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Last Name Foden

What is the origin of the last name Foden?

The surname Foden is of Anglo-Saxon origin, derived from the Old English personal name Foda, which means "fox". It was a nickname given to someone who was thought to possess the characteristics of a fox, such as cunning or cleverness. Over time, the surname Foden evolved from being a personal name to a hereditary surname passed down through generations.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Foden

The meaning and origin of the last name Foden

The surname Foden is of English origin, deriving from the Old English personal name "Foda," meaning "foot." The name was likely used to describe someone who had large or prominent feet. The surname Foden is found throughout England, particularly in the northwestern counties such as Cheshire and Lancashire, where there is a village named Foden. The name may also have been brought to England by Norman invaders after the Norman Conquest of 1066, as similar names are found in Norman surnames. Over time, the spelling of the surname Foden may have evolved, with variations such as Fodin or Fodden appearing in historical records. Today, individuals with the surname Foden can be found across the United Kingdom and in other English-speaking countries.

Geographical distribution of the last name Foden

The last name Foden is primarily found in the United Kingdom, particularly in areas such as Cheshire, Lancashire, and Staffordshire. It is also present in smaller numbers in countries such as Australia, Canada, and the United States, where individuals with the surname have likely emigrated over the years. Within the UK, the highest concentration of individuals with the last name Foden can be found in the county of Cheshire, particularly in the city of Chester. The name is of Anglo-Saxon origin, derived from the old English word "fod," meaning "food" or "provisions." This suggests that the name may have originally been associated with someone who worked in the food industry or provided supplies to others. Today, the surname Foden continues to be most prevalent in its country of origin, the United Kingdom.

Variants and spellings of the last name Foden

Foden is a surname with several variations and spellings, including Fodden, Foddon, Voden, Vodden, Voddon, and Voden. These variations may be the result of different regional dialects or phonetic interpretations over time. The name Foden has English origins, derived from the Old English word "foda," meaning food or fodder. It is believed that the name Foden originally denoted someone who worked in agriculture or animal husbandry, reflecting the importance of food production in medieval England. Today, the surname Foden can be found in various English-speaking countries around the world, with different spellings reflecting the evolution of language and naming conventions. Despite the different variations, the name Foden continues to carry a sense of heritage and history for those who bear it.

Famous people with the last name Foden

One famous person with the last name Foden is Phil Foden, a talented English professional footballer who plays as a midfielder for Manchester City and the England national team. Foden made his breakthrough at the youth level for Manchester City before making his first-team debut in 2017. Known for his skillful dribbling, vision, and goal-scoring abilities, Foden has become a key player for both club and country. He has won numerous domestic and international honors, including Premier League titles, FA Cups, and the UEFA Nations League with England. Foden is considered one of the brightest young talents in English football and has drawn comparisons to legendary players like David Silva and Paul Gascoigne for his playing style and potential for greatness in the sport.

Genealogical research on the last name Foden

The surname Foden is of English origin and is believed to be locational, deriving from the village of Foden in Cheshire, England. The name is thought to have originally meant "marshy ground" or "muddy place," indicating the geographical location of the ancestral home. Early records of the Foden family date back to the 14th century in the Cheshire region. The Foden family has been primarily associated with agriculture and farming throughout history, and many members of the family have been involved in agricultural work. Over time, branches of the Foden family have spread to different parts of England and even to other countries, such as the United States and Australia. Today, descendants of the Foden family can be found worldwide, continuing to honor their heritage and carry on the family name.

Last name distribution maps

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Sources & References

About the author :
NomOrigine Team
NomOrigine Team
Passionate about genealogy, name history, and linguistics, we have been analyzing the origins of names for over 3 years. Our content is based on verified historical, etymological, and statistical data.
Last updated : 11 April 2025

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