Surname Borden - Meaning and Origin

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X. Borden

Borden: What does the surname Borden mean?

The surname Borden is of Anglo-Saxon origin and was first found in Bordyndenne, near Hawkhurst, in the county of Kent in the UK. The name is believed to have originated from a geographical locality, either 'at the border' or 'at the boundary hill', derived from the Old English words 'bord' meaning border, and 'denn' meaning woodland pasture. The surname could also indicate someone who lived by a valley, 'bord' meaning 'table' or 'flat area' in Old English. The locale's name eventually transitioned to Borden and became the family's surname. The name Borden was likely used to identify those who came from there. One notable family with this name was the Bordens of Headcorn, Kent, who were wealthy and influential in the area for several centuries. Not all Bordens are blood-related or share recent common ancestors, as surnames can be adopted for various reasons. The most famous person with the last name Borden is probably Lizzie Borden, an American woman who was accused and acquitted of killing her father and stepmother in 1892.

Borden: Where does the name Borden come from?

The surname Borden is of English origin, originating from the village of Borden in the county of Kent, England. The name is a locative surname, which means it was likely given to individuals who lived in or were born in that location. The village name and subsequently the surname Borden is thought to derive from the Old English words 'bord' meaning 'a table, plank or board' and 'denn' translating to 'woodland pasture'. There's also a theory that it may have evolved from the French word "Bourdon," referring to pilgrims' staff, denoting someone who had gone on a pilgrimage.

Today, this surname is fairly common and can primarily be found in English-speaking regions of the world. In particular, it is prevalent in the United States, especially in the states of Massachusetts and New York. This is partially due to emigration patterns, as many individuals with the surname Borden migrated to these regions during the 17th and 18th centuries. Notably, this last name isn't as common in the UK, its place of origin, anymore.

Variations of the surname Borden

The surname Borden originated from the region of Aquitaine in southwestern France and appears to have multiple variants or alternative spellings reflected in different cultures and languages. These include Bourdon, Bordon, Bourdin, Bordine, Bourden, Bourdin, Bordin, Borton, Bordet, Bourdot, Bourdet, Burden, Bordone, and Bordenet among others. It can also be found as de Borden or van Borden in some instances. These multiple spellings often were a result of a lack of standardization of spelling rules in earlier eras, and the phonetic spelling by clerics and other officials.

Borden could also be considered a locational surname, derived from many places named Borden in England. It could be Anglicized from Gaelic "O'Beardain”. Additionally, in the Netherlands this surname exists as well. The English and the Dutch Bordens are not related though.

It is also known for its notable bearers such as Lizzie Borden, an infamous figure in American history, and Gail Borden, the inventor of condensed milk. Please keep in mind that different spellings of the same original surname are typically the result of typographical and transcription errors from handwritten documents, variations in the pronunciation and spelling standards, and different regional language influences over time.

Famous people with the name Borden

• Lizzie Borden: An infamous figure from American history, accused but acquitted of the brutal murders of her father and stepmother in 1892.
• Matthew Borden: An important figure in the American music industry, known for his work as a music executive and record producer.
• Gail Borden: An American inventor, surveyor, and publisher, best known for developing a process for condensed milk.
• Jane Borden: A modern American author and comedy writer.
• Robert Laird Borden: A Canadian lawyer and politician, he served as the 8th Prime Minister of Canada from 1911 to 1920.
• Amanda Borden: A retired American gymnast, she was part of the “Magnificent Seven” that won the first-ever team gold for American women's gymnastics at the 1996 Olympics.
• Andrew Borden: The father of Lizzie Borden, he was a wealthy property developer from Fall River, Massachusetts.
• Alfred Borden: A character from the Christopher Nolan film "The Prestige," played by Christian Bale.
• Matthew Borden: A producer known for his work on films like "Monster," "The Ride," and "Dark Waters."
• Lizzette Kattan-Borden: A prominent figures in the fashion industry, known as a former executive at Vogue and Harper's Bazaar.
• Florence Borden: An early 20th-century silent film actress.

Other surnames

BordersBordet