Surname Glendening - Meaning and Origin

Glendening: What does the surname Glendening mean?

The last name Glendening is of English origin, with its earliest known use found in the counties of Northumberland and Durham in northern England. The name is derived from the Old English words "glenden" and "ing", and it is linked to a topographical feature, such as a glen or valley. It is likely that the Glendenings were a clan that moved from their native northern England to various other locations.

Variations of the name include Glendinning, Glendenning and Glending. In the 18th and 19th centuries, several Glendening immigrants from England settled in various parts of the United States, including Maryland, Pennsylvania and Ohio. The Glendenings were often noted for their entrepreneurial spirit and often held positions of influence in their communities.

Glendening families today can be found all over the world, with a concentration of Glendenings located in the northeastern United States. While the origin of the name is very old, its relevance to modern day Glendenings is still strong. The independent and community-minded spirit of the early Glendenings is still evident in the Glendenings of today.

Glendening: Where does the name Glendening come from?

The last name Glendening is primarily found in the United States and Canada today. It can be found in a variety of states and provinces where family members of Glendening ancestry have moved and settled over time.

Glendening is a relatively uncommon name in the US. Records show it is most concentrated in Maryland, where members of the Glendening family have lived since at least the late 1700s. Old records place the name in Montgomery and Fredericksburg counties, both near the nation's capital of Washington DC.

In Canada, Glendening is concentrated in Ontario, British Columbia, and Manitoba. Glendening families can be traced to Toronto, Niagara Falls, and Markham. Meanwhile, in British Columbia, records of the last name appear in the Greater Vancouver area, including Victoria, Richmond, and Surrey. In Manitoba the family appears in Winnipeg and Brandon.

Glendening is a relatively rare name even in these places. It is estimated that there are fewer than 10,000 people in the US and Canada who carry the last name Glendening today. Although it is a small, scattered population, these families share a shared history and many ancestry connections.

Variations of the surname Glendening

Glendening is a surname of English origin. Variations of this name can include: Glendinning, Glendenning, Glendinan, Glendinon, Glendon, Glendan, Glindening, Glindenning, Glindinan, Glindinon, Glindon, Glindan, Glanndeng, Glanndenning, Glanndinan, Glanndinon, Glanndon, Glanndan, and Glendann.

The earliest recorded spelling of the surname was found in Scotland; it was held by a William Glendenyn in the rolls of Aberdeen in 1209.

The name generally traveled to England through Scotland with individuals during times of political, economic or social upheaval. The name also traveled to North America with Scottish settlers as early as the 17th century.

The significance of the name has typically been linked to Scotland as well, meaning “Valley of the River Glendin” in the Scottish language. The first element derives from the Middle English glend (valley) while the second corresponds to the old Gaelic river name Glena, found in the Central Highlands.

Some individuals with the Glendening surname are most likely descended from the pre-11th century Picts of Scotland. The Picts were a clan-based indigenous population that, because of their close-knit structure, were able to persever through war, famine, and other hardships of the time.

The Glendening name has also been found in various parts of England, Ireland, Holland, Germany, South Africa, and Australia, however its placement in Scotland remains at the core of its history and legacy.

Famous people with the name Glendening

• John G. Glendening: an American politician who was the 56th Governor of Maryland (2003-2007)
• Richard Glendening: musician and record producer who has worked with the likes of Pink Floyd, David Bowie, and Queen
• Samantha Glendening: an American music artist best known for her contribution to the tv series TheJoin
• Walker Glendening: Canadian comedian and YouTuber known for his humorous videos
• Steve Glendening: a professional ice hockey player who has briefly played with the Minnesota Wild and Columbus Blue Jackets
• Jeffrey Glendening: a former Major League Baseball pitcher who played for the Seattle Mariners and Minnesota Twins
• J. Timothy Glendening: a multi-award-winning songwriter, composer, and arranger
• Marc Glendening: English broadcaster and political writer
• Jack Glendening: a British doctor and international humanitarian

Other surnames

Glendenning