various forms such as "Ketilbern" and eventually "Curwen".
History
The Curwen family has a long history in England, particularly in the region of Cumberland. They were prominent landowners and held positions of influence in the local community. The Curwen family seat was at Workington Hall in Cumberland, which has been the residence of the family since the 13th century.
Notable Individuals
1. Sir Henry Curwen (1858-1925)
Sir Henry Curwen was a British diplomat and politician. He served as a Member of Parliament and held various diplomatic positions during his career.
2. Pat Curwen (b. 1950)
Pat Curwen is a renowned British artist known for his intricate watercolour paintings. His work has been exhibited in galleries across the UK and has received critical acclaim.
Legacy
The Curwen surname has continued to be passed down through generations, with descendants of the family maintaining their connections to Cumberland and upholding the family traditions.
References
-
Reaney, P.H., & Wilson, R.M. (1997). A Dictionary of English Surnames (3rd ed.). Oxford: Oxford University Press.
-
Lower, M.A. (1860). Patronymica Britannica: A Dictionary of the Family Names of the United Kingdom. London: J.R. Smith.
There are approximately 1,312 people named Curwen in the UK. That makes it roughly the 5,966th most common surname in Britain. Around 20 in a million people in Britain are named Curwen.
Typical given names associated with the surname
Male
- Andrew
- Ben
- Danny
- David
- Henry
- James
- John
- Martin
- Michael
- Paul
- Peter
- Stephen
- Thomas
- William
Female
- Elizabeth
- Emma
- Gillian
- Jan
- Jean
- Margaret
- Nicola
- Patricia
- Rachel
- Sarah
- Susan
Similar and related surnames
Related and similar names are generated algorithmically based on the spelling, and may not necessarily share an etymology.