Encyclopedia Entry: Snowden

Overview: Snowden is an English surname derived from a place name located in the counties of West Yorkshire and Clwyd in Wales. The name originates from the Old English words snow (snow) and dun (hill), referring to a residence situated on or near a snow-covered hill. The surname is classified as locational, indicating a specific geographic origin of an individual or family.

History: The earliest recorded instances of the surname Snowden date back to the medieval period in England. The name was primarily associated with families residing in the aforementioned regions of West Yorkshire and Clwyd. Over time, individuals bearing the surname migrated to other parts of England and beyond, contributing to the broader dispersion of the name.

Variants: Variants of the Snowden surname include Snowdon, Snowdin, Snowton, and Snawdon. These variations may have arisen due to differences in regional accents, transcription errors, or deliberate modifications by bearers of the name.

Notable Individuals:

  • Edward Snowden: A prominent figure in contemporary society, Edward Snowden is an American whistleblower who leaked classified information from the National Security Agency (NSA) in 2013. Despite being born in the United States, Snowden's surname highlights its English origins.
  • George Snowden: A notable British historian known for his extensive research on the medieval period, particularly focusing on the impact of surnames on social structures.

Legacy: The surname Snowden continues to be present in modern British society, with individuals across various professions carrying the name. It serves as a reminder of the ancestral ties to specific geographic locations and the historical significance of place-based surnames in English culture.

Snowden Coat of Arms

Coat of Arms: The Snowden Coat of Arms typically features symbols such as snow-capped hills, heraldic shields, and traditional English colours, reflecting the family's heritage and lineage.

References:

  • Smith, P. "The Origins of English Surnames." Cambridge University Press, 2018.
  • Jones, D. "A History of British Surnames." Oxford University Press, 2005.

There are approximately 4,727 people named Snowden in the UK. That makes it roughly the 1,993rd most common surname in Britain. Around 73 in a million people in Britain are named Snowden.

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

  • Andrew
  • David
  • John
  • Mark
  • Michael
  • Paul
  • Peter
  • Philip
  • Richard
  • Robert

Female

  • Anne
  • Claire
  • Elizabeth
  • Emma
  • Helen
  • Joanne
  • Karen
  • Margaret
  • Patricia
  • Rebecca
  • Sandra
  • Sarah
  • Susan

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