PLOWDEN
Plowden
Plowden is an ancient English surname with roots dating back to the time of the Anglo-Saxons. The name derives from the Old English pre-7th Century word "plough," meaning to cultivate land, and the word "denu," meaning valley. This suggests that the surname was originally bestowed upon individuals who lived in or near a valley where ploughing or farming took place.
The Plowden family is known to have existed in various regions across England, including Shropshire, Herefordshire, and Staffordshire, with historical records indicating their presence as early as the 13th century. Members of the Plowden family have been documented as landowners, farmers, and influential figures in their communities throughout English history.
Notably, Sir Edmund Plowden (1518-1585) was a distinguished lawyer and judge during the Tudor period. He was renowned for his legal expertise and authored several influential works on jurisprudence. Sir Edmund's contributions to the legal field have endured through the centuries, cementing the Plowden name in British legal history.
Today, the surname Plowden is relatively rare but continues to be borne by individuals who trace their lineage to the historic Plowden family. The enduring legacy of the Plowden name serves as a reminder of the family's contribution to English society and the legal profession.
There are approximately 90 people named Plowden in the UK. That makes it one of Britain's least common surnames. Only around one in a million people in Britain are named Plowden.
Typical given names associated with the surname
Male
- Charles
- Edmund
- Francis
- Hugo
- Roger
Female
- Anna
- Catherine
- Celia
- Elizabeth
- Tessa