Surname Glendinning - Meaning and Origin
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Glendinning: What does the surname Glendinning mean?
The surname Glendinning is of Scottish origin and is believed to originate from the Glendinning valley situated near St. Mary’s Loch, Selkirkshire, Scotland. 'Glen' is a Scottish term that signifies 'valley' and 'dinning' is potentially derived from an old Brittonic word 'dun' meaning 'hill, fort', thus the surname roughly translates to 'valley with the fortified hill'.
It is a habitational name, suggesting that the initial bearers of the surname hailed from this area. The Glendinnings, like many Scottish clans, would likely have started as a family group under a single leader, living in close proximity to each other in the valley.
The earliest documented record of the Glendinning name dates back to the 13th century. William of Glendonwyne (most likely the Anglicized version of Glendinning) is mentioned in a charter dating from 1244.
Over generations and migrations, the name has various spelling forms like Glendinning, Glendining, Glendinnin, Glendonwyn and many others, each variation retaining the original meaning.
Order DNA origin analysisGlendinning: Where does the name Glendinning come from?
The surname Glendinning is of Scottish origin, derived from a location in Dumfriesshire, Scotland. The name directly translates to "valley of the fair hill," with "glen" meaning valley and "dun" meaning hill in Old Gaelic. The name came about as a designation for individuals who lived in or near the area called Glendinning.
Different variations of the name have evolved over time such as Glendining, Glendinnien, and Glendonwyn. In Scotland, the name is predominantly found in areas around Dumfriesshire, Roxburghshire, and West Lothian.
Today, the surname Glendinning is still common in Scotland. However, due to migration and diaspora, the name has also spread to other English-speaking countries such as the United States, Canada, and Australia where it can be found as well. Nevertheless, it is a relatively rare surname globally.
Variations of the surname Glendinning
The surname Glendinning is of Scottish origin, deriving from the lands of Glendonwyne in the county of Roxburghshire. This surname is also possibly a habitational name from the now lost place called Glendon, in Northamptonshire, England. Variations include Glendenny, Glendining, Glendon, Glendonwyn, Glendonyng, Glendonyn, Glenndinning and Glendynning. Some of these alternate spellings have popped up in historical records due to phonetic spellings and different local dialects. In terms of related surnames, Glendinning could also be related to the Scottish surnames beginning with "Glen-", as they share the Gaelic root "gleann" which means "valley". However, the distinctive part of the name likely refers to different locations or clans in Scotland, resulting in diverse spellings and origins. One needs to trace specific genealogical records to find out exact relatives or variants of the name in their family tree.
Famous people with the name Glendinning
- Victoria Glendinning: She is a renowned British biographer, critic, broadcaster, and novelist. She is best known for her biographies of prominent literary figures like Anthony Trollope and Edith Sitwell.
- Simon Glendinning: An English philosopher, he specializes in the European philosophy and phenomenology. He currently serves as a Professor in European Philosophy at the London School of Economics (LSE).
- Chase Glendinning: He is a contemporary American sculptor who has received numerous awards for his work, including an award from the American Institute of Architects.
- Roy Glendinning: A Northern Irish professional footballer in the mid-1900s who played for several teams including Linfield and Crusaders.
- Alison Glendinning: She is a New Zealand street artist who is well-known for her works in watercolors and pastels. Please note that the level of fame may vary and can be subjective.