Mitten

Surname: Mitten

Origin and Meaning

The surname Mitten has origins in Britain and is derived from the Old English word "mitan" or "myttan," which means "to exchange" or "to trade". It is believed to have been an occupational name for someone involved in trade or commerce.

History

The first recorded instance of the Mitten surname dates back to the early 13th century in the county of Somerset, England. The name has since spread across different regions of the United Kingdom and beyond. People bearing the surname Mitten can now be found in various parts of the world, especially in countries with historical ties to the British Empire.

Distribution

The distribution of the Mitten surname shows concentrations in regions across the UK, particularly in areas such as the West Midlands, East Anglia, and the South West. Over the centuries, individuals bearing the surname have migrated to other English-speaking countries such as the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand.

Notable Bearers

  • Sir John Mitten (1783–1855): A notable British merchant and philanthropist known for his contributions to the development of trade routes in the 19th century.

  • Jane Mitten (1910–1999): Renowned British artist and illustrator, known for her intricate nature-inspired paintings and book illustrations.

Variants

Variants of the surname Mitten include Mittan, Myttan, and Mitton, reflecting the evolution of the name over time and through different regions.

There are approximately 545 people named Mitten in the UK. That makes it one of Britain's least common surnames. Only around eight in a million people in Britain are named Mitten.

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

  • Alan
  • Brian
  • Charles
  • David
  • John
  • Matthew
  • Michael
  • Robert
  • Samuel
  • Stephen
  • William

Female

  • Amanda
  • Catherine
  • Claire
  • Emma
  • Janet
  • Julie
  • Kathleen
  • Katie
  • Mandy
  • Margaret
  • Sarah
  • Susan

Similar and related surnames

Related and similar names are generated algorithmically based on the spelling, and may not necessarily share an etymology.

BritishSurnames.uk is a Good Stuff website.