SHORTEN
Shorten
The surname Shorten is of English origin and is classified as a topographic surname. This type of surname is derived from a feature of the landscape near which the original bearer lived or was associated with. In the case of Shorten, it is believed to have come from the Old English word "sceort," meaning short, combined with the suffix "-en," indicating a place. Thus, the surname likely originally referred to someone who lived by a short or low-lying area or to distinguish someone of short stature.
The distribution of the Shorten surname is primarily concentrated in the southern counties of England, notably Devon and Cornwall. The name has also spread to other parts of the United Kingdom and beyond with migration patterns.
Notable individuals bearing the surname Shorten have made contributions in various fields, including academia, the arts, business, and politics. The name continues to be represented in contemporary society, further attesting to its enduring presence and significance.
In conclusion, the surname Shorten is a prominent English surname with a rich history that reflects the topographic origins of surnames in Britain. Its prevalence in certain regions and the achievements of individuals bearing this surname underscore its enduring legacy in British society.
There are approximately 899 people named Shorten in the UK. That makes it roughly the 8,030th most common surname in Britain. Around 14 in a million people in Britain are named Shorten.
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
- Andrew
- Benjamin
- Christopher
- David
- James
- John
- Jonathan
- Mark
- Michael
- Neil
- Richard
Female
- Alison
- Emma
- Heather
- Joanne
- Julie
- Karen
- Kathryne
- Louise
- Margaret
- Nicola
- Rebecca
- Samantha
- Susan
Similar and related surnames
- Charton
- Scharton
- Sarten
- Churton
- Chirton
- Chartton
- Chareton
- Sharten
- Shorte
- Charatan
- Chardin
- Chardine
- Chardon
- Chariton
- Charreton
- Chartin
- Chartouni
- Chereton
- Cheridan
- Cheriton
- Cherodian
- Cherriton
- Chirodian
- Chorton
- Chretien
- Chritton
- Scorten
- Shardan
- Shardon
- Sharidan
- Sharpten
- Sharton
- Shauton
- Shearden
- Sheardon
- Sheardown
- Sheirdon
- Sheraden
- Sheradon
- Sheraton
- Sherdan
- Sherden
- Sherdian
- Sherdin
- Sherdon
- Sheredan
- Shereden
- Sheredin
- Sheredon
- Sheridan
- Sheriden
- Sheridian
- Sheridin
- Sheridon
- Sheriton
- Sherraton
- Sherridan
- Sherriden
- Sherridon
- Sherten
- Sherton
- Shiraden
- Shirdan
- Shirden
- Shirdon
- Shireden
- Shirridan
- Shirton
- Shorden
- Shordon
- Shornton
- Short
- Shortes
- Shortey
- Shortin
- Shorto
- Shorton
- Shortte
- Shortus
- Shurden
- Shurdon
- Shurton
- Skerten
- Skirten
- Sourton
Related and similar names are generated algorithmically based on the spelling, and may not necessarily share an etymology.