Surname Austen - Meaning and Origin
all surnames with 'A'
Austen: What does the surname Austen mean?
The last name Austen is generally thought to be of Norman origin. It has been traced back to a family registered in Angoumois, France, who were known as "Astenum," with the prefix "A" meaning "from," and the suffix "—stena" meaning "stone." This likely refers to a geographical location and would suggest a Norman origin.
The Austen name is thought to have come to England during the Norman Conquest of 1066. It was derived from the local place name, Ashton, which is from the Old English elements "Æscetun," meaning "ash town." During the 12th century, the name was changed to Austen due to the Norman influence.
The name is popularly associated with the British novelist Jane Austen. In addition, the Austen name has long been associated with honor and distinction, as those bearing the name have often achieved great things. Furthermore, it has been suggested that the Austen name is descended from a line of English nobles who trace their origins back to the Halley family of Avon, England.
In conclusion, the last name Austen is related to the Old English elements "Æscetun," which translates to “ash town.” It is also closely associated with the Norman Invasion of 1066, and since then, those carrying the name have achieved much distinction. Jane Austen is the most famous Austen, but the name has a noble pedigree and is associated with achievements and honor.
Order DNA origin analysisAusten: Where does the name Austen come from?
The last name Austen is most common today in the United Kingdom, specifically in England, where it was found to be the 8,444th most common name in the country in 2018 according to the Office for National Statistics. The name can also be found in the United States, mainly the mid-Atlantic and Ohio Valley regions.
The name can also be found in Canada, primarily in Ontario, and in other parts of Europe, especially France, where Austen is an old Norman-French name derived from the Germanic name Autin. It is also particularly well-known in the former colonies of England, including Australia, New Zealand and parts of South Africa.
Most of the people who bear the last name Austen, at least outside of the United Kingdom, can trace their roots back to either the Austens who emigrated from England in the 17th and 18th centuries or the Austens who still remain in the UK.
The author Jane Austen is among the most famous Austens in history. Her books and characters have been a source of inspiration for generations of readers. While her name is likely to remain immortalized in her novels, her descendants are likely to carry the surname Austen for generations to come.
Variations of the surname Austen
The surname Austen is an English patronymic name derived from the Old English given name "Æðelstan," meaning "noble stone." Variants of Austen include Osten, Awsten, Euston, and Ouston. As the surname spread across Europe, variants emerged in other languages; in France, the name became Austain, Autain, Austant, and Austaine. In Germany, variants of this name included Awstin, Austine, and Ausden.
Surnames sourced from "Æðelstan" can also be found in other countries, such as Ireland. Variants of the surname Austen include O'stin, Osteen, Oshen, and Osten.
Due to differences in spelling and pronunciation, many derivative surnames have been created, such as Awstin, Ouston, Euston, Asteyns, Asting, Osting, and Oesting. All of these surnames could have emerged independently throughout Europe, as they share a common etymological root.
Along with its variants and derivatives, the surname Austen has also become a common given name throughout the English-speaking world; some people even choose to keep the surname Austen as their middle name. Variations on this given name include Austine, Austin, Austen, Austyn, and Osten.
Famous people with the name Austen
- Jane Austen: English novelist and the author of the classics Pride and Prejudice, Sense and Sensibility, and Emma.
- Cassandra Austen: English artist and Jane Austen’s older sister.
- Cassandra's unmarried daughters: Anna Austen Lefroy, Caroline Austen, and Louisa Austen.
- James Edward Austen-Leigh: English clergyman and biographer of his aunt Jane Austen.
- Jamie Austen: American figure skater and choreographer.
- Roger Austen: American writer, journalist, and literary critic.
- Tom Austen: English actor best known for his roles in The Royals and Pure.
- George Austen: English clergyman and the father of Jane Austen.
- Anna Austen Lefroy: English amateur artist and the daughter of Cassandra Austen.
- Caroline Austen: English watercolor painter and eldest daughter of Cassandra Austen.
- Louisa Austen: English painter and the youngest daughter of Cassandra Austen.
- W.A. Austen: English lawyer, author, and teacher of law.
- William Austen: English novelist, poet, playwright, and scholar.
- Margaret Austen: British sculptor.
- R.S.A. Austen: British Royal Navy Admiral.
- Raymond Austen: British jazz musician.