Methuen

Methuen is a notable British surname with ancient origins linked to the county of Wiltshire in South West England. The surname is believed to have been derived from the Old English personal name "Maethelwine", meaning "council friend".

The Methuens rose to prominence during the Middle Ages, with records dating back to the 13th century in Wiltshire. They were associated with various significant landholdings and played active roles in regional governance and local communities.

One of the most distinguished branches of the Methuen family is the Methuens of Corsham Court in Wiltshire. This family gained prominence in the 18th century through Sir Paul Methuen, a diplomat and politician who served as Ambassador to Portugal.

The Methuens have made significant contributions to various fields, including politics, the arts, and agriculture. The surname continues to be present in modern British society, with Methuens found across the country and worldwide, reflecting the diaspora of British families over the centuries.

There are approximately 143 people named Methuen in the UK. That makes it one of Britain's least common surnames. Only around two in a million people in Britain are named Methuen.

Typical given names associated with the surname

Male

  • Alexander
  • Anthony
  • David
  • Ivor
  • Lee
  • Martin
  • Michael
  • Philip
  • Piers
  • Raymond
  • Richard
  • Stephen
  • William

Female

  • Caroline
  • Harriet
  • Kate
  • Liza
  • Mary
  • Muriel
  • Penelope
  • Rebecca
  • Rosamunde
  • Susan

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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