Surname Higden - Meaning and Origin
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Higden: What does the surname Higden mean?
The last name Higden is of Anglo-Saxon origin. It is derived from a place name and describes a person who lived in a high or prominent place. It is believed to have originated from the Middle English ‘hiche’, which means ‘hill’. The spelling of the name can vary slightly, as between the words 'High', 'Higg' and 'Higd' all meaning the same thing.
The Higdens have a long and complex history that dates back to Ancient Britain. They are believed to have been the descendants of one of the ancient tribes who lived in the area of modern-day Cheshire, England. This tribe was known as the Saxons and they were known for their strength and courage. It is likely that they chose their name due to the geographical location of their settlement, being on a high or elevated piece of land.
The Higdens were known for being an industrious people, who worked the land and kept herds of cattle and sheep. They were also renowned as excellent warriors and historians, and there is a long-held tradition amongst Higdens of being fiercely loyal and generous. As they moved to new areas, the Higdens easily assimilated into their new communities, while maintaining their distinctive values.
Today, the Higdens have spread across the world and can be found in many countries. Although the region of Cheshire is no longer the original home of the Higdens, the name still holds a special place in the hearts of the many Higdens that still live within it.
Order DNA origin analysisHigden: Where does the name Higden come from?
The surname HIGDEN is first recorded in England during the Middle Ages. It is a variant of HIGDEN, an English name derived from the Middle English roots "hich" meaning "high" and "denu" meaning "valley". During this time, this surname was common in the northwest region of England.
The last name HIGDEN can still be found today in England and its former colonies, such as the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. The name HIGDEN can also be found in Scotland and Ireland as a result of migrations from England.
The largest cluster of families with the surname HIGDEN resides in Lancashire, the north-western county of England. HIGDEN is the 453rd most commonly found surname in Lancashire and the 921st most popular in the country.
Other locations where families with the surname HIGDEN can be found include the United States (especially the south), South Africa, France, Germany, Netherlands, and the Scandinavian countries.
The last name is still common in its original northwest England homeland, and it is now found around the world as a result of migrations, intermarriages, and colonization.
Variations of the surname Higden
The surname Higden is of English origin and is said to have originally derived from a place name. Variants and spellings of this surname include Hegden, Hegdon, Higdon, Hygdon, and Hyden.
Surnames derived from the same origin as Higden include Higditch, Higdon, and Higdow. Higditch is the oldest variant of Higden, derived from the English surname Hegdebic in the 12th century. Higdon was first recorded in the 14th century as Hagdoun or been Hugdoun, and is held to have derived as a place name from the Old English words 'haga', meaning 'enclosure' and 'dun' meaning 'hill'.
Also derived from Higden is the surname Hyden. This name is commonly said to be derived from an Old English name Heagdune, which is derived from the words 'heah' meaning 'high' and 'dun' meaning 'hill'.
Other surnames derived from the same origin include Hegdon, which is recorded in records as early as the 12th century and held to derive from a place name; Hygdon, which is derived from the Old English words 'heah' meaning 'high' and 'dun' meaning 'hill'; and Hedon, which is derived from an Old English word 'heden' meaning 'heathen'.
In summary, the surname Higden and its various variants and spellings are of English origin and are held to have derived from place names. Other surnames of similar origin include Higditch, Higdon, Hygdon, Hedon, Hegdon and Hyden.
Famous people with the name Higden
- Ted Higden: American professional basketball player
- Thomas Higden: English theologian, philosopher, reformer and historian
- Robert Higden: English historical and philosophical writer
- William Higden: British playwright and author
- Francis Higden: English Member of Parliament in 1476
- Janice Higden: American trade unionist and early leader of the National Organization for Women
- Christopher Higden: English clergyman and writer
- Arthur Higden: British politician and prison reformer
- John Higden: English physician and obstetrician
- Ralph Higden: English chronicler and monk