Surname Belden - Meaning and Origin

Belden: What does the surname Belden mean?

The surname Belden is of Anglo-Saxon origin and is derived from the Old English words "bealde," which means "bold" and "dene," which means "valley." Thus, Belden generally signifies someone who is "bold from the valley." It is a geographic name referencing a specific place where the original bearer lived or owned land. Initially, Belden was likely a topographic surname for people who lived near a notable valley. Many medieval English families adopted such names, and they became hereditary surnames passed down through generations. As these families migrated, the surname spread to other regions in the United Kingdom and eventually to other countries. Today, Belden is found worldwide but is most common in the United States and England.

Belden: Where does the name Belden come from?

The surname Belden is of Anglo-Saxon origin, derived from the Old English pre 7th Century term "bealde," meaning "confident" or "bold," and "dun," meaning "hill." Thus, the literal meaning is "bold hill". The surname suggests that the original bearers lived near a prominent hill.

The name can be traced back to feudal times in Belden, a parish that existed at one point in Northamptonshire, England. There are several variations of the name, including Bealdendun, Beldene, Bealdindene, and Baldindene. It is believed that most people with the surname Belden are likely descended from Robert de Belden, who was recorded in the 'Hundred Rolls of Northamptonshire' in 1273 A.D.

Today, Belden remains common in the United States. According to recent census data, the highest concentration of Beldens is in New York, followed by California and then Ohio. Certain smaller areas such as Asotin County in Washington also have a high percentage of Beldens. However, the surname remains fairly rare, ranking as the 5495th most commonly found surname in the United States as per the 2000 Census. Belden is comparatively less common in its country of origin, the United Kingdom.

Variations of the surname Belden

The surname Belden has several variants and closely related surnames which may share the same origin. There are several alternate spellings that have developed over centuries including Beldin, Bealden, and Beldon. Other variations might include names like Bellden, Belldon, and Belldin, where the pronunciation stays more or less the same but with alternative spellings.

Some surnames that could potentially be derived from or connected to Belden include: Balden, Beldan, and Beldane. The name might also be seen with additional prefixes or suffixes, like McBelden or Belden-Smith.

Belden is believed to be of Anglo-Saxon origin, first found in Yorkshire where they held a family seat from ancient times. Thus, other surnames of Anglo-Saxon origin like Bell, Belton, or Bilton might also be related.

All these variations can be a result of migration over time, phonetic spellings and regional accents, and integration into different languages and cultures. Therefore, tracing lineages and connections between these surnames often relies on specific historical and genealogical research.

Famous people with the name Belden

• Miles Belden: A pioneer in the telegraph industry and an important figure in the Western Union Telegraph Company.
• Mabel Belden: Early 20th century American photographer, known for her pioneering work in the field.
• Traci Belden: A renowned artist recognized for her contributions in the world of abstract art.
• David Belden: He was an influential figure in building the early infrastructure of Chicago, and a hotel there is named after him to this day.
• Bruce Belden: An author from America, known for writing fictional novels with great suspense and thrill.
• Richard Belden: A prominent American politician from Ohio, he served in the state’s assembly.
• Chris Belden: This author from the United States has gained fame through his strong characters and detailed narratives. He has multiple critically acclaimed novels to his name.
• Sophia Belden: A distinguished American author noted for her writing in the spirituality and self-help genre.
• Bob Belden: An American musician, best known for his contributions to jazz. He was also a producer and a composer.
• Lucinda Belden: A balloonist who holds the record for being the youngest woman to fly across U.S. in a hot-air balloon.

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