Encyclopedia Entry: Pendleton

The surname Pendleton is a distinguished English family name derived from various locations in the United Kingdom. It is primarily locational, originating from the places named Pendleton in Lancashire and in the British county of Greater Manchester, among others. The name Pendleton is thought to have evolved from the Old English words "Pen" meaning Hill, and "Dun" meaning Settlement. This etymology suggests that Pendleton may have been a settlement situated on or by a hill.

The earliest recorded instance of the Pendleton surname dates back to the 12th century in Lancashire, where individuals bearing this name were prominent landowners. Over the centuries, the surname has spread across the British Isles and beyond, with Pendleton families establishing themselves in various parts of the world through migration and settlement.

Notable individuals bearing the Pendleton surname include Victoria Pendleton, an accomplished British track cyclist and multiple Olympic medallist, and Natasha Jane Little, an English actress known for her roles in film and television.

The Pendleton surname carries with it a sense of tradition and heritage, reflecting the rich history of the British Isles. Today, individuals with the surname Pendleton can be found in various professions and walks of life, but they share a common bond through their ancestral connection to a name steeped in British history and culture.

There are approximately 2,213 people named Pendleton in the UK. That makes it roughly the 3,873rd most common surname in Britain. Around 34 in a million people in Britain are named Pendleton.

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
  • Andrew
  • Christopher
  • David
  • Ian
  • James
  • John
  • Mark
  • Richard
  • Robert
  • Stephen

Female

  • Ann
  • Christine
  • Claire
  • Elizabeth
  • Joanne
  • Louise
  • Margaret
  • Mary
  • 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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