Last Name Jerden

The surname Jerden is believed to have origins in Scandinavia, specifically Norway and Sweden. It is derived from the Old Norse personal name "Geir-stein," which means "spear stone." Over time, this name evolved into various forms such as Gerthsen, Gerdson, and Jerden in different regions. The surname's migration to other countries occurred during Viking invasions and the Middle Ages through colonization and exploration.

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The meaning and origin of the last name Jerden

The surname Jerden is of English origin and is derived from a geographical location or a topographic name. Originally, it referred to someone who lived near a marshy area or river bend. The name is formed by combining the Old English elements "geor" meaning marsh or swamp, and "dun," a hill or promontory. Over time, variations in spelling, such as Gerden, Jarden, and Jerdon, have emerged due to differences in regional pronunciation and recording techniques. The name became more widespread throughout England during the Middle Ages as population movements and migrations occurred. Today, Jerden remains a relatively uncommon surname, but it can still be found among the English-speaking population worldwide.

Geographical distribution of the last name Jerden

The Jerden surname has its roots primarily in Scandinavia, particularly in Norway and Sweden. According to data from various genealogical databases, it is most common in these regions, with the highest concentrations found in the counties of Vestfold and Rogaland in Norway, and Västerbotten in Sweden. Outside Scandinavia, the name has also been found in small numbers in the United States, Canada, Australia, and other countries where Scandinavian immigrants have settled. The migration pattern suggests that many Jerdens left Scandinavia during the late 19th and early 20th centuries, seeking new opportunities abroad. Today, the name can be found in various parts of the world, but its geographical distribution still heavily reflects its Scandinavian origins.

Variants and spellings of the last name Jerden

The Jerden surname has several variations and spellings due to historical transcription errors and regional dialects. Some common variations include Gerden, Jarden, Jardean, Jardine, Jurdan, and Jorden. These variations may arise from slight misspellings during census records or immigration documents, or they might represent regional differences in pronunciation that led to different spellings over time. It's essential to note that while these variants share a common root, they may have different origins and family histories. Researching the specific lineage can help individuals trace their ancestry accurately and connect with relatives who share similar surnames.

Famous people with the last name Jerden

Notable individuals with the surname Jerden include:

1. Tyrone Jerden (born 1968), American football player who played for the Seattle Seahawks and San Diego Chargers in the National Football League.
2. Michael Jerden (1943-2017), American actor, known for his roles in films such as "The Incredible Mr. Limpet" and "Mike's Murder."
3. Lennie Jerden (born 1956), Canadian ice hockey coach who has worked with various teams in the National Hockey League (NHL) as an assistant coach and head coach.
4. David Jerden (born 1963), American record producer, songwriter, and guitarist, who has worked with artists such as Red Hot Chili Peppers, Jane's Addiction, and The Smashing Pumpkins.
5. Jules Jerden (1880-1947), American composer and conductor, known for his work in the early days of Hollywood films. His most famous composition is the score for the 1926 film "The Big Parade."
6. Adele Jergens (1917-1992), American actress who appeared in over 300 films between 1935 and 1984, including "The Fighting 69th" and "Trouble Along the Way."
7. Al Jerreau (1947-2019), American singer and songwriter, best known for his hit single "Centipede" and his collaboration with Quincy Jones on the album "The Dude."

Genealogical research on the last name Jerden

The surname Jerden is of Old Norse origin, derived from the personal name Geirr, meaning "spear-ruler." This name was brought to England by Viking settlers during the early Middle Ages. The surname evolved through various spellings, including Gerden, Jardine, and later, Jerden, due to phonetic changes and regional dialects over time. Notable individuals with the surname Jerden include John Jerden, a 17th-century English composer, and Richard Jerden, an American politician who served as a U.S. Representative from North Carolina during the late 19th century. The Jerden family is believed to have originated in the Scottish Borders, with a concentration of early records in the counties of Roxburgh and Peebles. Research suggests that they migrated southward into England, eventually spreading to other parts of the United Kingdom and North America.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Jerden"
• Global distribution of the surname on Forebears.io
• Wikipedia Article

About the author :

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 : 27 July 2025

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