FRIEND
Friend
Friend is a surname of Old English origin, derived from the word "freond," meaning a companion or one who displays kindness and goodwill. The surname Friend is commonly found in the United Kingdom and can be traced back to ancient times.
Origin
The surname Friend has its roots in the Anglo-Saxon period and is believed to have been used as a personal name before becoming a hereditary surname. The early bearers of this surname were likely known for their friendly and amicable nature, earning them the moniker "Friend."
Distribution
The surname Friend is prevalent throughout the United Kingdom, particularly in regions with strong Anglo-Saxon heritage. It can also be found in former British colonies where settlers of British descent introduced the surname.
Notable Individuals
- John Friend (1805-1881): A British architect known for his Gothic Revival style buildings.
- Lilian Friend (1877-1960): A British suffragette who campaigned for women's voting rights.
- Simon Friend: A British musician and songwriter, known for his work with the band The Levellers.
Heraldic Arms
The Friend family does not have a widely recognised coat of arms associated with the surname. However, variations of the coat of arms may exist for specific branches or individuals of the Friend family.
Legacy
The surname Friend continues to be passed down through generations as a reminder of the importance of friendship and camaraderie in British culture. Many individuals with the surname Friend strive to uphold the values of kindness and goodwill associated with their name.
In conclusion, the surname Friend holds a significant place in British history, reflecting the enduring importance of friendship and companionship within society.
There are approximately 6,724 people named Friend in the UK. That makes it roughly the 1,400th most common surname in Britain. Around 103 in a million people in Britain are named Friend.
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
- David
- James
- John
- Mark
- Michael
- Paul
- Peter
- Richard
- Robert
Female
- Claire
- Elizabeth
- Emma
- Joyce
- Julie
- Karen
- Margaret
- Mary
- Nicola
- Rebecca
- Sarah
- Susan
Similar and related surnames
Related and similar names are generated algorithmically based on the spelling, and may not necessarily share an etymology.