Surname Fishenden - Meaning and Origin
all surnames with 'F'
Fishenden: What does the surname Fishenden mean?
The last name Fishenden is of English origin, derived from the Old English words "fisce" meaning "fish," and "denn" meaning "meadow." In ancient times, Fishenden was an occupational last name for someone who would own or manage a fish-pond in the meadow. This type of pond would be used to breed and store fish for food, as well as for hunting and fishing. The name may have also been derived from the Old English phrase "fisce denne" which literally translated as "the den with fish."
Fishenden is still a fairly common last name throughout Great Britain and Europe, though there are not many native-born Fishendens left in the United States. It is thought that the name may have eventually evolved into the surnames Fishman, Fisheman, Fisherman, Fishermon, Fishmon, Fishenden, Fishendon, Fishinden, Fishendon and Fishendon.
It is believed that the first use of the Fishenden surname in England was recorded in the 13th century in Hampshire, with Walter Fyshenden listed as a witness in a charter of 1248. Roger Fishenden was another notable bearer of the name, a farmer who resided in Surrey in the 16th century. Since then, many bearers of the Fishenden surname have gone on to pursue different professions, though variations of the occupation such as fishmongers, and those working in fish markets, have remained popular among the Fishendens.
Today, the name is still in use and the many Fishendens who have been born over the centuries have shared an interesting common background, although their stories may vary greatly.
Order DNA origin analysisFishenden: Where does the name Fishenden come from?
The last name Fishenden is most common in the United Kingdom, especially in South East England where the family has its roots. It also appears relatively often in the United States, especially in New England.
In the United Kingdom, Fishenden is most common in Kent, Surrey, and Sussex, counties with a history of strong agricultural roots similar to those of the Fishenden family. People with this name can also be found in various other parts of the country, with lesser concentrations in Hampshire, Dorset, Gloucestershire, Wiltshire, East Anglia, Shropshire, West Yorkshire, Norfolk, and Lancashire.
In the United States, Fishenden is a moderately common name, especially in states with a strong British influence, from the original New England colonies up through the mid-Atlantic and Midwest states. The distribution of the name is highest in Maine, but wary of causing confusion, people are more likely to have adopted variations of the name, such as Fishanden, Fishendane, Fishendeen, Fishendin, etc.
Overall, the surname Fishenden is surprisingly well represented by both modern descendants of the original family and those who have adopted parts of the name as their own. Today, the Fishenden surname is still relatively common in the United Kingdom and the United States.
Variations of the surname Fishenden
The surname Fishenden is derived from fisenden, an Anglo-Saxon term for a “fisherman”, and can have several variant spellings. The most common is Fishenden, but other variations include Fishinden, Feshenden, Fychenden, Fissenden, Fisshenden, Fyshenden, and Fishandon.
Due to the relative rarity of the surname, there are relatively few alternative surnames of the same origin. Other variations of Fishenden include Feshing, Fising, Fishend, Fyshing, Fisshing, Fyshind, Fisshend, Fyshend, Fishind, and Fyshandon.
The spelling variations of Fishenden show the ability of names to evolve over time, becoming more familiar with local dialects. For example, the name Fishenden can be traced back to the Olde English spelling of Fissehenden, which became modified to the Middle English spelling Fuchenden. From here, it was further modified to Fuchenden, and then to Feshenden by the time it reached the Modern English era. Similarly, Fyshenden derived from the Middle English spelling Fishenden and Fishandon adapted from Fisshandon.
The importance of looking at surname variations is highlighted when attempting to trace one's ancestry. For example, a researcher may come across an ancestor with the name Fishinden, yet find that no records under that spelling exists. However, after a closer look, the researcher may realize that the original name was Fishenden, which is the entry recorded in the official records.
Famous people with the name Fishenden
- Graham Fishenden, Professor of Science Education at King's College London
- Wendell Fishenden, British Olympic athlete from the 1950s
- Martin Fishenden, English physicist and scientist
- Brian Fishenden, British stage actor from the 1930s
- Patrick Fishenden, British microelectronics engineer
- Christian Fishenden, World War II Royal Air Force fighter pilot
- Mary Fishenden, renowned British landscape painter
- Craig Fishenden, modern-day English soccer defender
- Sophie Fishenden, British figure skater and two-time national champion
- Katherine Fishenden, English broadcaster and television producer