Surname Hedden - Meaning and Origin
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Hedden: What does the surname Hedden mean?
The last name Hedden is an English and Scottish surname derived from either the Old English word 'hæð', meaning heath or a 'hege-dun', meaning a hedge-encircled hill. It has been suggested that this name originated from people who lived near heathland or near a hill with a hedge surrounding it. The variant spelling of Heding dates further back, with the earliest recorded fortunes in the 1200s being found in Southern England.
The spelling of the name has slightly changed over the years, which is possibly due to incorrect translations of tongue twisters and word concentration. Variants such as Hedden, Heading, Headin, and Heden have been found across various parts of England and Scotland. There is also the possibility that the name was derived from Henden - a Middle English word for a hill - suggesting that those with the surname could have once lived nearby a hill.
Those with the last name Hedden now can be found living all over the world, with many countries such as the USA, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand having people with the name. As a result of migration, Heddens could now be from a diverse range of backgrounds and cultures.
Heddens today may be proud of their surname, as it is a part of their identity and a reminder of where they, and their ancestors, originally came from. Knowing the origin of the name can also help them to better understand their own heritage and appreciate the cultural and geographical influences from which they, and the name, have been born.
Order DNA origin analysisHedden: Where does the name Hedden come from?
The last name Hedden is of English origin and can be found around the world today.
In the United States, the surname is most common in the north-central states like Wisconsin, Michigan, Illinois, Indiana, and Pennsylvania. It is also common in other locations such as Maine, California, and Florida. The West coast states of Washington, Oregon, and California have seen an influx of people bearing the Hedden last name in recent years.
The surname can also be found in parts of Europe, such as the United Kingdom, Germany, and France. Further afield, the surname is represented in Australia, New Zealand, and South Africa.
In terms of notable individuals with this last name, Vivian Hedden (1880-1966) was an American opera singer and actress who saw success with American stages in the early 20th century, and Andrew Hedden (1701-1745) was an American clergyman and editor of one of the largest early almanacs in New England.
Overall, the surname Hedden can be found around the world today and has a long and proud heritage associated with it.
Variations of the surname Hedden
The surname Hedden can have many variants, spellings and other surnames of the same origin. Hedden is likely derived from the Anglo-Saxon name Hedan, which means “someone from a place associated with the heath”. Some of the variant spellings are Headdon, Haden, Heden, Hedon and Hedden. Hedden is a patronymic name, meaning it was derived from the personal name of the father of the original bearer of the surname.
The name Hedden also appears in various other forms such as Heddan, Heddans, Hedtman, Hetman, Hetmans, Hedman, Heedman, Hedan, Hedin, Heddin and Heding. Common surnames of the same origin include Headen, Hedlan, Heady, Headman, Hedgman, Headman, Headin, Hadwin, and Hedwin.
Variants of similar pronunciation include Hading, Heading, and Herding. Phonetically similar surnames include Heddles and Hettles. Variations of the spelling Heden, such as the Irish Hedane, Headon, Headen, Headan, Heedan, Heedin, Heeding, Heedian, Hedane and Hedian may also be found.
The oldest known bearer of the surname was Wiardus de Hede of 1292 in Oxfordshire, England. Other old bearers of the name from this period Includes Gilbert Heding of 1355 in Staffordshire, England; Lewin Heddin of 1358 in Berkshire, England; and Robert Heding of Staffordshire, England in 1359.
Famous people with the name Hedden
- Brian Hedden: a professional poker player and former winner of the 2007 World Series of Poker circuit
- David Hedden: a former NFL player who played 10 seasons for the San Diego Chargers and Seattle Seahawks
- Chris Hedden: a Canadian actor, writer, and director
- Steve Hedden: a former professional American Mile walker
- Jay Hedden: a retired Canadian freestyle skier
- Joel Hedden: a former professional baseball player
- Dani Hedden: an American figure skater
- Jasper Hedden: a Canadian filmmaker and amateur astronomer
- Daryl Hedden: a freestyle skiing world champion
- Rich Hedden: a former professional bodybuilding champion