MELLEN
Mellen
Mellen is a British surname of Old French origin, deriving from the personal name "Melin" which in turn originated from the Latin name "Merlinus". The name is found mainly in the Yorkshire and Lancashire regions of England.
Etymology
The surname Mellen is a patronymic surname, which means it was derived from the given name of an ancestor. In this case, the name can be traced back to the medieval period in England. The personal name "Melin" may have been given to someone thought to possess the qualities of a "Merlin" or a magician.
Distribution
The distribution of the surname Mellen in the British Isles shows a concentration in the northern regions, particularly Yorkshire and Lancashire. Over time, variations in the spelling of the surname have emerged, such as Melling and Mellin.
Notable Individuals
1. John Mellen (1800-1875)
- An influential industrialist in Lancashire during the 19th century, John Mellen was instrumental in the development of several textile mills in the region.
2. Sarah Mellen (1855-1923)
- Sarah Mellen was a prominent suffragette who campaigned for women's voting rights in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Her efforts helped pave the way for greater gender equality in Britain.
Legacy
The surname Mellen carries with it a rich history and a connection to both medieval England and the industrial revolution. Today, individuals bearing the name continue to contribute to various fields, embodying the resilience and ingenuity associated with their ancestral lineage.
There are approximately 188 people named Mellen in the UK. That makes it one of Britain's least common surnames. Only around three in a million people in Britain are named Mellen.
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
- Angus
- Brian
- David
- Gary
- John
- Joseph
- Michael
- Neil
- Paul
- Peter
- Stephen
- Thomas
- William
Female
- Angela
- Ann
- Annette
- Elizabeth
- Heather
- Helen
- Janet
- Jean
- June
- Kay
- Louise
- Nicola
- Pamela
- Victoria
- Zoe
Similar and related surnames
Related and similar names are generated algorithmically based on the spelling, and may not necessarily share an etymology.