What is the origin of the last name Herndon?
Countries of origin for the last name Herndon
The last name HERNDON has a long history and interesting origins. It is primarily found in the United States, particularly in the southern regions. Here are some key facts about the HERNDON surname:
The name HERNDON is believed to be of English origin. It is derived from a place name meaning “hill of herons” or “place of herons” in Old English. The word “heron” refers to a type of large, wading bird. This suggests that the name may have originally described a location where herons were commonly found.
The first recorded instance of the surname HERNDON dates back to the early 13th century in Worcestershire, England. Over time, the name spread to different parts of the country. However, it is important to note that the usage of surnames was not standardized during this period, and variations in spelling were common.
The HERNDON name was introduced to the United States through early British colonialism. The earliest known Herndon in America was William Herndon, who arrived in Virginia in the early 17th century. The Herndon name became particularly prevalent in Virginia and other southern states, where many Herndon families settled and established themselves.
One notable individual with the HERNDON surname is William Lewis Herndon. He was a U.S. Navy officer and explorer who played a significant role in surveying and charting South America’s Pacific coast. Unfortunately, he tragically perished during a shipwreck in 1857 while trying to save others. His bravery and dedication to duty earned him great admiration and respect.
The HERNDON name has various spellings and variations, including Herne, Hern, Harned, and Hearn. These variations likely arose due to regional dialects, differences in spelling conventions, and other factors.
Today, the HERNDON surname continues to be fairly common in the United States, particularly in states like Virginia, North Carolina, and Texas. Many individuals with the HERNDON last name have made notable contributions in various fields, including politics, arts, and sciences.
In conclusion, the HERNDON surname has origins in England and has a rich history in the United States. It is associated with a place name and likely refers to a location where herons were abundant. The name has spread across different regions, particularly in the southern states, and has various spelling variations. Although the HERNDON surname has been extensively researched, there is still much to learn about its specific family branches and individual stories.
Interesting facts about the last name Herndon
- The surname Herndon is of English origin.
- It is derived from a habitation name, referring to people who lived in a village named Herndon or Herne, which means “hill from which herons are caught” in Old English.
- The earliest recorded instance of the surname Herndon dates back to the 13th century in England.
- The Herndon family is known for its deep roots in the state of Virginia, particularly in the Northern Neck region. Many notable individuals with the surname Herndon have hailed from this area.
- Notable individuals with the surname Herndon include naval officer William Lewis Herndon, who famously sacrificed his life to save others when the ship he commanded, the SS Central America, sank in 1857.
- In the American Civil War, the Herndon family was divided, with some members fighting for the Union and others for the Confederacy. This reflects the broader divisions that tore apart many families during this turbulent period in American history.
- The Herndon surname continues to be fairly common in the United States, particularly in states such as Virginia, Kentucky, and Tennessee.
- Herndon is also a popular place name in the United States, with several cities and towns named Herndon spread across different states.
- The Herndon surname has been the subject of genealogical research that traces the family’s origins and history, shedding light on their migration patterns and contributions to various communities.
Name Rank
#1871
There are around 19183 people with the last name Herndon in the US