Marsden

Origin of name: Marsden is a locational surname of English origin, derived from several places in England called Marsden. The name is derived from the Old English words "mearc" meaning boundary, and "denu" meaning valley, denoting someone who lived near a boundary valley.

History: The surname Marsden has ancient roots in England, dating back to the medieval era. The earliest recorded instances of the name date back to the Domesday Book of 1086, where several variations of the name appear. Over the centuries, the Marsden family has been prominent in various regions of England, particularly in Lancashire, Yorkshire, and West Yorkshire.

Famous individuals:

  • William Marsden (1754–1836): English orientalist, linguist, and numismatist who founded the Royal Free and Royal Marsden Hospitals in London.
  • Margo Marsden (b. 1950): British actress known for her work in British television and theater.
  • Lee Marsden (b. 1976): British academic and political scientist specializing in international relations and religion.

Variants: Variants of the surname Marsden include Marston, Marden, and Marsdon.

Coat of Arms: The Marsden family coat of arms typically features symbols such as a gold lion rampant on a blue shield, signifying courage and strength.

Modern-day prevalence: The surname Marsden remains prevalent in the United Kingdom and has also been carried to various parts of the world by descendants of immigrant families. Today, individuals with the surname Marsden can be found across different professions and industries.

References:

  • Reaney, P.H. "A Dictionary of English Surnames." Oxford University Press, 1997.
  • Hanks, P., Coates, R., McClure, P. "The Oxford Dictionary of Family Names in Britain and Ireland." Oxford University Press, 2016.

There are approximately 19,616 people named Marsden in the UK. That makes it the 439th most common surname in Britain. Around 301 in a million people in Britain are named Marsden.

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
  • Michael
  • Paul
  • Peter
  • Richard
  • Robert

Female

  • Elizabeth
  • Helen
  • Janet
  • Joanne
  • Julie
  • Margaret
  • Mary
  • Rebecca
  • Sarah
  • Susan
  • Victoria

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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