HOLDEN
Holden
Origin and Meaning: Holden is a surname of English origin. It is derived from the Old English words “hol” meaning hollow and “denu” meaning valley, indicating that the original bearers of the surname likely hailed from a valley or depression in the landscape.
History: The surname Holden has ancient roots in England, dating back to medieval times. It is believed to have originated in various regions across England, including Lancashire, Yorkshire, and Devon. The name may have been bestowed upon individuals who resided in or near a place called Holden or in a valley area.
Famous Individuals:
- J.D. Salinger (1919-2010): An American author most famous for his novel "The Catcher in the Rye". His characters, the Caulfield family, hailed from Holden Caulfield, a valley town in Pennsylvania.
- Amanda Holden (Born 1971): An English television presenter and actress known for her appearances on shows like Britain's Got Talent and Wild at Heart.
- William H. Holden (1818-1892): An American politician and governor of North Carolina during the American Civil War.
Modern Distribution: The surname Holden continues to be widespread, not only in the United Kingdom but also in countries with British heritage such as Australia, the United States, and Canada. Over the centuries, various branches of the Holden family have established themselves in different parts of the world, contributing to the global dissemination of the surname.
Coat of Arms: The Holden family is associated with a coat of arms that symbolizes strength, protection, and valour. The shield typically features elements like lions, crosses, and heraldic symbols that convey the family’s heritage and virtues.
Conclusion: The surname Holden holds a rich history and has been carried by individuals of various accomplishments and backgrounds. Whether through literature, politics, or entertainment, bearers of the Holden name have left their mark on the world stage, embodying the values and heritage associated with their ancestral lineage.
There are approximately 25,167 people named Holden in the UK. That makes it the 322nd most common surname in Britain. Around 386 in a million people in Britain are named Holden.
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
- Christopher
- David
- James
- John
- Mark
- Michael
- Paul
- Peter
- Robert
Female
- Ann
- Christine
- Elizabeth
- Emma
- Julie
- Karen
- Margaret
- Mary
- 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.