QUEEN
Queen
Queen is a British surname of English origin, derived from the Middle English word "quene," meaning the female ruler of a kingdom or the wife of a king. The surname is primarily found in the southern counties of England, particularly in Cornwall and Sussex, where it has historical significance.
Origin and Meaning
The surname Queen likely originated as an occupational name for someone who worked in the household of a queen or as a nickname for a person with regal or queen-like qualities. It may also have been used as a term of endearment. Over time, it became a hereditary surname passed down through generations.
Historical Significance
The Queen surname can be traced back to medieval England, where individuals bearing this name were likely associated with royalty in some capacity. The name may also have been used to denote a person of importance or high social standing within their community.
Distribution and Variants
Today, the surname Queen is relatively rare in Britain, with most instances found in specific regions such as Cornwall and Sussex. Variants of the name may include Quean and Quinn, reflecting different regional pronunciations and spelling variations over time.
Famous Individuals
Notable individuals with the surname Queen include:
- Freddie Mercury: Born Farrokh Bulsara, the lead singer of the rock band Queen adopted his stage name from the band.
- Larry Queen: An American artist and sculptor known for his abstract works.
- Connie Queen: A British author and historian specialising in royal biographies.
Legacy
The Queen surname continues to be borne by families across Britain and beyond, serving as a link to their historical roots and possibly to illustrious ancestors associated with royalty or important roles within society.
There are approximately 2,361 people named Queen in the UK. That makes it roughly the 3,669th most common surname in Britain. Around 36 in a million people in Britain are named Queen.
Surname type: Status name
Origin: Celtic
Region of origin: British Isles
Country of origin: Scotland
Religion of origin: Christian
Language of origin: Gaelic
Typical given names associated with the surname
Male
- Brian
- Christopher
- David
- Gary
- James
- John
- Joseph
- Michael
- Robert
- Stephen
- Steven
- William
Female
- Carol
- Catherine
- Elizabeth
- Helen
- Jacqueline
- June
- Lorna
- Margaret
- Mary
- Michelle
- Patricia
- Sarah
- Sharon
- Susan
Similar and related surnames
Related and similar names are generated algorithmically based on the spelling, and may not necessarily share an etymology.