Surname Aldous - Meaning and Origin
all surnames with 'A'
Aldous: What does the surname Aldous mean?
The last name Aldous is an English patronymic surname that has its roots in Anglo-Saxon culture. It is derived from a root name of Ealdwulf, which roughly translates to "ancestor wolf". This name was given to those individuals thought to possess the characteristics of the noble wolf, such as loyalty, strength, cunning, and courage.
Throughout the Middle Ages, the Aldous name became increasingly popular in the British Isles as a result of the veneration of the wolf in Anglo-Saxon society, as well as the popularity of patronymic structures. The name could be found in England, Scotland, Wales, and Cornwall, as well as in Normandy, France, where it evolved in to a variety of spellings, such as Dalouse.
As the population of the British Isles began to migrate throughout the world, the Aldous name became increasingly common. Today it is seen in most parts of the world, although less commonly in the United States than in other countries, as it was less common to Anglicize surnames there than in other parts of the world.
The Aldous name still stands as a testament of the reverence and respect afforded to the wolf in Anglo-Saxon culture. It is also a symbol of courage, loyalty, and strength, all attributes that have been the foundation of the Aldous name for many centuries.
Order DNA origin analysisAldous: Where does the name Aldous come from?
Today, the last name Aldous is most commonly found in the United Kingdom and Australia. Despite its age, it remains relatively common and is still often found among the local populations of the countries it originated in.
In the United Kingdom, the name can be found in England, Scotland, and Wales. It primarily originates from the English counties of Essex, Sussex, Kent, and Devonshire. In the south of England, Aldous is typically associated with agricultural workers and the roads and pathways they created. In the north, it often accompanies the surnames of pioneers in the wool, mining, and fishing industries.
In Australia, Aldous is mainly associated with migrants from England during the 18th and 19th centuries. Some of the first settlers named Aldous included William Aldous who arrived on the brig Saladin in 1818 and settled in Tasmania. Over time, the name has become more widespread and can now be found in every state and territory across the continent.
Overall, the modern day prevalence of Aldous in both the United Kingdom and Australia is testament to its enduring relevance and popularity over the past centuries.
Variations of the surname Aldous
The surname Aldous is connected to several different spellings, variants and surnames.
The most common variant of Aldous is Aldus, which is an English surname derived from the Latin name Aldeus or Aldus. The old English spelling of Aldous is Aldouse, and Aldouse is also found in some regions of Britain.
Other variants include Awdous, Aldoose, Aldusse, Aldoos and Aldowse. These variants of Aldous can be seen in historical records or in different parts of the US.
Aldous is also connected to other surnames that have similar origins. Surnames like Aldhous, Aldusse, Aldwyse, Aldooise, Aldousse, Aldoush, and Aldouse can be linked to Aldous. The German surname Auldous and the French surname Aldousse are also connected to Aldous.
Another variant of Aldous can be found in Scotland, known as Aldoas, which is a corruption of Aldous. In Ireland, Aldose is a variant of Aldous, and the lineage may have come to Ireland prior to the Norman Conquest.
In the United States, a variant of Aldous called Al-Dous has become popular, with different spellings such as Al-Douse and Al-Dowse. Auldus, Aildous, Aldiss, Aylous, and Alds are other variants of Aldous that can be found in the United States.
Famous people with the name Aldous
- Aldous Huxley: 20th century English novelist and essayist best known for his dystopian novel, Brave New World.
- Aldous Snow: fictional character created by British comedy writer David Gordon-Green for the movie Forgetting Sarah Marshall.
- Thomas Henry Aldous: English author, best known for his pioneering work in the field of hypnotism and mental suggestion.
- Christopher Aldous: British actor who appears in television shows including Broadchurch, Downton Abbey, and Vera.
- Andrew Aldous: Irish composer, choral conductor, and academic.
- William Aldous: English author who wrote primarily on legal matters.
- Ronald Aldous: English businessman and philanthropist.
- Leonard Aldous: English painter, illustrator, and stained glass artist.
- Simon Aldous: British diplomat who served as the ambassador to Albania.
- John Aldous: Australian jurist who served as a judge in the Supreme Court of Victoria.